Prius Gen 2 feedback

[mjk1967]

Hi,

Started a very casual look at 08-09 models. They are in the range that I'd consider for possibly getting into one. In the casual research I've started on, it seems that the Gen 2 may be a more reliable vehicle, perhaps not as refined as Gen 3. The consistent thing I've heard is the potential at about 150k for headgasket issues in Gen3.

Given what I'd like to spend, is there any reason not to focus on a well-kept 08-09? There are a few out there, in my area.

Thanks.

 

[The_Jeff]

I've had four of them. Just got out of one with 303k miles.

If you get "Torque Pro" for Android and a cheapie ELM327 OBD dongle you can get all sorts of cool add-on PIDs to monitor individual HV battery modules, and see if a car you're looking at is in good battery health. Myself, in cool Maine, I have been successful in replacing *one* failed module, then getting up to 66k more miles out of the assembly. In short, battery expense for me is a non-issue.

The catalytic converters are worth $700+. If you have a choice between two cars, buy the one with the OE cat, it'll pay off at the end. I'd be suspicious of a used car dealer potentially replacing the cat with a much cheaper universal piece, so get underneath and look for new metal.

They still drive very well after 300k. The rear springs fatigue and break, though. You might as well do struts while you're back there. They're a good highway car, still planted at 85+ MPH without much wind noise.

When the (expensive) 12V batteries conk out the cars act weird. A better, cheaper replacement is the 35 Ah AGM sold online and at Harbor Freight.

They suck in the snow, even with snow tires. The traction control is over-aggressive and takes all your power away. If you're braking and hit a slick railroad rail or manhole cover it'll take your braking power away for a breathtaking moment as well.

They have decent cargo space. The load floor comes out to show off an impressive plastic tray. They still have spare tires, unlike most new ones. The TPMS is a plain jane dummy light, sensors are $20 on ebay. If you have a cheezy 32-bit laptop running XP or W7 you can get a cracked version of Techstream and USB-OBD cable on ebay to program those sensors. I've fit 10 foot long pipe inside with the hatch closed.

But I don't hate them, I've had four 2nd gens. Wife and I are now in a 2019 Prius AWD-e and 2021 Prime. I'm still a fan of the 2nd gen and of course the 08 and 09s are the newest, best kept versions... we hope.

 

[mjk1967]

Thanks, sir. I'd be looking for models with approximately 150k on them.

 

[Zee09]

I wouldn't buy hybrids at those ages

 

[mjk1967]

I wouldn't buy hybrids at those ages

Why, if the battery's condition can be determined?

 

[Zee09]

Why, if the battery's condition can be determined?

Not a hit on you but I just wouldn't go there with all of the electronics etc.
I have owned many hybrids and the battery is actually the least of my worries
If you are mechanically skilled in these than that's different.

 

[The_Jeff]

It's pretty easy to roll back the odometers on these. Get the carfax.

 

[cjolson140]

Pretty bulletproof. 2nd gen doesn’t have EGR, which is a sore spot on 3rd gen Prius. It’s common to burn oil at high miles, which eventually fouls the catalyst and is a headache if a CEL causes registration issues where you live. My dad’s 2008 has about 350k miles, uses about a quart of oil between 5000 mile changes. “Leather” interior holding up great, but the suspension is getting creaky and sagging in the rear. Recently developed an exhaust leak near the engine. Battery is original, only ever changed thermostat, spark plugs, front brakes, oil/atf, and one wheel bearing. Used to burn around 1q/1500mi, using Rislone and doing piston soak helped a lot. When it was burning more oil, the throttle body would get nasty and cause engine starting/stopping to be really rough.

 

[simple_gifts]

I have owned many hybrids and the battery is actually the least of my worries

Please share; "worries" or actual problems. The few shortcomings of the Gen 2 are well documented.

I have an 04 which I got from my father. Adult owned, with documented history; I just replaced the traction battery as detailed here

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2004-prius-rtod-battery-failure.328939/

Still drives like it is new, no squeaks, not burning oil as some are known to do.

I would buy and 08-09 with known history if the price were right, perhaps even if it weren't; They are good cars.

 

[simple_gifts]

So of the (3) people responding to the thread who have first hand knowledge of them, (2) have over 300K on them.

And this is, anyone? bueller bueller bueller, pretty long lasting, IMHO.

 

[The Critic]

The ABS actuator is the big ticket item that I would be semi-concerned about on a Gen 2.

Water pumps, coolant flow valves, instrument clusters and batteries are all very DIY friendly items on these cars. But being able to DIY is critical since paying someone to maintain one is not worth the money at this point.

 

[mjk1967]

https://greenbeanbattery.com/product/prius-hybrid-battery-2004-2009/

Lifetime warranty? Anyone familiar with this? Labor is included.

 

[The_Jeff]

I think the green bean battery has been discussed at length on priuschat.com.

 

[nthach]

They are surprisingly durable cars for what they are - they are the choice of many cabbies and Uber drivers for a reason. The battery pack, brake actuator and oil consumption are pain points on these. Do get a catalytic converter shield or thick cables welded on to protect your car. These cars are HOT targets for cat theft. Some have been killed in their attempts to do so.

 

[mjk1967]

Wanted to revive the thread, with a question.

A 07 popped up recently. It has a 'new' Doorman hybrid battery. Not knowing anything about these batteries (brand reliability), is Doorman an acceptable replacement?

 

[The Critic]

Wanted to revive the thread, with a question.

A 07 popped up recently. It has a 'new' Doorman hybrid battery. Not knowing anything about these batteries (brand reliability), is Doorman an acceptable replacement?

No, they are rebuilt and rebalanced batteries that are comprised of cells that can be very old.

In general, there is no such thing as a reliable rebuilt battery.

 

[14Accent]

My shop is in a neighborhood that's teeming with Gen 2 Prius'. They're great cars, and that's coming from someone who hates them (and also daily's a Volt, which I love and is a MUCH better car IMO).

Honestly, there's very little to fault with Gen 2's. Front wheel bearings, rear springs, the 12V battery thing (which isn't even a thing), and the supposed HG issue, of which I've seen exactly 0 come through my shop. I have done one ABS unit, and 2 or 3 battery packs on high mileage examples, but other than that they're basically bulletproof.

That being said, I still think the Gen 1 Volt is a better buy, especially if you have the ability to plug it in every night. Obviously, it costs a bit more than a Gen 2 Prius, but it's also much more advanced and has a much better interior. It also drives better, stops better, and handles better. Not to mention it's more quiet... AND the catalytic convertor is impossible to steal vs. the 2 minute job that a Prius offers. I only mention that because it's become a huge problem around my parts, we've been seeing an average of 5-10 a month throughout this pandemic.