Prius – everything you need to know

Read the comments below to see the full discussion about the Toyota Prius. If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to take a look at toyota.co.uk, or ask us in the comments below.

Please note that this blog post was first published in 2009, so some references to specification, equipment, fuel economy, emissions and other features may not reflect the latest version of Prius – you can find out up-to-date information here.

If you want to find out how to maximise the fuel economy of your Prius, take a look at this blog post.

Read our other blogs about Prius here.

The following topics have already been discussed:

PRODUCT:
– Customisation: options, availability and costs (including audio; roof rack, cycle rack, towbar; leather)
– Difference between second-generation Prius and new third-generation Prius
– Wheel size
– Miles per gallon
– Satellite navigation
– Bluetooth and phone sync

TECHNOLOGY:
– How a full hybrid works
– Battery charging
– Battery lifespan and replacement

COMFORT:
– Heated seats
– Cold weather driving

MAINTENANCE:
– Servicing: frequency and costs

GENERAL:
– Delivery lead times
– Depreciation
– Warranty
– Road tax
– Insurance

Thanks for all the interest in the new Prius.

3,154 comments

  1. Hi there
    I have a prius t-sprit 2010 and I have a problem with the paint.
    Front bonnet,roof,and rear spoiler
    I have contact dealer ship Toyota in London about 4 weeks eagow. They agree to fix it under warranty.
    From this time they call me 4 times ( evry week once) with moving this to next week now is 5 the week

    1. Hi Michael
      Thanks for your post.
      We recommend contacting our customer relations team and to make things easier for you, you can do this via the attached link. http://bit.ly/bO71f4.
      You will see they need a few extra deatails but they will be able to help advise you further on this.
      Hope this helps.
      Toyota UK

  2. Michael,it isn’t only Toyota that has paint problems but the Luxury arm of lexus is also suffering the same.It seems that water based paint is no substititute for cellolouse,the clear finishing coat produces a curtaining effect which is impossible to cure without removing the laquer.

    It appears that Japanese built cars are the main offenders here,whereas the Avensis and Auris built in Britain escape the appalling finish.

  3. Hi there
    Seems to me we missing the point.
    Lexus is a Toyota,just better wrapped in the box.
    Water bested pain should have double cout on front bonnet,rout and rear wing if is necessary
    We can find a lot of internet page with,people complain about the paint
    (finishing cout Clear Lacka) on all previous an carnet prius models
    And I don’t thing Quality of paint go anything to do with assemble place or country
    And for last thing of all this, a can live with quality of paint as long is going to be fixed under warranty.
    But surely Toyota can do better then pushing from one week to another to take my car to paint shop and fixed.
    Instead they call me every week and book appointment the next week.
    I’m wanting already five weeks. (FIVE WEEKS)
    Either cheap car like vx compeer prices
    can do quicker job

    Thank you very much

  4. All conversation with branch menanger and sels Menager Jemca Bromley wos point to one point I’m just make up everything
    horrible experience with branch, way they talk was very unpleasant way towards me
    I have Ben blackmail outside office by sels Menager

    Go somewhere else, there are much better Toyota Dealers.

  5. Michael..

    Your experience is down to the fact that they don’t know the difference between Good and Bad.
    Rectification of the problem is a long and tedious job,firstly the laquer has to be removed then the base coat is put under 86deg by a heat lamp.The affected places then have to be rebuffed and re lacquered.

    At this time only vehicles built in Japan suffer.The real problem being that the base coat is only touch dry and not hard when the Laquer was added.Water from the Base coat has to go somewhere and that is outward.I am qualified to give this descision.

    Paul

  6. Toyota and Lexus aren’t alone with paint problems it is also evident on top of the range BMW and Mercedes cars.The problem of locating defects in paint is down to natural light,and is more prevailant on darker colours like black solid.Mettalic and pearlescent finishes are difficult to see.

    But remember that the problem will not go away until it is properly rectified..When polishing a Car it is only the Laquer that is being treated,this is better done by using a Polymers based Paint sealant.

    Paul

  7. Hi mate
    Yes you absolutely right about.
    But can you tell that gays in Jemca Bromley

    “But remember that the problem will not go away until it is properly rectified”

    And one more mater
    They only polish car, no painting (warranty work) :-))))
    I can do same thing in car wash 25 quid,
    And gonna looks good for five days

  8. Hi pls help
    Iv jus brought a 2006 55 plate prius T Spirit, but the satnav doesnt work as the cd has been removed! Plz can sum1 advice me as to where i can obtain a disc for, the cost involved n how to install it

    1. Hi Aisha
      We would recommend taking your car to your nearest Toyota dealer to check this for you and who can advise regarding a replacement disc. The attached link will help you locate your nearest one. http://bit.ly/16WmR5P
      Hope this helps.

    1. Hi Julian
      Thanks for your post. Sorry for the delay in replying on this.

      Cars which have flat beam headlights do not need to have a beam bender sticker to be fitted. However if you do need to fit them the following instructions will help.

      1. Drive the vehicle close to a flat, preferably white wall, when it’s dark parking about 20 feet away
      2. Turn on the lights
      3. Draw an imaginary line about 3 feet up from the ground
      5. If you see triangles able the line then the beam is not flat and you need to position the beam benders so the triangles disappear.
      6. Once this point is established you the stickers on the headlamp and you have a flat beam

      The majority of modern cars have clear lenses which is why this method is a bit more detailed. In the past there could be markings on the headlamp to help position these. If you do need any more help then we would be happy to email you an image which helps describe the above. Let us know.

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