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Prius Owners w/50K - What We Think Now

194 messages,  Last post on Sep 22, 2009 at 10:33 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback, Sedan


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#181 of 194
Info About Both Batteries In 2nd Gen Prius by railroadjames
Jan 15, 2009 (9:20 am)
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Just checked the price of both batteries for '04 Prius Small Battery..$ 152.57.....Large Battery..$ 2,588.00 This was quoted at my local dealer..Lake-shore Toyota in Burns Harbor, IN today. I'm prepairing for eventually replacement of the small battery since it is closing in on 6 yrs. and nearly 100K miles in my trouble free hybrid. What's not to like?
#182 of 194
Prius With Over 105 K Miles by railroadjames
Aug 21, 2009 (6:03 pm)
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6 -1/2 yrears and 105K plus miles and she still runs like a new car. I thought about trading this month but ..then again...Why?? I just want to see where this '04 hybrid can take me. 200K?....or maybe even 250K? Time will tell. One more thing. I like owning an '04 that looks just like an '09. Then again....It looks a heck of alot like even the 3RD Generation Prius. Life is good in Prius-Land.
#183 of 194
Re: Prius With Over 105 K Miles [railroadjames] by rick294
Aug 22, 2009 (8:08 am)
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Replying to: railroadjames (Aug 21, 2009 6:03 pm)

Yes it is! Especially when the Prius is in Barcelona Red!
#184 of 194
Re: Info About Both Batteries In 2nd Gen Prius [railroadjames] by stevegold
Aug 22, 2009 (11:41 am)
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Replying to: railroadjames (Jan 15, 2009 9:20 am)

When and if you ever need to replace the large battery, go to eBay where batteries from wrecked cars can be found for from $300 to $1,000. You would choose from a low mileage 2009 or 2008 rather than a high mileage 2004 if possible. There are also remanufactured batteries available. I wouldn't worry unless you are the first owner with a problem.
#185 of 194
Re: Info About Both Batteries In 2nd Gen Prius [stevegold] by kdhspyder
Aug 26, 2009 (11:03 am)
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Replying to: stevegold (Aug 22, 2009 11:41 am)

Yes precisely.
 
At 129,000 miles on my 05 I just replaced the small 12v battery since it was getting weak. If however I had to replace the traction battery at say 205,000 miles..or 305,000 miles then I'd go to our body shop and put in an order for the next totalled Prius ( front end totalled ) and try to buy the battery from the insurance company for $400 or so.
#186 of 194
Re: Info About Both Batteries In 2nd Gen Prius [kdhspyder] by jpeters1970
Aug 28, 2009 (11:16 pm)
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Aug 26, 2009 11:03 am)

I don't have too many miles on my 2004 (just72k). It is an amazing vehicle!!! Much more reliable than the VWs and Mercedes I've owned. No unscheduled maint in six years and just oil changes and tires. I'm still on the original brake pads and from what I read, I can expect over 100,000 miles. I had an Audi (VW same junk) that needed brakes after 12,000 miles!!! This was suburban/highway driving. I am SO glad I got rid of it before it wiped out my savings!!!
#187 of 194
Re: Info About Both Batteries In 2nd Gen Prius [jpeters1970] by stevegold
Aug 29, 2009 (12:32 am)
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Replying to: jpeters1970 (Aug 28, 2009 11:16 pm)

Almost the same story with my 2004. The only difference is I had an October '03 mfg date and did have about a half dozen TSB's that had to be fixed by my Toyota dealer at no cost but some inconvienience to me.
#188 of 194
'04 at 155K miles. by little_pogi
Aug 29, 2009 (9:44 pm)
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There are 2 major repairs that had to be done on the car, both of which the check engine light turned on. At about 120K, a coolant sensor valve malfunctioned and at 150k, the engine coolant pump just quit. Both needed replacement at a cost of over $500 each. The labor charges in each bill totalled more than $350. A serious DIY'er could have replaced the parts and same all those $$$ in labor charges. The only problem is getting a dealer to interpret correctly the OBD code. An aftermarket code reader(which I have) always gave me a different interpretation of the OBD code.
In both situation, I was able to drive the car back to my house and then to the dealer for repair.
Also at 120K miles, a routine check on my rear brake shoes showed less than 1mm left on the linings. I was lucky to catch it in time to have it replaced and the drum re-surfaced. Since I did the replacement myself and using Toyota OEM parts, it cost me about $75 only. The original front disk pads still showed 50% wear.
Right now at 155k miles, the shifter lever gets stuck at D or R. The dealer is again asking over $500 to replaced it. Shifter assy cost over $360. A trip to a local Prius dismantling yard cost $50. The car still drivable and the shifter problem is just a minor inconvenience.
No perceived problems with the batteries (aux and main) after almost 6 years. Twice I have to go on a 3 weeks vacation and upon my return, the Prius still started normally. Should any off the batteries go dead, I will go to my local Prius yard for a replacement and save big $$$$. If I get a new one, I don't think I will still use my Prius for another 6 more years..
I am on my thrid set of tires. I am satisfied with the Goodyear Comfort Thread tires that I've used after the original Goodyear Integrity tires. It's quiet and has good road handling. Alignment still not an issue on this car.
Lastly, my mileage? Still about the same as when I got it brand new.
#189 of 194
Re: Info About Both Batteries In 2nd Gen Prius [stevegold] by jpeters1970
Aug 30, 2009 (10:35 am)
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Replying to: stevegold (Aug 29, 2009 12:32 am)

I think my manufacture date is close to yours since I picked mine up at the beginning of November 2003. I had the same TSBs you mentioned addressed at one visit. I waited two years as I didn't want to make multiple visits to the dealer. Went for an oil change there and said to address any TSBs that were in effect. They even gave me a new NAV disc as the one that came with the vehicle had some issues with inaccuracies. I'm extremely pleased with the level of service I get at the dealer too. Not all Toyota dealers are bad, but I have heard some horror stories. Heck, I even had some terrible stories with a Lexus dealer but that's for a different message board. Good luck with yours!! We ought to keep posting out experiences every 15k miles or so. I participate on a dedicated Prius forum that provides a great deal of user feedback.
#190 of 194
Re: '04 at 155K miles. [little_pogi] by jpeters1970
Aug 30, 2009 (10:39 am)
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Replying to: little_pogi (Aug 29, 2009 9:44 pm)

Thanks for the fine writeup. I find it interesting that the rear brakes went first. I guess due to the regenerative braking the wear is different front/rear. Good that you are a DIYer. I have two left hands and can't function as a Sunday mechanic. There are a few shops around here that are independent and specialize in hybrid repairs. Much cheaper than Toyota. I hope I have a few more years before I get acquainted with them. When I owned my Audi and VW I already knew the service managers before 10,000 miles. That's why I own a Prius.

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