It will be 5 years next weekend since buying this 2005 Prius used in 2009. I've put on over 150,000 km in that time and have had zero breakdowns and very minimal maintenance costs. Here's a quick run down of what I've spent over 5 years and 152,000 km. I've got to say I've been very impressed with the reliability of this car, especially considering it was already 4.5 years old when I got it. Breakdowns: None Unscheduled maintenance: One number plate light bulb ($1) One bad connection on LED brake lights (fixed myself at no cost). Routine maintenance cost (not including tyres): About $940 with the following breakdown. Oil $450 (10x oil at about $45 per change, including top offs). Oil Filters $90 (approx 10x $9) Coolant $24 (Just bought 2L for top offs. Have barely used any). Fan Belt $35 (Changed at 190,000 km) Spark Plugs $50 (Changed at 190,000 km) Air Filters $46 (2x$23. Changed at 80,000 and 160,00 km) ATF $130 (2x$65. Changed at 100,000 km and 200,000 km) 12V Battery $115 (I used a cheapie. Replaced OEM at about 180,000 km and 8 years of age.) Total: $940 over 5 years. Brilliant!
I find a similar story although not so old (2008) my car has covered 110,000 miles (177,000 km) without trouble only basic service costs. John (Britprius)
Other than the engine water pump, 12v battery, and coolant valve issues.......If maintained properly, I can't think of anything that comes up often on these forums.
One thing I should do soon that I haven't done yet is to drain and fill the coolant. The inverter coolant fluid should have been renewed when I got the coolant pump recall done at about 150,000 km, but I haven't even touched the engine coolant. I check it every time I check the oil but the level in the reservior always seems completely unchanged so I've never actually touched it (apart from checking under the radiator cap every now and then just to be sure). I think I'll drain and fill both the coolant loops this summer though.
