Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:50:14 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Friday, update on Prius electronics rant
In-Reply-To: <TXCb1m00g08X5Fr01XCcbK>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
---- Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 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.
Resale value is comparable to or exceeds that of larger, non-hybrid Toyota and Honda vehicles. Here is NADA value for my 2006 Prius, and comparably equipped Camry and Accord with the same miles on the odometer:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2006/Toyota/Prius-4-Cyl/Liftback-5D/Values
http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2006/Toyota/Camry-4-Cyl/Sedan-4D/Values
http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2006/Honda/Accord-4-Cyl/Sedan-4D-LX/Values
Now that I know I can get electronic parts rebuilt with a Toyota warranty, that is good. I worked around the high price of the part anyway. I just would like more straightforward dealing.
The traction batteries just do not go south. Lots of Priuses 200K + miles are running around with original traction batteries. Used ones from wrecks are pretty common, now. Individual cells can be replaced also, so you don't have to buy a whole unit. And the price has come down precipitously on traction batteries.
More and more owners are learning that, just like with other cars, they can work on these cars. So are more independent shops.
I have not needed any other parts, other than consumables (oil, filters, transmission fluid, coolant, a 12V battery, spark plugs, both the latter at 117K miles, and both replaced prophylactically rather than wait for failure). The battery was overpriced from the dealer, but cost more at NAPA and Amazon. The plugs were actually cheaper from the dealer than from those two sources. Toyota even checks the brake fluid for breakdown, water, and metal as a part of free maintenance inspection, and at this point (117K miles, 7 years, mine is good, as are the pads).
After my brief dissatisfaction, I am again a happy camper.
mcneely
>
> 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
--
David McNeely
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