1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Speed Control & Ownership Advice...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Susan4ET, Feb 5, 2010.

  1. Susan4ET

    Susan4ET Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2007
    429
    53
    0
    Location:
    Central Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Outside of my Toyota dealer I've been away from Prius technical issues and these forums since shortly after buying my 2007 Prius in May of that year.

    I have had no trouble to speak of with the car (and that is a first for me when it comes to numerous cars I've owned) but listened to Steve Wozniak (interview) very briefly describe his speed control issue on his Prius and realized that that was something I had experienced. [Troubles if I was going to speak of them are road noise on long high-speed trips and interior vibrations/noise that cannot be tracked down/resolved.]

    Toyota does seem perfectly happy to leave me alone if I leave them alone on issues. That may not be good.

    I'm also coming up with a milestone this coming May--the lease is due and I must either return the car or buy it. I'm thinking of buying it since it has been so darn trouble-free up to now.

    I'd like some feedback/advice on all of the above please--now is my opportunity to bail from Prius or really get into driving and having more fun then ever with the car.

    Lastly, what is PriusChat's relationship with Toyota? Is it totally independent? Thanks for all the help.
     
    #1 Susan4ET, Feb 5, 2010
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2004
    7,663
    1,041
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have sometimes accidentally turned on the cruise control by bumping it with my knee... despite this grievous design flaw I'll probably keep mine for another dozen years.
     
    #2 richard schumacher, Feb 6, 2010
  3. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    1,717
    144
    0
    Location:
    Out there, somewhere
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I have a 2007 Prius, trouble-free. I would say buy it. All the major problems that have been in the press recently do not affect this year model. There are reports (many on this forum) of various problems with braking and acceleration, but they are probably rare, isolated, and peculiar to that particular car. There are no systemic issues.

    If you have had not trouble with this car, and have maintained it, you will be getting a good deal by buying it.

    As far as Toyota ignoring you, given the recent publicity, they will e paying plenty of attention to all of us in the immediate future. The reputation of the whole company is at stake.
     
    #3 Doc Willie, Feb 6, 2010
  4. Tom Banjo

    Tom Banjo New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2010
    62
    13
    0
    Location:
    South Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If you decide to buy it, you know how it was cared for and how it runs. That is a plus. You might want to look at warranty, because of the three year 36,000 miles window to get an extended warranty, you might be out. The dealer might be able to help there if you want to keep the car.

    Also, if the price to buy is higher than the market price of the car at the time of the buyout, you might look at moving up a year or two or change packages for a similar price.

    In terms of the recall noise, I think the fact that toyota had a leader reputation that has been sullied is the story, not the fact that the cars are unsafe or terrible. After the last few years of the car manufacturers being really shaken up, bankrupt, going out of business, to be able to kick toyota is a joy for some. Millions of people with millions of cars were happy until this happened. The cars are the same, the perception is what has really changed. In short, if your car working to your satisfaction, this news does not mechanically change your car.
     
    #4 Tom Banjo, Feb 6, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  5. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2005
    3,873
    1,871
    1
    Location:
    Trumbull, CT
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    No, it is not good and service quality varies significantly from dealer to dealer.
    It is a great car.
    Ignore the CC "problem" since it is not severe and can easily be overridden by tapping the brake pedal.
    PriusChat (and the other related discussion groups) are independent of Toyota and are a great resource. Use them to learn how to maintain your Prius as the dealers tend to tell you to do unnecessary maintenance while ignoring some necessary maintenance items.

    JeffD
     
    #5 jdenenberg, Feb 7, 2010
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)