Signs/hints that your hybrid battery was on its last legs

I reported her several days back and I expect after the latest outburst, she will be removed. Until then, I too, will use my ignore function.

 

One thing for sure is an old Prius needed as a lifeline in a rural area is a concern if you are on a very limited budget and perhaps very little credit.

A battery or head gasket fail could cause a crisis but the reality is its really not possible to predict one of the big ticket items much less prevent something like the battery, head gasket or brake booster problems. There are theories like changing fluids twice as often and there are lower cost stopgap solutions for batteries and head gaskets once they happen.

Most of us can afford a better primary car while keeping a gen3 as a local commuter vehicle, or are strong diy with good knowledge or we have enough cash or credit to bail out the car quickly.

The only real way to improve gen3 reliability is to replace the car with a much newer model.

If someone has very limited resources and find themselves worrying about what might happen even though its ok now, these cars are really a poor fit. If I found myself in that situation I would set a short term goal to change the car or improve my resources.