Prius Plug in Gen1 relability

Had a 2012 Gen 1 PiP before I got my Prime. Base model, no problems with brakes, electrical, mechanical, traction battery or ICE. The only thing replaced was the 12V aux battery @ 3 years.


iPad ? Pro

 

i haven't read of many problems, including 2012

batteries holding up

no egr issues, oil burning or head gasket failures

no inverter failures

no brake failures

i only have 65k, so not a good example, but i do think they over engineered the 12 to make a good showing

it's easy enough to cruise through the forum looking for issues

 

My 2013 PiP had about 53,000 miles when I got it. I traded it in with about 85,000 miles. The only thing that broke was the air conditioner compressor. I go it replaced with a used one for $300. Otherwise, just add gas and change oil. EV ratio was 51% while I owned it.

 

We got our 2012 PIP with 15K miles. It now has 102K miles. In that time the only think that has broken is the left rear wheel bearing.

As far as maintenance goes:
I change the oil every 5-6K miles. Changed the coolant once in 2016. I'm about to change the trans fluid this weekend (I should have done this 30K miles ago).
I changed the battery last month - it was the original. There was nothing wrong with it other than I feel like its on borrowed time.
The original brake pads are 75% worn out @ 102K miles. The next bit of preventative maintenance will be the brakes and rotors.

I don't see any reason why not to buy one, other than to splurge on the Prius Prime. It's a huge leap forward - like a space ship compared to the PIP. I though it was really cool to be able to do 60mph in electric mode, the Prime does 80 with what feels like 2x the amount of acceleration and you can just smash the pedal to the floor without the ICE starting up. My only gripe is the radio - the entune radio is horrible. I'm about to swap in an android radio - don't think there is anything to loose by trying.

 

I purchased my 2012 Prius new in April 2012. My usage has been about 70% EV and 30% gas. Not a single problem. I'm still on the original 12 volt battery. Never even used the extended warranty I purchased!

 

you beat me, i just replaced the 12v

 

With what? ...how much?

 

toyota tru start, $200. plus tax

 

It's fairly likely that you'll never need to replace that one. If it lasts as long as the original, then either the car or you will likely be gone first.

 

exactly, a race to the top!

 

I've driven mine pretty much daily since 2013. The most expensive issue I've had is that I replaced the disc brake rotors because they were pretty rusty. Other than that, it just works.

PS, Oh and it needed a new satellite antenna.

 

I have seen exactly

1 report of a PIP with excessive oil consumption
and 1 report of battery capacity loss but not failure

The lack of problems reported means exactly that they are reliable and hassle free rides

YMMV

 

I've only replaced the battery, tires, and oil on my 2012 PiP, i.e. regular maintenance. Bought it at 51k has 94k miles now. Only problem reported is the infernal head unit which no longer works (no nav, nor the ability to change from Sirius to AM/FM, no bluetooth, no aux or usb jack). I plan on replacing it with an aftermarket Pioneer or Alpine head unit.

 

I just picked up a 2012 PIP a month ago. Love it so far. I'm getting ready to change the trans fluid in the next couple weeks. Question on the EV mileage after a full charge. My display always comes on saying 9.0 miles left. Is that normal, I was able to get 10.5 out of it this morning. The car has 100k miles on it.

dave

 

congrats!
if your driving pattern is similar then yes, it is possible. the display is jut measuring battery charge, and matching it to past ev performance.

to test it, do some driving completely different from normal, and see if it starts to change a little after a few charges.
if not, try disconnecting the 12v neg for a few minutes. this will reset it to category default of 12 or 13 miles, iirc.

 

Thanks. My commute is way further than what I can go on EV (90 miles 3 days a week, 70 the other 2) but it is nice to start off in "Stealth Mode" lol. I decided to trade in my '07 with 256k miles on it to upgrade to the PIP after Virginia decided to ban normal hybrids from using the HOV lanes on my commute. It is now limited to PIPs and full Electrics that were registered b4 2011 (you can transfer plates to a newer hybrid / clean fuel vehicle). Car drives a lot nicer than the old one, but seems like Toyota decided to remove a bunch of sound deadener to reduce weight? Doors sound hollow.

 

tbh, i didn't notice any difference coming from my 08. might be your tires, but maybe not the doors. maybe i just missed it, i do know that if a passenger slams their door before mine is closed, it sounds awful. maybe i don't remember on the 08.

 

No problem with my '13 with about 136k on it. Haven't had to do anything other than some oil changes and maybe a rear light. Some battery degradation but really low considering. Looking to get rid of it soon though. It just kinda sits in the garage now.

 

Upgraded yesterday. From a 2004 gen 2 to a 2012 gen 3 plug in.

Many thanks to u guys for all the info on these gems.

2004 was 141k miles at usd$1500
2012 was 68k mileage at usd$8600
(Units are converted from google)

Now I get to get amazing aircon, proximity key, remote aircon, half leather, bluetooth sounds and much more. I'm the second owner and this car is imported in Japan.

Its amazing even comparing to my previous older toyota 2L turbo AWD wagon


Ps: I'm not from america.