I just picked up a 2014 Prius Four with 21k miles and pre-owned certified. After racking up over $10k in repair bills over 13 years with my Audi A4 and researching all the problems, I needed a reliable car and one that got great gas mileage (double of what my slow-moving Audi was getting). What are the most problematic issues 2014 Priuses face? For instance, A4s were plagued by coil packs, ECU issues, engine sludge (all expensive repairs). Also minor issues like peeling paint, window regulators failing, glove boxes breaking happened on almost all of them. Biggest financial mistake going with "German Engineering". Probably the same engineers as the engineers from Fischer-Price. But hey, I was in my 20s and lesson learned. Are there any parts I should keep on hand? My Audi, I kept oil and coilpacks in the trunk. Radiator fluid in the garage. Do I need to spare parts around? Are there mods or things I should replace right now to avoid the financial drain right now?
More than a few have had wheel bearing problems. From what I've read the bearings are a design that has lower rolling resistance, but not as durable? All I can think is to not raise tire pressures much above spec, as that might stress the bearings more? Only thing I've noticed personally: the suspension arms, linkages and bolts seem to have gotten real rusty real fast. It's worthwhile raising the car and applying rust protectorant lube to everything you can reach. Also, I'd recommend to take the engine undercover off completely for each oil change. And change transaxle fluid asap. It's not on the schedule.
congrats and welcome! ouch, you really sound burned. agree with you on german engineering, i've had vdubs and mercs, and nothing but maintenance headaches. i would say there's nothing common in the first 100-150,000 miles. i've had 3, 145,000, 95,000 and 45,000 miles, close to zero repairs except tyres and etc. that doesn't mean things don't break,, you can find plenty of threads here, but no common issues except a few things that have had recalls or extended warranties. around here, people get upset if the battery needs to be replaced beyond the 10/150 warranty. there have been a number of complaints about burning oil around 100k on 2010's, so, don't know if that was rectified by 2014. all the best!
The only engineering more "reliable" than German engineering is English engineering. Had a jag before and it had plenty of issues. I believe JAG stands for Just Another Grand
Good news is that in general a Prius is very reliable. (The bad news is that as mechanics do not understand them, entire replacement is common instead of repair) Change the transaxle ATF WS routinely, I use a 30,000 mile, 90,000 mile, and then every 90,000 miles, you can use any routine you like. If the Motor/Generators overheat, the insulation burns off and you are out $5000. By replacing the ATF you are reducing the suspended metals that may short circuit the M/Gs and improving lubracation, both of which will keep the M/Gs cooler. As a service expect just over $100, as DIY about $40 Never jump start any other car, if you need to jump start your Prius change the 12 volt battery ASAP. accidentally reversing the cables will cost $4000 for a new Inverter. Consider a cheap jump pack instad of cables. The one everyone fears is the HV Battery at $3000 new. Once it does go, consider a used battery at $1000. Many more Prius are totaled than actually wear out the battery. If you need Brake service, and it is rare, consider having the dealer do it. The Prius requires custom software to be able to bleed the brakes. Welcome to PriusChat, expect more 100,000 miles before even needing spark plugs or a PVC valve.
Thanks for the replies everyone and welcoming. Yes, I'm a bitter soul I bought my Audi a4 new when I was in my mid 20s. Trixie and I had a good run, but she was so high maintenance. It was something I could deal with when I had the time when I was a young buck, but when my car would break down when I had a DJ gig or my car's fuel line would leak fumes when I'm on a date, it started to become very annoying. I didn't like taking my car on road trips because who knows if some part like the oil pump would fail (like it did luckily 2 blocks from my mechanic) I live in heart of Los Angeles so having a fast car is useless. What am I going to do? Race to the traffic 200 feet ahead. Plus I parallel park almost every day. With the gentrification of LA and most cities in the US, taking the train, riding your bike, taking an Uber carpool is sort of encouraged and kind of "hip and cool". I'd like to tell myself owning a Prius falls in line with that. But then again, if I lived in the suburbs or the country, I'd probably get a gas guzzling sports car.
It is more satisfying to drive a slow car as fast as it can go than to drive a fast car as slow as is legal.
