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Prius Owners w/50K - What We Think Now

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Comments

  • akollerakoller Member Posts: 15
    I do believe and have said before, if you are commuting long distances every day a hybrid may be a good choice. By contrast if you only put a few miles per year and want to keep a vehicle for 10+ years the hybrid will probably be a bad choice.

    You must not own one. There's a lot to like, and if the ONLY reason to buy were to reduce emissions (which is not even MENTIONED here), that would be reason enough to consider a hybrid. But that isn't why I like my Prius; it's because of the quiet, elegant, smooth ride; the great looks; the excellent mileage; and the chance to support a newly developing alternative fuel technology (storage batteries) that will be used in almost every area of consumer electronics in the future. Good enough for me!
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    Since when is it not smart to drive a hybrid either long mileage or short? How can one say that any situation of useing less fuel is anything but intelligent? My biggest annoyance is pulling in next to a gas-guzzler (Hummer, Armada,Excursion, etc) and watch them dump 30-40 gallons of fuel into their monstrosities and know that they'll be back in 3 or 4 days to do it again. What a gluttenous waste. Let's hope intelligence wins out!
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    It's his 'office', before the first Prius he had an Escort that had 210,000 miles on it

    The Problem with both CA and especially CNW is that both have ulterior motives so the data is cherry picked to prove their preconceived notion - or agenda.

    CA just wants to find customers for it's principals whether it's toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, baby toys or autos.

    CNW is purely bogus. A number of people have shown how ludicrous his assumptions and therefore conclusions are. My friend with 166,000 miles on his Prius doesnt exist in the CNW world. The failing that everyone picks out is that he arbitrarily chose 109,000 miles for the Prius' useful service and 300,000 miles for the Hummer's. Well at the time of his study the Hummer had only been out a few years so none at all had reached 300,000 miles. In addition he made the erroneous assumption that Prius would be city vehicles that only drove about 7000 miles annually. Using one for a mobile office or to commute 150 mi a day never was considered. Yet these are two of the best reasons to own a Prius. The mega-milers such as my friend are far more likely to buy one simply for the huge savings in fuel.

    One of the best counter arguments to CNW's whole thesis is presented by Michael Karesh of True Delta. Let me give you one example based on a GM vehicle...standby.. ;)

    Here is the line from TrueDelta: http://www.truedelta.com/blog/?p=48

    An except that pretty much says it all:
    The least expensive car, allegedly, is the Scion xB. It is projected to cost 0.492 dollars (love the precision to three decimal places!) over a lifetime of 189,000 miles. A little math finds a total cost of $92,988. And this is the cheapest car to own, by a good margin. Five cars from the bottom we’re already at 0.70 dollars per mile. And the lowly Chevolet Malibu, one of the least expensive “lower mid-range” cars? $1.962 per mile. Muliply by the projected lifetime of 163,000 miles, and we’ve got a lifetime cost of $319,806.

    Let’s assume these cars will be driven 12,000 miles per year. Then that Malibu costs $23,544 per year. Own two similarly mid-level cars? Then apparently you’re paying about $46,000 each year to buy them and keep them going.

    How can CNW issue a report with these numbers, and keep a straight face? Not just once, but now for the second straight year? These numbers aren’t just off. They’re so far off that the study was clearly based on extreme assumptions that, based on the results, should not have been made. (These assumptions discussed in a subsequent blog entry.)

    Yes, they’ve calculated the amount of energy required, then converted this into dollars based on the current cost of energy. But in the capitalist system within which we live, virtually all costs end up reflected in the price to the customer. No one is heavily subsidizing General Motors’ electric bill. Or the energy bills of its suppliers. Or the energy bills of its employees. GM pays its employees and suppliers (who pay their employees), and GM’s customers pay GM.

    But to elaborate to show just how ludicrous this study is..

    CNW pretends that a Malibu will 'cost' us $319,806!!! How can this possibly be?? A $23000 vehicle to the consumer ( Big Assumptions here: it costs GM less than $23000 to build it; GM's suppliers sell parts and subassemblies at a profit; neither GM nor its suppliers 'subsidize' various costs to the consumer ).

    OK the buyer takes delivery of a vehicle at $23000 which is fully costed with no subsidies. The driver puts about 169,000+ miles on the vehicle according to the study at an average fuel economy of say 25 mpg. This equates to about 6800 gal of fuel at say $3 per gallon. That's about $20500 in fuel cost. ( 2nd set of BIG Assumptions: the oil companies are selling the fuel at fully costed prices and making profits from it; they are not subsidizing the purchase price of the fuel ).

    Here is the clincher and why this whole study is so bogus. Those that keep referring to it should be embarrassed ;) :P . The vehicle is scrapped and recycled. The final 'dust to dust' lifetime cost is $319,806 !! Wait a sec.... $23000 + $20500 = $43500, call it $50000 for round numbers.

    It costs $269,806 to scrap this vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Who paid for that? It certainly wasn't the owner. It certainly wasn't me or you. Someone spent $269,000 to scrap and recycle one Malibu??? How did that person get repaid? What about the thousands and tens of thousands and millions of other vehicles on the road that get scrapped each year. Say 2 million vehicles 'leave' the national fleet.

    Math: 2,000,000 x $260,000 per = a stupid number that somehow was never paid by anyone. The car gods absorbed the cost.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "My biggest annoyance is pulling in next to a gas-guzzler (Hummer, Armada,Excursion, etc) and watch them dump 30-40 gallons of fuel into their monstrosities and know that they'll be back in 3 or 4 days to do it again. What a gluttenous waste. Let's hope intelligence wins out!"

    And lets hope you don't have to tow a trailer or carry seven passengers with your Prius!

    Different vehicles for different purposes. I am always interested to see single drivers in the monster vehicles. But I know that sometimes people do need those large SUVs, and perhaps that single woman just dropped all her kids off at school.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    You make a good point. Sometimes you need more capacity for loads be it passengers or towing but I say that most (90% to 99%) of the time the Prius and other hybrids deliver the goods. Next time you see a Hummer, Excursion, etc check out the number of passengers and if they're towing something. It's rare.
    Secondly, I started this thread just to bring attention to the voices of Prius owners who mostly seem to agree with me that this is one heck of a "green" money saving car. There were quite a few naysayers trashing the car b/4 it had its' chance to prove or disprove itself. Things like... "It costs way to much more than a conventional car."...."It was to complex in its' hybride format."..."The batteries will fail costing the owners mega-bucks to replace.".."MPG's fail to live up to EPA ratings"(as we all know no car lives up to those ratings. Oh, and my favorite..."Resales will plunge." I personally know 6 other owners of Prius's and it is unanimous..."Best darn car ever!" I presently and anxiously await a new and better Hybrid Prius or something new to taste this year.(probably 2009)
    P.S. By the way...A Prius can handle 5 adults reasonably well..o.k. as long as they're not "Andre The Giant."
  • dragonsdrivedragonsdrive Member Posts: 2
    We have 01 Prius w/ 95k mi. See if your dealer will do a long test drive, or has a Prius to rent for the weekend, so both (all) drivers can have enough driving time to evaluate comfort. I find that this is not the most comfortable car for long drives.

    We live in lower New England - get snow, sleet, but it's not too hilly. I would not want to HAVE to drive Prius in bad weather... DH drives Prius to commute 45 min to work; if he knows weather will be bad he sometimes takes AWD SUV instead.
  • dragonsdrivedragonsdrive Member Posts: 2
    We have 01 Prius... when this car needs replacing we may not be getting another Prius, will depend on styling. Hatchback looks great, but backseat headroom is significantly less than in the older style... No, we're not a family of "Andre The Giant"s, but 3 of 4 members are 6', 6'1" tall, I'm the shrimp at 5'8"
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "Hatchback looks great, but backseat headroom is significantly less than in the older style... No, we're not a family of "Andre The Giant"s, but 3 of 4 members are 6', 6'1" tall, I'm the shrimp at 5'8""

    Yes, the Gen 1 Prius was similar in design to the Echo, which was ugly, but very functional and roomy. They sacrificed some of that headroom for the CU Ft of a hatchback, plus the better cD.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    I must say that my '04 Prius is more than satisfactory as to headroom ...I'm just under 6 foot and I found the hdrm more than adequate. I must say tho that my old Buick Riviera had no hdrm in comparison. First test ride my wife drove while I rode in the back with a big smile completely impressed with the hdrm & legroom.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "I must say that my '04 Prius is more than satisfactory as to headroom ...I'm just under 6 foot and I found the hdrm more than adequate. I must say tho that my old Buick Riviera had no hdrm in comparison. First test ride my wife drove while I rode in the back with a big smile completely impressed with the hdrm & legroom."

    I haven't sat back there. Sure looks small though...
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    Looks can be and are deceiving. Please check it out again and get back to me. I'm curious what you think then. By the way, I am amazed how small the Prius looks on the outside and yet amazes me on the inside. Also I drive yr round and in N.W. Indiana we get hammered by some serious winter (lake effect) stormes. I find the Prius to track reasonably well in snow & ice. Gas mileage drops to 39-42 mpg's tho. Thats to be expected I think.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    completely impressed with the hdrm & legroom

    The smallest Toyota that I have checked out with good rear headroom and legroom is the Sequoia. The new CrewMax is great in back. You can ride in back of the Prius or Camry. I would not ask my adult friends to do that. That is me and I think as much of my passengers comfort as my own. I will not try to save a dollars worth of gas and squeeze a friend into the back seat of an econobox.
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    Please tell me you did not just call the Camry and Prius "econoboxes?"

    Let me know, because if you did mean that, then I have further comments.....
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    If my head touches the headliner or knees touch the seat in front it is an ECONOBOX to me. You can make lame arguments, it will not change the facts.

    PS
    I almost always have to put the drivers seat as far back as it will go in newer vehicles. I am just over 6 foot. Yes our LS400 is too small in my opinion.
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    Well, that's just (deleted). So basically, you are saying any car smaller than a fullsize is an econobox? I'm sure LOTS of people agree with THAT statement. (whatever.)

    You can call any car you want an econobox, but that does not change the fact that it is not one.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    ...would the Camry be called a small car, let alone an econobox!

    I'm under average height for a male, but in my opinion, there's still plenty of room in the Camry's back seat, certainly for two average-sized adults. It will also work for 3.

    The Prius has comparable head and legroom to the Camry (my son has an '06), surprisingly enough. It's only in width that it's narrower, but 3 slender adults will still fit. (I realize not too many people are "slender" any more!)
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    I am always amazed when people are critical about hybrids for various reasons but especially interior room. I'll say it again ....Sit in it front and back then tell me what you think not what you guess is the answer. I think the Prius has considerably more room than many cars catagoricaly larger. I've yet to hear someone who has ridden in the back seat not be impressed with both legroom & headroom. Grant you...The seating is not ideal for 5 but 4 is practical unless they're kids then it is 5. By the way..I've heard a few naysayers imply that the Prius is not a great longhaul touring car. Well, my wife and I have done three 3k trips with no complaints. Funny thing is..I like Honda cars but find their seats often are too firm for me.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "Looks can be and are deceiving. Please check it out again and get back to me. I'm curious what you think then. "

    Will do when I'm in the market, which won't be for a couple of years. And if Honda gets CARB diesels approved, I won't be shopping for a Prius...
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    As you pointed out that your height is about the same as mine (just undere 6 ft) I already can tell that you'd be fine in front and/or back of a Prius. As to the Honda/Diesel, I'll be interested too. I've owned about 4 Hondas including the original 2 cylinder 600 series that was as small a car as they come with its' 10" rims. It got a healthly 48 mpgs on a trip to Disneyworld.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "As you pointed out that your height is about the same as mine (just undere 6 ft) I already can tell that you'd be fine in front and/or back of a Prius."

    I think you must be referring to someone else's post, I never posted my height.

    But you should consider that some people have long legs, and some people have long torsos. It isn't just the height, it is the height while sitting...
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    My wife is only 5' 8" tall. We were looking at SUVs. Her head touched the headliner in the 4Runner. It has 2" more headroom than the Camry and more than the Prius. You cannot expect someone to drive a car with their head touching the roof. We have just about settled on the Sequoia that seems to have enough room for people to drive and ride in it. It has much more headroom than the specs show.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "We have just about settled on the Sequoia that seems to have enough room for people to drive and ride in it. It has much more headroom than the specs show."

    You might want to glance at the Taurus X. It has a lot of usable headroom, even in the 3rd row. It also has command seating like an SUV, but with normal entry - you don't climb up into it. And it will beat the heck out of a Sequioa for MPG.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I think I saw one. I will check it out. I like the looks. I don't think I will care for an SUV that is not BOF. I want to get a good one before the automakers buckle under to the government. So far the Sequoia 4X4 has what I want in a mature model. I would buy a 2006 Denali if I could find a super clean low mileage certified unit. I do not like what GM has done to the new SUVs. I am surprised the Taurus X gets only 15 MPG in town. That is the same as the much heavier Sequoia.
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    I'm 6'2" and have driven my 2004 Prius without ever hitting the roof. The legroom on the passenger side is sometimes tight but my wife drove us 1,500 miles from Aspen to Custer, SD and I was fine space wise. Got a flat for the first time in any car I've owned. I just replaced all four tires after about 25,000 miles. That was my mistake in waiting. My only real complaint is driving up a long, steep, straight mountain pass. The battery poops out after five minutes and you can't go faster than 65mph (60 if there's deep snow on the road. My Highlander Hybrid does not have that problem. A turbo on the Prius would be the perfect solution.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    I'm somewhat stymied by the usual naysayers that insist room is lacking in the 2nd Gen. Prius. Pointing out all the pluses I'm surprized that people simply don't go out and take one for a test drive and see why it's such a great car. There's a good deal of room compared to so many other cars. Of course I understand there are many who are over 6'2" tall and some need a vehicle that can tow boats, etc and carry more than 5 people. All I'm saying is that for a large portion of one's daily driving needs the Prius delivers. What's not to like when you fillup less often and go 2-3 times as far on a tank? What's smarter than that? :shades:
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I'm 6'2" and have driven my 2004 Prius without ever hitting the roof.

    I sat in a new Prius while they were waxing our new Sequoia. The Prius does have better headroom than the Camry XLE that I also sat in. They both seem very small when compared to the Sequoia. I will take the latter and spend a few bucks more for gas. I got a wonderful discount because of all you folks worried about the price of gas. They are having a hard time selling the big ones and you can get ONE great deal. How about $10k off MSRP on a maxed out limited 4X4 Sequoia. I have not gotten to drive it. The wife put the first 26 miles home. I think she likes the NAV.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    Seriously..Sounds like a 4X4 I'd buy if I was looking for MORE room & MORE comfort. After 4 plus yrs with the Prius and 66 K miles I feel I've sacrificed little if anything with the Prius My son I just bought a Chrysler Pacifico and I must admit its darn nice. I hope it is reliable unlike some of Chrysler products. Again I'll say ..enjoy your Sequoia if that's your choice. It is a great car!
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    The difference between you an me is about 12k miles per year. So I imagine my gas bill will be about the same as yours. My gas last year did not match my water bill here in So. California. My GMC hybrid got about 16 MPG over the 25 months and 12k miles I owned it. If the Sequoia does that well we will be happy as it is much better suited to traveling with another couple. We got the 2nd row captain seats with DVD NAV and rear entertainment. It is pretty nice for a Toyota :shades:
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "I am surprised the Taurus X gets only 15 MPG in town. That is the same as the much heavier Sequoia."

    I don't know about the Sequoia, but the MPG forum for the Taurus is reporting about 18 city / 27 Highway, though that may have been for a FWD. A lot depends on the heaviness of foot.

    But I didn't realize that you wanted body on frame - the T-Rex doesn't meet that criteria. However I don't think the Government will outlaw BOF - It will be economics that does the job (if it happens).
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    Getting back to the topic of hybrids with serious miles, I thought it might be nice to include a story about a self employed taxi driver with an '05 Prius that has over 235K miles and how it managed 45.5 mpg's. He claimed that passengers often were surprized at the roominess of the car and how smooth the transmission seemed. His one gripe was the interior that showed significant dirt but was easy to wash off for the most part.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    I'm always surprised that hybrid SUV's fail to get a significant improved milage over conventional SUV's per the additional cost factor of Hybrids. My '04 Prius is closing in on 80K and I'm still amazed that it has been literally a problem free car. Several friends have joined the "bandwagon" and I'm pleased to say, they too are happy buyers also. I've owned over 50 automobiles thru the yrs and the Prius is, without a doubt, the most impressive vehical I've ever come across. I look forward to the 3rd Generation Prius and hope that it will achieve the same quality standards that I've come to expect from Toyota.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Along with railroadjames I too have to confirm that the vehicle has been flawless. Day in and day out it just does what it's supposed to do.

    Tires replaced at 50,000 mi exactly
    Tires rotated every 10K ( 7 times ) @ $29 each rotation
    14th oil change just done ( all free )
    Windshield replaced from 2 rocks and a 'deer attack'
    'deer attack ' and 'lady attack' repaired under insurance

    Total cost of maintenance/operation through 70000 miles
    4 new tires $380
    7 rotations $200
    Fuel: 70000 mi @ 47.9 mpg = ~1400 gal x $2.50 Avg/gal = ~$3500
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Surely only six rotations unless you rotated them at 50,000 miles and then scrapped them.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Good point but since Toyota 'recommends' a 5000 mi interval I did my first at 5000 but then at 10000 swithched to 10K intervals. 10K is about once a quarter for me.
  • cageybirdcageybird Member Posts: 1
    I have gone over nearly 53K this week I have an 05 prius I bought used in 06. it had 10K on it then. I have had it about a about a year and a half and have had no major issues with it. I drive 86 miles round trip to go to work daily on the highway and have recently started going 5 miles under the speedlimit. I am averaging from 48 to 50 depending on the weather conditions. I have noticed that in colder weather my milage does go down a bit. I have replaced 1 set of tires and my breaks are still in good shape. I do a lot of coasting whenever I can. I live in Arizona and have taken a long trip to Abilene and Dallas Texas last year and it ran great. Although going uphill to Texas did cut my milage down some with my car fully loaded with stuff I made it up on my way back down to Arizona. It was a comfortable ride all the way. I keep up with the regular maintanince and it still runs like a dream. I'm hopeing to make it last to about 300K.
  • little_pogilittle_pogi Member Posts: 149
    My 04 have gone past 110k miles. I am averaging 45 mpg which is better than the 43 mpg I was getting when I hit the 60k mark. A major repair was done on my fuel tank. I hit a large rock that ruptured the tank. Thanks to the bladder design of the fuel tank, gasoline did not spill and create a fire hazard. The engine check light did turn on due to the loss of pressure inside the fuel tank. The whole tank needed to be replaced.

    I recently check the linings of my brakes. The front brake pad shows a 50% wear and the rear brake shoes showed more significant wear. I estimate that I may need a a brake shoe replacement at the 120K mark.

    All rubber components on the car still looks good. Axle and steering boots, brake hoses, suspension bushings, coolant hoses, belts, etc.

    The original Goodyear Integrity tires lasted 50K. The Goodyear Assurance I put in might still get me past the 115K miles. One rear shock absorber has some wetness in it. Fluid may be starting to leak slightly. Generally the shocks still in excellent shape.

    One concern I have is the ICE timing mechanism. My local dealer says I do not have to replace it. I assume the Prius engine uses a timing chain. Anybody out there can confirm this?
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Yes all Prius', as well as all 4c Toyota's from 2003 onward, use timing chains iso timing belts.

    All V6s beginning with the GR family of engines also use chains iso belts
    All the new V8's beginning with the UR family of engines will use chains iso belts.

    As of today the only vehicles being made that use timing belts are the 3.3L V6 Solaras, the 3.3L hybrid Highlanders and the 4.7L V8's in the 4R, Sequoia and Tundra's.
  • m2mazda6m2mazda6 Member Posts: 20
    I have some questions, I keep my cars a long time, just sold our 93 Buick had 114700 miles on it and am looking at the Prius,will be takeing a trip to Fl. once or twice a year from Mi., what kind of expenes can I expect say after 5yrs, how long does the battery go for and what does it cost to replace it.Say after 10yr does it start nickle & dime you. I do take good care of my cars, What are regular maintance expences on this type of car.
    Thanks for your help
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    I have a 2004 since 2004. It's great and I recommend it highly. Great mileage (45-50), no other problems. Watch out for deep snow if you don't have snow tires.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    You ask alot about, down the road, issues. I can atest to the great satisfaction that the Toyota Prius gives me and it is of the highest accolades. I've owned over 50 cars and rank the Prius as the most dependable, thrifty, and most of all, the most inovative and smart car to come along in yrs. 77K miles and 4 plus yrs of total satisfaction. About the battery....in some ways, time will tell but...with a warrantee of 10yrs and everybody seemingly trouble free with them, I'd say you'd be hard pressed to find any complaints. Remember this! Toyota says that even if a problem occurs, only the cell that malfunctions need be replaced. This means that $$ costs are reasonable as opposed to total battery replacement costing approx. $3,200.00. (but going down lately). As to maintanance...Same as any other car for the most part. Brakes seem to last forever.(no kidding) As to 10 plus yrs down the road....I'll let you know when I get there. (and I plan on just that). I've driven from near Chicago to Atlanta Ga (720miles) and fill up once each way. Lastly, I've gone 546 miles on a single tank twice.
    P.S. Prius: Car of The FutureToday!
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    100,000 miles or so is about young middle age for a Toyota. At 250,000 miles they probably ready for retirement. I've had several that have needed nothing but normal maintenance until well above 100,000 mi.

    Regards the Prius the actual maintenance is probably less than any traditional car; no timing belts, plugs at 100K+, brakes lasting upwards of 200,000 mi. Basically it's oil/filters and air filters on a regular basis. Then wear items.

    But... all new vehicles are just an assembly of mini-computers. These ECU units are just like your laptop. There might be as many as 20-40 of them in any modern vehicle....and the warranty on these units is limited to 36 mos / 36000 miles. The Prius units have been remarkably failure-free. But this is a personal decision of whether to get a 7 yr / 100,000 mile wrap around Vehicle Service Agreement or to self-insure your vehicle.

    At 72000 mi I've done nothing to mine except repair phycial damange from being hit.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    One major factor that stood out when deciding as to purchasing or not, a Prius in the early yrs, was ..."will the complex and computer filled Prius prove reliable long after the warrantee is expired?" I'm releaved to report (as most other owners) It is a tried & true car of a very high degree of longevity and dependability. I have 75K and nary a problem to report. I just hope the 3rd Generation comes along soon and excites me as much as this one. Those seriously considering one should give the Prius a test drive. It is the key to seeing how worthy the car is.
  • rick294rick294 Member Posts: 77
    We have a 2008 Prius and the display screen has (of course) lots of fingerprints on it, but also has a real static/dust problem. Anybody have any good ideas to keep that clingy dust off the screen and dash, for that matter? :confuse:
  • dstarinieridstarinieri Member Posts: 27
    I have the same problem. At Costco or other club store you can buy a large box of the small eye glasses wipes. I keep them in my car and wipe down the screen as needed.
  • rick294rick294 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks! Someone has suggested used fabric softener sheets, but that didn't really do it. I hadn't thought of eyeglass wipes. Great idea!
  • rick294rick294 Member Posts: 77
    I just found this site last week and I surely do enjoy all of your comments. I know that my new Prius is a very complicated machine and it is a bit scary to think what "could" happen. But so many of your comments are reassuring as to reliability and longevity of the Prius that my mind is now at ease. I can fully relax and enjoy our new car. Love that Barcelona red! We traded a 2005 Corolla that had over 80k miles on it (we bought it new) for the Prius. We really likedthe Corolla, but it was a CE model with no options and the Prius is well equipped by comparison, so It's been a real treat for us. The interior is beautiful, but that upholstery does look fragile, doesn't it? Apparently, from what some of you have written, though, that it's actually easy to clean. We have the biscuit-colored fabric. I kind of wince when I get in to sit down with my blue jeans on. Almost like it's too nice to sit on. Toyota quality is legendary and we are happy owners. Keep on posting!
  • rick294rick294 Member Posts: 77
    I didn't know that the complete battery replacement charge had dropped to $3200, and sure didn't know that the individual cells can be replaced as opposed to the entire thing. Enjoy your positive outlook throughout your postings. :)
  • dstarinieridstarinieri Member Posts: 27
    The seats are great and the car is easy to keep clean, however be very very carefull of the interior plastics. They scratch very easy. The insides of my doors are all scratched up as well as the plastic in the hatch area. The paint also chips very easy. In defense of the car I drive 100-200 miles a day and get in and out of it many times a day, but the plastic and paint are still cheap.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    I started this particular "Topic" for everyone to appreciate the perspectives of "owners with high milage Prius's." I found myself very much interested in what owners of high milage cars had to say about this unique hybrid car both pro & con. I first came across owner/operaters of taxi cab Prius's in Vancouver B.C. With very high miles (120K - 150K) They were extreamly pleased with their hybrids. Literally exclaiming how the Prius saved their jobs when gas went ballistic. Recently I met someone actually older than me at a movie parking lot sitting next to my '04 Prius with his '04 Prius (thought they might mate and make baby Prii's ha! ha!). He had 132K and spouted what I always seem to hear...."Great Car!!" I've learned alot from other owners and it seems to be a bottomless pit of happy owners. Seems to be a pattern of smiling folks in "Hybridland."
  • gwmortgwmort Member Posts: 22
    5-1/2 years and 98,000 miles, no mechanical issues or complaints, but I am on my 4th set of tires.

    I find if I go too fast they fail, so I never push the rated speed anymore. I have always loved it and knew from early on with the Prius that my next car would be a Prius.

    (Hoping for a PHEV model soon, will keep mine a few more years if need be to wait)
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