I miss my hybrid :( - would you buy a car with 100,000+ miles on it?

HSD = Hybrid Synergy Drive.
All Toyota Hybrids use this propulsion system.

Yes, from a geeky point of view, it does evoke thoughts of some futuristic "Interstellar Propulsion Drive" (like Warp or Trans-Warp Drive).

Yes, Toyota definitely have a "Warped" sense of humour - and I like it

ICE = Internal Combustion Engine.

Atkinson Cycle Engine = The type of ICE used by Toyota's HSD powered vehicles. This particular type of VVTi engine is designed to run frugally and save fuel, especially when it's warmed up.

I looked at the Honda Hybrids, but turned them down. That High Voltage Traction Battery in the Prius II is really designed to help you crawl through pockets of congested traffic without normally using a drop of fuel. The Honda Hybrids do not have this capability.

It's also useful for moving your car from one spot to the other in a car park - in EV mode only. No fuel used.

The HV power pack will also power your AC unit while you're at a standstill in congested traffic, as the AC runs entirely on electricity, and is not directly dependent on the the engine turning constantly for it to work, unlike conventional cars with stop start technology! Engine off, AC off.

Even driven like a normal car, the Prius still gives remarkable fuel savings. However, the lovely thing about this vehicle is the way it encourages (read slyly brain washes you) into driving safely, carefully, and considerately.

You soon discover its charms when you drive it unhurriedly, like a Bentley Limousine. The vehicle is NOT inherently slow. I drove mine like I stole it for a whole month many months ago, and was astounded at the way it could pull away from the lights first, when you put your foot down.

However, you soon quickly tire (read: feel very guilty) of pushing it about like it's a BMW. It seems.....cruel. Rather, you learn to appreciate the silent and smooth ride, the complete absence of any gear change jerking, and the seamless "MECO = Main Engine Cut Off", every time you begin to decelerate - and eventually come to a complete halt in uncanny silence (apart from the sounds of other vehicles gasping arthritically around you in congested traffic).

So, you soon elect to cruise along instead, actually appreciating the HSD; NOT racing about, but instead gliding around like a "Ghost in the Shell"......an undeniable Ninja on the highway.

That 'smug' grin on my face while I'm commuting has nothing to do with saving the environment, or flaunting any green credentials. Rather, it's the smug satisfaction of riding in a vehicle so advanced, a large portion of motorists still have no idea what REALLY powers a Prius.

Probably one of motoring's best kept secrets....that's hiding in plain sight

Oh, and I work in IT too!

 

I believe every 2nd Gen T Spirit from 2006 onwards, came with IPA, an EV button for forcing the car into EV mode, and cruise control (which can sometimes be extremely useful for a relaxing journey on motorways, or empty highways.....or Average Speed Cam zones). If it has IPA, it'll have the reverse park camera too - invaluable, in my opinion. The earlier T Spirits came with reverse park sensors and no IPA - that meant no camera.

You can tell by looking at the rear of the car - the camera is usually visible as a black blob, barely jutting out from underneath the rear number plate cover, to the left.

 

I bought a used 2004 Prius with 225k. Before buying I had Toyota check if everything was good with the hybrid system. It's been kicking along fine for the 30k miles I've had it. It was in extremely good condition inside and out, most likely used for highway commutes. It was a steal, IMO, for $4800.

Nexus 6 ?

 

I would definitely feel comfortable buying a Prius with (only, snork) 100k miles. I recently bought one with double+. New, 2005 owner. (no questions, so far) | PriusChat It is my first Prius and hands down, my all time favorite car.

She now has 247303 on her and drives better than any new car I have driven. As a professional courier, I often deliver cars and say that with great joy.

I have run out of things to service on her. Kinda bummed. Taxi companies report 4 and 500k lifetime miles. So I am expecting at least 400.

Toyota has a owner's page and using the VIN, you can see any service done by the dealer. Prius owners are notorious for good maintenance habbits.

Side note. I own at least 8 GPSs and the absolutely best is (IMHO) is Google maps and a cell phone. Really. You open it, say the address. Or type but why work that hard, snicker. As a bonus, very often has a thumbnail picture of your destination! How cool and time saving is that!? Really makes finding a location easier.
Free, works better than a dedicated GPS and is always in your pocket. Really love the voice recognition. Can more safely operate while driving.

Best of luck!

 

If i was given a choice between a 2004 Prius with 30k miles and 2008 with 120k miles I would take the 2008 every time as I feel a newer car would be more reliable.