The Toyota Prius has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 10th out of 24 midsize automobiles overall. Its great ownership costs are reflected in the $408 average yearly repair cost.
In This Article...
What is the lifespan of a Toyota Prius?
A Toyota Prius owner may anticipate getting between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their vehicle with routine maintenance, with some owners exceeding the 300,000-mile milestone and still going strong. The Prius has a well-established history of dependable service for more than two decades as the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle.
Do Prius problems frequently occur?
One of the most often reported issues with the 2010 Toyota Prius is engine issues. Some owners claim that a wide range of engine-related problems, including blown head gaskets, stalling, overheating, and hesitancy, have occurred with their cars.
Are repairs for Prius expensive?
Over the course of its first ten years of use, a Toyota Prius will require roughly $4,008 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $2,756 less than the industry average for popular hatchback models. Additionally, there is an 11.22% risk that a Prius will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to similar vehicles in its sector, this is 10.28% better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
Is the Prius a bad car?
While there are numerous reliable Toyota Prius models available for you to look at, there are almost as many faulty variants that you should steer clear of. The primary difficulties here are with the engine and the lights, which may definitely make driving unpleasant and, in some situations, even dangerous. The following Toyota Prius model years are not advised.
- Toyota Prius (2005)
- Toyota Prius from 2006
- Toyota Prius from 2007
- Toyota Prius 2008
- Toyota Prius 2009
- Toyota Prius 2010
- Toyota Prius 2011
- Toyota Prius 2012
- Toyota Prius 2016
The Toyota Priuses from the years 2007, 2008, and 2010 had by far the most complaints filed. These vehicles have a reputation for having headlights that abruptly turn off, burn out, or stop working altogether. If this occurred while you were driving, it might be dangerous. Another frequently mentioned problem is excessive oil use, which can be annoying and may cost about $1,500 to fix. Even with these problems, it is important to remember that, generally speaking, they did not surface until after 100,000 kilometers.
The Prius models from the years 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2011 received the next-highest number of complaints. They are essentially exactly the same in nature as the models from 2007, 2008, and 2010, they just happen less frequently.
Less complaints have been made about the 2012 and 2016 versions than the earlier models, however the issues they do have are slightly different. The other year models frequently experience problems at high mileage, but these two frequently experience problems at low mileage, usually under 15,000 miles. Severe flaws included the car’s refusal to start and the windshield’s cracking. In general, we advise you to stay away from all of these Toyota Prius year models.
Common Toyota Prius Problems
The Prius ranks 10th out of 24 midsize cars with a dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal. Despite having above-average reliability, there are a few typical issues with the Prius that you should be aware of:
- Owners of the 2016 Prius expressed their frustration over the car’s windshield, which they claimed was prone to cracking. In addition, the crack has a tendency to quickly spread within a brief period of time. The majority of impacted owners had to repair their windshields.
- Rapid oil consumption – Owners of 2011 Prius models have complained that their vehicles might go through as much as a quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. The replacement of the timing cover gaskets is a routine repair.
- Models from 2001 to 2016 were impacted by a faulty multi-function display. Either the display stops functioning totally or it stops responding. This problem is frequently brought on by a circuit board internal connection that was improperly soldered.
- Engine problems – Several reports claim that a variety of engine-related issues, including stalling, hesitancy, blown head gaskets, overheating, and engine failure, have been reported to be associated with the Prius. This is a concern to be aware of if you’re looking to purchase a 2010 Prius.
How much does a Prius battery replacement cost?
The Prius battery is no exception to the rule that hybrid and electric car batteries are more expensive than gas-powered automobile batteries. A new Toyota Prius battery can run you anywhere from $2,200 to $4,100.
Remember that even a used Prius battery costs roughly $1,500 when calculating the cost. You’ll be looking at a substantially bigger bill once labor costs and additional charges from your mechanic are taken into account. To maintain the lowest pricing possible:
- Comparative-shop for batteries. It’s unlikely that the first battery you come across will be the lowest choice.
- Obtain price quotes from mechanics. Prius frequently need specialist work, but every mechanic will charge labor in their own way. A different store might have a better offer for you.
- Think about switching to a different model. A new Prius can run for years without any problems, but you will need to pay the difference in price between it and your old one.
Although replacing the battery in your Prius is expensive, Jerry can help you save money on your auto insurance. The Jerry app, a certified broker, assists customers in saving an average of roughly $900 annually on auto insurance. Jerry can assist you in finding and comparing inexpensive quotes from more than 50 leading companies, including Progressive and Travelers, for free when you provide your information.
High-mileage Prius vehicles trustworthy?
Consider purchasing a Toyota Prius with a high mileage. It should be okay as the owner claimed that the area was primarily roadway. Here are the things you should know before purchasing a Prius with high or low mileage.
You’ve decided to purchase a Toyota Prius, and the owner has informed you that the majority of their miles were driven on the highway. That ought to give you comfort, right?
The truth is that both high mileage and low mileage scenarios have advantages and disadvantages. When considering a secondhand Prius with “all highway” mileage, keep these considerations in mind.
You need to comprehend something when a Prius has a greater mileage, let’s say over 200,000, and the current owner claims that all of those miles were on the highway.
Long-distance highway driving typically keeps a car’s temperature at or near “ideal” levels. This indicates that the car isn’t typically driven on rough roads or subjected to a lot of heat cycling. The brakes are also not being utilized as frequently, therefore.
In general, a car that travels a lot of miles on smooth roads each year should have few to no problems. Driving and using the vehicle as intended.
With routine maintenance, there should be little wear on important parts like the engine and transmission. A higher mileage Prius may be a smart purchase if these services have been completed.
Higher mileage vehicles can, however, have flaws. They are more susceptible to difficulties because they have been used more.
What drawbacks come with owning a Toyota Prius?
Since its launch, the Toyota Prius has been one of the most popular hybrid cars available. Although rival automakers attempt to replicate the Prius’s popularity, Toyota continues to dominate the hybrid market. The fourth-generation Toyota Prius, which debuted in 2018, has several great features to offer, including its plug-in model, the Prius Prime, which was added to the lineup in 2017.
Due to the Prius’ recent redesign in 2016, don’t anticipate too many modifications till 2019. The 2018 Toyota Prius has many upgrades over the 2017 models in terms of features and specifications. Toyota’s new TNGA platform is now being used to construct the Prius. The greatest difference for this year is that all models now come standard with alloy wheels.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Toyota PriusThe Pros
1. Excellent Fuel Efficiency
The 2018 Toyota Prius has outstanding fuel efficiency. No matter which trim level you select, you will get roughly 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. Finding something else with as good of a fuel efficiency is challenging, thus the Prius naturally benefits greatly from this.
2. A large interior
The 2018 Toyota Prius’ cabin is surprisingly roomy for such a compact car. Although those in the back seats might feel a little crammed, those in the front seats will have plenty of head, shoulder, and leg room.
3. A number of Regular Active Safety Features
It is hardly surprising that the Prius boasts a lengthy list of standard and available active safety measures given how highly Toyota values safety. Pre-Collision warning, pedestrian recognition, automatic high beams, and Lane-Departure alert are all parts of the Toyota Safety Sense suite that are included as standard equipment on all models.
4. User-Friendly Controls
The 2018 Toyota Prius has controls that are all easily accessible and have clear markings. No need to speculate as to what a knob or button might do. From the driver’s position, it is simple to access all controls, and a number of significant controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
5. Simple Entry and Exit
It’s simple to get in and out of the car, especially up front. There is adequate height for persons of any stature to swing their legs out, and doors swing out fairly far. Additionally, you won’t have to be concerned about exiting without hitting your head on the doorframe.
6. Excellent Side and Front Visibility
Although rear view is limited, front roof pillars are sufficiently thin to provide good front and side visibility. Drivers won’t have any trouble determining how far their front bumper is from another car or the sidewalk thanks to the excellent, large front windshield.
7. There is Ample Cargo Space
The 2018 Toyota Prius has a surprisingly significant amount of cargo space, despite the fact that it may not seem like it. It is possible to maximize the luggage capacity by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats, which makes it simple to transport heavy objects.
The Infotainment System, 8.
One of the best systems available is the infotainment system from Toyota. The standard Prius comes equipped with a four-speaker radio system, Bluetooth, USB connector, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display. As you move up in trim levels, you can add satellite radio, navigation, and the Etune app suite to the mix for a fairly affordable price.
9. Flexible Steering
On the Prius, steering feels responsive and intuitive. Any driver will observe that they receive a lot of feedback, particularly about how the steering system handles challenging curves and twisting roads. You will feel more confident performing these kinds of turns as you obtain smaller tires.
Secure Handling 10.
The Prius handles well and is a fairly sporty little car. While driving in most weather conditions, the car seems quite balanced and steady despite the tires’ little lack of traction.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Toyota PriusThe Cons
1. Riding Comfort
The 2018 Toyota Prius features a firm ride quality, which is perhaps its major flaw. The tires are undoubtedly made to provide decent mileage rather than to cushion every bump on the road. Even the Prius c hatchback is a little more pleasant than the standard Prius, which can be very bumpy when driving over even the slightest amount of bad road topography.
2. Slow Accumulation
The Prius is not particularly good at accelerating. Although the Prius can accelerate reasonably well compared to other cars in its class, it is designed for fuel efficiency rather than cruising at high speeds. You may need to think about purchasing a totally new vehicle if you want something with a little more oomph.
3. Subpar interior components
The Toyota Prius has this drawback with some of Toyota’s other contemporary models. The inside has the appearance of being made with inferior materials. The cloth upholstery and several of the knobs and buttons appear to be prone to wear and tear with time, even though nothing appears to be about to break at any second.
4. Loud Cabin While Highway Speeds
There is no mistaking it: this car is not silent! When trying to get the Toyota Prius to travel beyond 55 miles per hour on the highway, you will have to put up with a lot of road, wind, and engine noise in addition to its stiff ride quality. The engine frequently complains when the car is pressed to move fast, and the cabin appears to lack the necessary insulation to keep part of the outside noise out.
How it compares to the opposition:
With its 58 mpg fuel efficiency, which is unquestionably best-in-class for this year, the 2018 Hyundai Inoiq Hybrid is a top-tier rival for the Prius. The Ioniq, on the other hand, is less roomy and has a smaller plug-in range.
Despite having a lower fuel economy than previous models, the 2018 Honda Civic Hybrid performs well on highways and in cities. The Civic is quite roomy and has a ton of safety equipment.
Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius is a roomy, very fuel-efficient vehicle. The Prius is still one of the top hybrid sales performers due to its focus on fuel efficiency, even if it will need to step it up in 2019 to compete with newer hybrid models from other automakers.
Why is insurance for Toyota Prius so expensive?
Due to their higher value, hybrid vehicles generally cost extra to cover with insurance providers. The cost of purchasing the most recent hybrid technology remains high. Your insurance will have to pay more if your automobile is stolen or totaled.
A hybrid may cost more to insure for a variety of reasons, including the costlier parts. As a result, the cost of repair will be higher if the car is damaged.
According to CDG Insurance, if you drive one of the fuel-efficient versions, you are seen as a higher-risk driver because the average damage claim for hybrids is substantially greater.
The driving habits of hybrid drivers are another factor that could make auto insurance more expensive. The main reason people buy a hybrid car is to save money and fuel during rush hour. As a result, they are more likely to travel farther and in heavier traffic.
Of course, there are further factors to consider as to why a hybrid will cost you extra to insure:
- hybrid vehicles get more miles per gallon because to cheaper gas prices.
- Due to the necessity for specialized mechanics as well as greater part pricing, astronomical repairs are more expensive. Even aftermarket components are costly since there is less demand.
- There aren’t many hybrid cars on the road. Owning a hybrid is less popular than it might be, therefore you will have to pay for specialized services. Americans continue to have doubts about how safe and dependable hybrid vehicles are.
- Smaller hybrid city cars are built with more delicate materials than SUVs.
- Due to their reduced road noise, hybrids have a higher risk of collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.