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Prius Owners w/50K - What We Think Now

256 messages,  Last post on Mar 02, 2013 at 8:01 AM

You are in the Toyota Prius Forum.

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

Messages Page 25 of 26

#237 of 256 Gas Mileage comment & maintenance question by jana26

Mar 27, 2012 (4:04 pm)

I have a 2007 Prius and was averaging about 46-48 mpg until I got new tires. Now I pray for 44! I have been extremely upset about this. My driving hasn't changed and I was "told" that the tires I bought were low-rolling-resistance. I honestly don't believe that either but.... (Don't believe everything you hear from Discount Tires!). And don't believe the car's computer for gas mileage! I have consistently gotten less per gallon than what it claims. I asked the dealer and they said it should average out but it doesn't.
 
Other than that, I do love my Prius and have had no problems with it except I had to have the starting battery replaced (I call it that for lack of a better description). That cost me over $200.
 
  I'm taking it in for it's 60,000 mile checkup. Kinda worried about that--cost-wise! Not sure what to believe with the dealer regarding what really is needed for this check-up but...
 
What should I expect to have done at this check-up? Thanks in advance.

#238 of 256 Re: Gas Mileage comment & maintenance question [jana26] by bobw3

Apr 02, 2012 (8:40 am)

Replying to: jana26 (Mar 27, 2012 4:04 pm)
http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/guides.php?xv=14&xy=2007&xint_id=12&v=14&y=- 2007&int_id=24
 
Just a routine oil filter and air filter change at 60k miles, plus some inspections. The big stuff (spark plugs, coolant, etc) aren't needed until over 100K.
 
As far as tires, generally new tires have better traction but the increased traction means increased friction and less MPG. How were your previous tires when new with MPG. Also check in the tire pressure on the new tires. Maybe too low? Are the new tires the exact same size as the old?

#239 of 256 Replace Main Battery in 2002 Toyota Prius by skylersue

Jun 07, 2012 (5:30 pm)

My 2002 Prius has 70,000 miles and I just had to replace the main battery. It cost me $2900. They told me that I should have driven it more often to conserve the battery. That's the first time I heard of that. I also recently had the water pump replaced. I love my Prius but I'm not happy that I had to replace the battery so soon. I've had to replace the tires several times since I bought the car. Has anyone else had to replace their main battery?

#240 of 256 Re: Replace Main Battery in 2002 Toyota Prius [skylersue] by railroadjames

Jun 07, 2012 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: skylersue (Jun 07, 2012 5:30 pm)
Something sounds amiss....I have 152 K and mine is running strong. I've heard from several sources that the whole bayyery does not have to be replaced. When one cell goes bad they replace only the bad cel or cells. (much cheaper) On E bay you can find cells and whole used batteries at reasonable prices. Food for thought.

#242 of 256 Re: GAS MILEAGE/UP & DOWN [stevegold] by anhdao

Jun 19, 2012 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: stevegold (Dec 28, 2011 11:54 am)
What is a frozen bladder?

#243 of 256 Re: Let's not get sidetracked... [pf_flyer] by dolaver

Aug 17, 2012 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: pf_flyer (Sep 28, 2007 10:32 am)
I've read some of these comments, just to let you know I have a 2002 Prius with 256,385 miles on it. My main battery is still going strong. I have had to replace the power steering ($2,000) and the main Hybrid computer in the transmission ($5000 +). My catalytic converter needs replacing, but ($1,800) seems steep, for my car that has so many miles. I've investigated replacing it with an after market or junk yard catalytic converter, but I am understanding that that is not legal in California. Anyone have suggestions?

#244 of 256 Re: maintenance light stays on [weldfixer] by stevegold

Aug 20, 2012 (6:33 pm)

Replying to: weldfixer (Sep 27, 2007 2:22 am)
Put the ODO in total miles mode, turn off, hold the ODO button in while turning on. The light will reset to off.
The Maint req light comes on a little before every 5,000 miles. I use Mobil 1 and change the oil and the oil filter every spring and fall. (About every 5,000 miles) I am about to switch to the extended use Mobil 1 (12,500 mi interval) and plan to change the oil once a year. I have a 2004 with 80,000 miles. I have my first paid service issue last week. A rear coil spring that I broke on a speed bump and a leaking water pump. I did not change the brake pads or rotors as recommended because the pads had 8/12mm left and the rotors were rusted around the outside perimeter which I found out was normal.

#245 of 256 2002 Prius with 118K still going strong by pegpurdue

Sep 21, 2012 (12:25 pm)

Hopefully I won't jinx it. I love my Prius ... I live on a dirt road in Vermont and in the winter when the plow hasn't run by, it doesn't like plowing its own way. But that is the only limitation I have found. I am getting about 47/48 mpg and I have had to replace tires a few times and had to replace the small battery (not the hybrid system one). Other than that for the eight years that I have owned it, it has served me very well and is the best value for my car dollar that I have ever had, especially with gas around $4/gallon at the moment. I can't say enough good things about it. I intend on running it for many more miles. I think that if I had to replace the battery I would seriously consider doing it regardless of the miles because it is an awesome, economical car with strong testimony to its longevity. With gas prices are they are, it is easy to make up the cost of the repair.

#246 of 256 Re: 2002 Prius with 118K still going strong [pegpurdue] by bobw3

Sep 21, 2012 (5:29 pm)

Replying to: pegpurdue (Sep 21, 2012 12:25 pm)
Do you notice big drops in MPG in the winter?

Messages Page 25 of 26

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