I am considering getting a Prius (specifically 2005 right now.) I have always done most car repairs myself: including brakes/rotors, gas tank swap, mufflers, belts/tensioners, etc. If I get a Prius, will I have to take it to a shop for these repairs? Or is the car setup so I can still do my own repairs?
For "simple" repairs, no. The ICE side of the Prius is not much different than a Corolla or Echo. The hybrid side is obviously the challenge and something to keep in mind before buying a Gen II Prius.
including: brakes/rotors - As long as you take care to disable the electric accumulator pump (you don't want to have the caliper pistons shoot out), and keep the hydraulic system closed (Bleeding requires special tools), the brakes are standard issue (but last about 200,000 miles!) gas tank swap - here there are some differences mufflers, belts/tensioners - The serpentine belt is a relatively simple DIY, but the water pump (one of 4 coolant pumps) and the electric Inverter coolant pump require care to get the air out of their two independent cooling loops. etc. - read the archives here and before you do anything, ask here or in the Yahoo Prius_Technical_Stuff group. Some things will be best left to someone with experience, training and specialized tools, but there is a lot that you can still do yourself. JeffD
its fun and you can do it, you know you can.. I like doing cause i rather not give the greedy shops my money if I don't have to
fonze, You may be disappointed. Very little breaks in a Prius You may have to resign yourself to taking things apart and then putting them back together.
jdenenberg- What do you mean by disable the electric accumulator pump? Is this something we should be doing? Hal
When you have the calipers off an increase in brake pressure can eject the pistons. The ECU can cause the brake accumulator pump to run when you don't expect it. Disconnecting the 12v battery or removing the right fuse can prevent an expensive event (new calipers, Dealer brake bleed). JeffD
