Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:12:49 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Friday, update on Prius electronics rant
In-Reply-To: <20130920130347.KIREF.354444.imail@eastrmwml214>
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Well, now you know for next time, and there likely will be a next time.
These hybrid vehicles are not designed to be kept for years and years. My friends with 7 or 8 year old ones are learning this the hard way. They have expensive repairs and the resale value is low.
The components are just too expensive (including batteries) and there is only one source for parts and service (dealer).
I think they should be leased, not owned. That seems to be the trend now, look at the Nissan Leaf--3 year lease for $199/mo with an $1800 down payment. Manufacturers have to subsidize these cars to get enough on the road to meet their CAFE averages.
Some folks I've met figure they can almost make their payment from their fuel savings.
Trade yours in for one and you'll at least cover the down payment! ;-)
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2013 10:04 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Friday, update on Prius electronics rant
Some of you may recall my rant about the "multi-function display" going out in my Toyota Prius, and the exorbitant (extortionist) price for replacement ($6.3K new, $2.9K rebuilt).
I got a used unit, allegedly from a low mileage Prius, and to avoid possible electronic glitches during installation had a dealer put it in. I paid $175 (including shipping) for the unit, and with a "loyal customer discount," got it installed for $99 (one hour labor at $125, discounted). It works, at least for now.
But another thing to irritate the customer (me) popped up. After I had already bought the used unit, but before it was installed, one of the dealers I'd spoken with about this called me, and said they had a repair program. They would remove the unit, send it to "the factory," where it would be rebuilt, and install it, all for $375. I certainly would have done that. That option should have been offered up front. I would have had to drive around with a hole in the dash, and be without air conditioning (not a trivial thing in Oklahoma in September), heat, and audio (or at least their full functions) for ten days or so, but would have felt better about a repair with a Toyota warranty than a used unit of an electronic component known to be failure prone.
But oh well. For now, I have a functioning unit.
mcneely
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