2001 with only about 50K miles. Only problem was wheel rim corrosion. What can I expect as the ultimate longevity, particularly with respect to the battery, etc.? Other's experiences with high time Prius most welcome & thanks ...
Older Prius
May 07, 2011
5 Replies
Your risk factors are:
1) traction battery - depending upon use. So far, no one knows the 50% failure rate but we've learned that "heat is the enemy." If you can keep the traction battery cool (aka., park in shade in hot climates in the summer) and avoid 'heat pumping' the battery in hilly country (aka., climb at 55 mph to avoid drawing traction battery power) we don't know how long it takes for them to fail. Fortunately, replacement traction batteries, rebuilds, are available for less than $2,000.2) transaxle MG2 short - we don't know what is going on but some of them develop an internal short. A replacement transaxle, Ebay, runs about $500. We reciently learned MG2 can be replaced without having to swap the whole transaxle but still, it is not a trivial task.
3) catalytic converter failure - we're not sure but there is some suggestion that over-filled oil can lead to poisoning and failure. After market catalytic converters are about $200 and add labor to install.4) steering torque sensors - these can fail causing the steering to power-coupled, oscillate. Not fun, the only known repair is about $2,000 for a new assembly. However, I know of at least one older prius that has the power pulled on power steering assembly so the car goes into manual steering mode.
Bob Wilson
. . .
No problem!
If you'd like more details, I would recommend joining the Yahoo Group, "Prius_Technical_Stuff." It is 'first post moderated' so you might want to post a 'hello, I'm ...' introduction so the delay can overlap your looking through the extensive messages, photos, and files area.
Started in November 2000, it has the brilliant work of the Prius pioneers. I joined in late 2005 and still consider it the single best source of independent, current and accurate Prius information bar none. What most impressed me was when I saw a 'troll posting' receive complete silence ... nobody replied.
Imagine a quiet library study hall and in runs a three-stooges clown who announces,"You are all doo-doo heads!" People briefly look up and continue with their Prius work. I've seen that in "Prius_Technical_Stuff" to the extent that we seldom have 'flame wars' that so bedevil other forums.
Bob Wilson
Bob -
Not familiar with Yahoo Groups.
Please get me over to "Prius_Technical_Stuff" & thanks ...
Steve
Start here:
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You'll need to create a free account and then search the groups for "Prius_Technical_Stuff":
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GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson
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