I got my first Prius (2013, TWO) in the end of May. So far, I have driven 2500 miles on it. Avg MPG is 60 miles. Very happy with it. When I bought the car, I told them I will do 700 miles per week, close to 40k per year. The dealer recommended extended warranty (covers up to 125k miles) since I will be out of factory warranty in the first year. It cost $1259 but I declined it. I guess this warranty is dependent on the probability of large-bill repair. For these seasoned owners, what's the most likely large-bill repair? Another question is about engine oil change. I was told I can get "completely free" oil change from the dealer for two years or 25000 miles. The dealer asked me to go back when I am reaching 5k miles. That means I can get FIVE free oil change. I can also choose any dealership to do this. I noticed on this forum, some dealers require 10k oil change interval or once a year. The question is, do you really get free oil change every 5k miles? I am planning to DIY oil change myself after the toyota care. What's the right interval? 5k or 10k? I cannot find it in the owner's manual.
Toyota free maintenance is 2 years or 24,000 miles. Every 5,000 miles bring the car in. They do alignment at 5,000 miles and oil change at 10,000 miles. Oil change is every 10,000 miles.
i think the only expensive thing not covered under the hybrid warranty is the inverter or the transaxle. that would only be 3/36 and rarely, one will go at 70, 80,000 miles. but you can pick up a used one cheap.
I have some doubts if a Prius makes financial sense under 12000 miles/yr in Virginia, but it's got to be a no-brainer at 40,000 miles/yr in Philly. Good luck with it.
