Hello everyone. Figured I would check in here, as I just purchased a new (to me) 2010 Prius II Hatchback today. Been an owner of almost every kind of car, from Volvo to Saab, to a Mustang GT, to the most recent, a 2010 Ford F-150. (and a lot in between all of those) If someone would have told me a couple years ago that I would buy a Prius, I would have scoffed at the idea. However I recently incurred a longer commute (45 miles each way), and the F-150 was literally robbing my wallet. Being in Nor Cal, you see a Prius on every corner, and I started to investigate them, researching, etc. for about a month before I made my decision. I didn't buy the Prius to save the world, live green, or anything like that. Although you do feel a lot less guilty driving one than an F-150. I simply bought it to save money on gas, and the technology really impressed me. Initially I was intimidated by the size of the car. I am 6'3" and I thought I simply wouldn't fit. I have more leg room in this Prius, than many other cars I've owned. Its amazingly spacious inside. I drove a Toyota Hilux in Afghanistan a long time ago (military) and was amazed by its durability, so I am looking forward to many great years with this car. Also look forward to any advice you all may give a newb. Thanks
Congrats on the new car. Definitely saving money on gasoline is a huge benefit. I only owned a Prius one year. My only advice is follow the maintenance schedule. Since the transmission which Toyota calls a Transaxle does most of the breaking to regenerate the battery I suggest you have the dealer change the transaxle fluid at 30,000 miles and every 60,000 miles thereafter. If it has not been done best to do it. The cost is $100. Transaxle failure can cost thousands so the fluid change is cheap insurance. Toyota recommends 100,000 miles but many will disagree. Other than that enjoy the car
I just bought a used 06 with 88k miles. Mine "shifts" hard between the gas engine and electric engine, especially when I have the heat on. I can't seem to find an answer for that on this site. Any ideas what I need to do? Seems to be getting worse, too. I was going to change the spark plugs. What are the best plugs for this car? Thanks
JMD, Thank you for the advice. I purchased my Prius with around 27,000 on the ODO, so I will definitely look into the transaxle fluid change soon. (I am not sure if the dealer I purchased it from did that service) I did buy it from a Toyota dealership, and the car fax showed faithful service up until I bought it. Sonny
