Research- Gen 1 Prius Longevity

The life of a Prius Hybrid Battery is around 8 years. I have had replacement batteries installed in two different 2001 Prius cars. One was at 197,000 miles at 9 years. The other was at 124,000 miles at 9+ years. Battery replacement was around $2,400/ea because I used my mechanic instead of a dealer. During 9 years a conventional car would probably need that much or more in starters, alternators and transmissions.

There are lots of things that can turn on the red triangle and other lights that indicate Computer and Hybrid Battery failure and a dealer will always tell you that is the problem when it may not be. The perfromance, reliability, durability, and mpg of Prius will always outweigh the maintenance problems. My car currently has 222, 000 miles with only thrses problems: An accerator problem, replacement of the Hybrid Battery, a failing wheel bearing, and a few 12V battery replacements. I had some tire wear problems early on until I learned the importance of wheel alignment. Normal maintenance is oil change and tire rotation at 5,000 mile intervals. I have driving 530 miles with three people and luggage in the car without stopping for fuel.

 

Toyota Prius: Consumer Reports

 

that al depents

i got a car here that from 1986 and the still the original altenator and transmission ( manual ) only the clutch is replaced one's

its depents how many miles you drive to.

so a old car with low miles will live longer and cheaper then a new prius with high miles on it.

still i hate its dirty exhaust

also your 8 year is for the gen1 because the gen2 and ofcourse also the gen 3 ( expect ) will last longer then 10 years.

 

I have a 2001 Prius with about 153,000 miles. Bought used with about 83000. Have had little issues with any electonics. The battery is still working fine. Live in the Chicago area, and the temps have not had any adverse affects that I can tell. No signs of leakage. The only major replacement to date has been the inverter cooler. It actually failed. Other than that, it has run great. Getting somewhere on the 45-50 mpg range.

 

Hello all, its been awhile since I last posted. I bought another 2001 Prius sight unseen with mechanical problems the other day from auction. Thats how confident I am in "problems" with priuses.
Anyway the Prius I drive now is a 2001 bought in 2007 with 143000 miles and bad hybrid battery. With a couple people helping me from this forum, Bob and one other fellow, I fixed the car myself. I do not advise this unless you are mechanically inclined and also have a good understanding about electricity.
My car now has 213000 miles, purrs like a kitten, replaced one rear wheel bearing, everything is original except tires and routine maintenance. I like the tire Kuhmo Solus KR21's. One new set of tires inside of 70,000 miles is exceptional.
I am eager to see what the new 2010 priuses report in mileage reports in 2020 when 50% of all cars will be hybrids or all Electric.
Joe

 

I've driven our recycled, salvage yard "01 for 8 years and would definitely recommend learning basic electrical troubleshooting (it saved me $13,000 !) as well as the purchase of all the manuals for your model.

In my opinion, Toyota dealerships vary A LOT when it comes to service expertise and cost. Our most local garage just wants to know when you want an appointment and their cost is about 50% higher for any service than the dealer 20 miles further away. If you're going to buy one of these and the warranty no longer shields you'd better rob a bank beforehand.

With our income we can't afford to have our current problem fixed, the car is worth less than the repair that it probably needs (don't know for sure since we can't start it so can't even drive it to the shop), and as a salvaged vehicle it's worth next to nothing as a trade-in that we also can't afford.

I think we'll wait for the weather to warm a little and go back to driving our all-electric Porsche 924 EV conversion. It's a lot simpler, plus it gets a "gazillion" miles per gallon charging from our home's PV panels. Maybe we'll find some moderate-mileage "beater" for winter driving. The amount we saved on gas alone wouldn't make the Prius an economical choice, but getting it cheap was a big incentive.

 

I bought A 2003 PRIUS about 4 monthes ago and it now has 176k miles on it but I don't know if the battery has been replaced. Has anyone replaced the serpentine belt? Dealer wants $120. for part and labor, seems a little excessive to me.

 

Hi Clayte , new poster.

If I recall correctly the cost of the belt is about $15. I suggest you call a few shops to see how their labor costs vary.

 

I have a 2002 Prius with 117,000 miles, she is still running like a kitten. We take her on lots of highway trips. She is a beauty. We have had a few hiccups, but nothing hybrid related. 12V battery replaced twice, power steering rack, rear wheel bearing where done out of warranty. I have a defective inverter replaced under warranty because a retarded technician dropped an "unknown" supremely heavy tool that deformed the casing of the inverter, and it needed replacement. It drove fine for a week, but I insisted on its replacement. Otherwise, the car has been so reliable, and I will keep her for many more years to come.

 

I replaced the serpentine belt myself, was very easy. I also replaced the spark plugs, I now have 182k miles and am getting 49MPG after replacing the plugs. I was getting 42.7MPG prior to replacing the plugs, they had never been changed.

 

2001 186,000

change the oil/tires/fill the washer tank/ drive it hard.
First failure, battery ECU at 185,800.. put in a used one. NOT the $1100 from TOY, but $125. from TN.
Drive Battery seems to still be going well. Using garden tractor 12V as AUX battery!! Like #3 one../wiper blades/ purchased car used /wrecked was smacked in the back... Great deal. I wish I had another to make into a work truck!

 

I have a 2001 prius closing in on 300k,
bought it with 150k, with new battery.
Had to replace the 5k converter, but did it for 500 bucks.
All other repairs are about the same as a normal car,
but saves me $100 per month is gas.

Mike

 

I'm at 10 year mark with 150K+ and no battery problems or maintenance problems of any kind other than lost keys

 

I bought mine in July 0f 2005 with 50,500 miles (a Toyota tech reps car) and it now has 171,000 miles on it. I've relaced the throlle pedal assembly, the 12 volt battery,and the fuel injectors. Up for replacement this year are the converter (destroyed by the dealer trying to diagnose my fuel injector issue), springs and shocks. It's still going strong, though-Rich Cwik

 

We purchased our 2002 in 2005 from my college Organic Chemistry professor and his wife. They got a new 2005 (which we've also subsequently purchased from them). The 2002 had about 28K miles on it and it now has 121K. Replaced the traction battery with a ReInVolt battery last year ($1800) and also replaced the inverter with an eBay purchase ($450) diagnosed by the dealer, right before the traction battery replacement. I still don't think there's anything wrong with the original inverter, but I don't want to go to the hassle of swapping them again to prove myself right. Steering rack replaced early on and covered by extended warranty (which it seems might have been a recall/warranty extension item). Replaced a door lock actuator (which prompted me to purchase several motors for my spare parts collection for future repairs of this part). It's been a rock solid car for us, however I perform all maintenance and do almost every repair on our cars myself. The only times I've not done a repair myself, I ended up finding bolts in the wrong places when I went it on a subsequent repair (water pump on '97 Sebring convertible) which confirms the addage, "If you want it done (W)right, do it yourself."

The brake light came on the other day and I did have to add some brake fluid. I guess after 11 years it's bound to go somewhere.

By the way, I've received great advice from the folks on this forum, but it's still weird where the Gen 1 discussion is located.

 

Bought gen 1 in Feb 2003, recall for changing out fluid. 2004..(perhaps in transaxle), had big set of batteries serviced as a recall.. had new computer year n half later..., three new starter batteries...four sets of tires and front end alighnment twice...this car is haunted...alarm signs on the screen when tooo hot, but park it and heals by morning...diagnostics (per "mechanic") will not show what is wrong after alarm light goes out. this happens alot. Oil changes and pertinent maintenance as scheduled has been on time...big set of batteries wears down fast when I drive very slow, like when I run my dogs...thats another story...I love my little car and still driving it...lately there is a whirring noise "mechanic" says is the rear hubs...which I am going to try to change out...wish me luck.. now get 35-38 mpg, was getting 40-45 mpg hwy Before hubs problem...oh and door actuators drivers side went out first now remote works only with rear passenger door...lol

 

PS...my little prius has 213K miles, mostly hwy...I live in Texas, nothing is close...when I drive at conservative speed, better gas mileage.