Does one buy a Prius if they keep cars 14+ years ?

Buy a prius because you want to save some major cash on gas.

 

We had a '98 Dodge Grand Caravan that went over 160K miles on the original tranny before it got munched in an accident.

 

Nice list Jeff but you forgot two frequent replacement items on standard ICE's that the Prius doesn't need: starter motor and alternator.

Also, you got seriously screwed on the strut replacement costs.

 

Because of your annual mileage, I'd get a new 4 cyl Toyota Camry. Should be trouble free for the 1st 120k.

 

A Consumer Reports test on Prius battery life confirms that the battery holds its capacity after several years and 200,000+ miles.

Consumer Reports tests aging 2002 Prius; says it "retains its youth"

 

These are reasonably reliable parts. The odds on needing to replace either in a modern car's normal life is low

That price was for all four struts (list for about $100 each in the front and the mini struts on the rear, list for about $150 each)The K-Y struts are expensive (but have a lifetime warranty) and you need to also replace the upper mount (also not cheap, fronts list at $115 each and the rear bushings list at about $20) or they will start squeaking later. I just had my local mechanic do it as I was busy with school and just paid him to get it done.

JeffD

 

Although Jeff may be satisfied with his repair history, I can already think of many people who would be extremely upset if they had such a repair history for a 200k car.

The items that may go bad or require maintenance on a conventional car (starters, timing belts, etc) are usually less expensive to replace and you will have a greater number of competent service providers to choose from. Unfortunately a lot of shops are not familiar with the Prius and either cause problems or attempt to charge exorbitant amounts of money. So even now, simple work on a Prius simply cost more due to fear/paranoia-- just look at the ongoing transmission fluid replacement thread in the various sections.

Time has just as much of a toll on batteries (personal experience) as does mileage. The Gen II cars are getting old enough now that you'll probably start seeing component failures that are tied directly to normal wear. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the next year or two, but it is quite possible that the 150-200k window is when the bigger items will being to fail.

 

I've said it before! You can't compare Hyundai and Toyota in the same breath, especially if you want longevity. Hyundai is a good average car maker now a days but still do not remotely approach Toyota in quality.

 

Hyundai in the past 6,7 years has been just as reliable. You don't offer a 100k warranty if you dont have the quality to make that profitable. Where they lacked was style and amenities, something they are catching up on fast. Anecdotally, my 2005 sonata has had a flawless 120k so far, and I really mean flawless, drives like it was brand new.

That said, I would avoid the elantra touring. It is Hyundais last gen tech, gets mediocre gas mileage and power because its not GDI.

 

I have heard that some people choose not to replace the battery when it dies, and continue to drive the car as a 25MPG car. Is it possible to do so?

 

One does.

 

No. When traction battery dies in Prius or other full hybrid, it needs to be replaced. Can't drive a Prius with bad traction battery. It won't move. But, I don't even recall an early battery failure.

 

I suspect you will like your Prius as much as I like mine. There are any number of configurable settings your dealer can make to your car.

The salesman will promise (in writing, one copy for him, one for you) any of them, he wants to make a sale. If you wait until after it is yours, the Service manager will try to charge you for them, he wants to make a profit.

So read that part part of the manual, and print your wants for the salesman to sign as part of the sale.

I recommend setting the headlights to 0 seconds, the reverse to one beep. Unlock one door unlocks all doors. Wirelessly unlock all door in one step.

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM47674U/pdf/sec_06-02.pdf