I think most Prius owners find that Prius upkeep is remarkably inexpensive, but there is nothing like a picture I have included all costs over the 6.5 years and 122k miles of ownership thus far, from wiper refills to tyres. I have excluded a coolant exchange and removal of a spark plug fragment that were both due to my stupidity. Repair costs thus far are zero. The spikes in cost are tyres. Note a few things: 1. This graphic shows the average cost per month as time progresses; it is not the amount spent each month. 2. In terms of total travel so far, this works out quite closely to one US penny a mile. 3. This is my DIY costs. 4. As of 3/2011 tyres have about 50% wear, and the extensive 120k maintenance is complete. 5. The first set of tyre costs were retrospectively discounted for warranty of premature wear. 6. Of the ~ $1250 spent through 3/2011, $550 was tyres and $108 was for a pump recall I could have let Toyota pay through a dealership repair.
How do you manage $15 oil changes? Does that include a filter? It cost me $10 per liter and it require three liters plus $6 for a filter! Hal
Hal, I don't know if Canada has something similar -- I am notified by email when a store has oil on sale from a 'deals' website called fatwallet.com that is US centric. I stock up for a couple years at a time, and usually end up spending USD $2-3 quart for ACEA A1/A5 synthetic. Years ago I bought a box of OEM oil filters and washers online at the same time I bought the parts needed for the 120k maintenance extravaganza. Since the Prius and I are in a competition to see who dies last, I am comfortable buying quantity or for use years in the future.
Thanks SageBrush! Like my mama always said, "Do I have to draw you a damned diagram"? I like a picture and your chart tells a very comforting story. I am inspired by your stocking up on car parts when they are cheap, anticipating the Prius to last and last.