Thinking about buying Mk. 3 Prius

[QuantumFireball]

I'm considering buying a Mk. 3 Prius. I've tested out a couple and liked them a lot, but realistically they were outside of my budget - they were newer than what I was originally thinking with main dealer pricing, but the only ones available locally. So I'm thinking of going to the UK as there is a much better selection and spec, probably around 2012-2013.

Just a few questions:

• Does anyone have the full list of UK trim level specifications? I've looked on some websites (Parkers, etc.) but they seem a bit vague and inconsistent. I have an Irish '13 brochure but the line-up is different (only two trim levels and less options).
• I believe the facelift was some time in 2012, but does anyone know exactly when? Was there much improvement? I've heard some people say the cabin quality was much better (less rattles, etc.).
• Is the JBL sound system a significant improvement over the standard one? Was this standard in the T4 and T Spirit? I've heard people say the standard Speakers are not great (worse than Mk. 2) but haven't tried them out myself (was not an option in Ireland).
• Is it worth going for leather over the cloth seats?
• Is it correct that the LED headlights were an option in the UK? Are they any good, and is there some easy way of telling if they're fitted?
• Is the Plug-in Prius worth considering? There seem to be quite a few avilable in the UK at pretty much the same price as the standard Prius, but I'm not so sure about the smaller fuel tank, reduced boot space, and also the Li-ion batteries are a bit more of an unknown regarding how durable they will be long-term. Not sure how willing Toyota Ireland would be regarding servicing them (they never sold them here), although I know others have been imported.
• Are Japanese imports worth considering? There seem to be a lot around both here and in the UK. I know getting parts can be more difficult and insurance (in Ireland anyway) may be higher.
• Is there much difference with ride and fuel consumption between the 15" and 17" wheels? I'll probably be going for T4 or T Spirit so guess they'll all be 17" anyway.
• Can the trip computer on UK models be changed to use metric units, e.g. l/100km? I understand there's a button to change the speedo.

[FROSTYBALLS]

The following is the July 2009 UK brochure which will provide an idea of specs, etc - https://d1hu588lul0tna.cloudfront.net/toyotaone/gben/New-Prius-July-2009-2_tcm-3060-363719.pdf

According to the Honest John review, the facelift was from deliveries in March 2012 - http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/prius-2009/

UK models first registered on and after 1st July 2010 came with Toyota GB's five year/100,000 mile new car warranty - but this won't be transferable to Ireland as it is outside the UK.

[Chippy01]

Hi Aaron.
My '09 reg T4 Mk 3 Prius is a UK import.

According to my records, it was first registered in the UK at the beginning of August 2009, and imported into Ireland at the beginning of January 2011.
I bought it in 2013.

As you know, Irish Prius' only have two (by UK standards, poor) spec levels, while the UK had (at the time I was looking) three spec levels; T3, T4 and T Spirit.

I had a high mileage '07 T Spirit Mk 2, which was also a UK import, at the time (2013), and my finances could only stretch to a T3 or T4 Mk 3.
I opted for the T4, as it gave me bluetooth phone connection and cruise control (something Irish spec'd Prius' never had together, or which I couldn't find) which I wanted as a minimum.

Now to try and answer your questions as best I can.

I believe the JBL system is only in T Spirit spec, it's not in my T4 anyway. I had the JBL in the Mk2, and I haven't noticed much of a difference between the JBL in my old Mk2 and the system in the MK3 T4. But then again, my hearing isn't the best to start with.
Leather or cloth? I think leather is an extra option that first owners can get fitted. I would have liked to have had leather seats, but alas .......
Can't answer your LED headlight question.
I don't think I've ever seen or heard of the Plug-in version over here. I am open to correction though.
Wouldn't touch Jap imports with a bargepole. Premium insurance quotes, parts availability, and if you do get one intact with the touchscreen, all the icons will be in Japanese. Those that I have seen that have had the original screen replaced because of the icon issue, the replacement doesn't quite fit right.
There is supposed to be a slight difference in consumption and noise levels between the 15 and 17 inch wheels, but I don't know what they are exactly. I do know that my 17's are getting noisy as the tyres are close to replacement.
On my T4, there is a button to change the speedo from mph to kph, but not the trip computer; that reads in mpg only. It might be possible on the T Spirit, but again I have no knowledge of that.
As for servicing, I take mine to my local Toyota dealer. When he put the car's details into his computer, he could tell me the whole history of it, even the UK side of it. He has no issue in doing recalls, updates, etc, even if it is a UK import.
Oh, and the service costs are quite reasonable too.

Hope this helps.

[QuantumFireball]

6 hours ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

The following is the July 2009 UK brochure which will provide an idea of specs, etc - https://d1hu588lul0tna.cloudfront.net/toyotaone/gben/New-Prius-July-2009-2_tcm-3060-363719.pdf

According to the Honest John review, the facelift was from deliveries in March 2012 - http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/prius-2009/

UK models first registered on and after 1st July 2010 came with Toyota GB's five year/100,000 mile new car warranty - but this won't be transferable to Ireland as it is outside the UK.

Thanks for the info.

I believe any warranty issued in the EU are valid throughout the EU, so Toyota Ireland would be obliged to honour it.

2 hours ago, Chippy01 said:

Hi Aaron.
My '09 reg T4 Mk 3 Prius is a UK import.

According to my records, it was first registered in the UK at the beginning of August 2009, and imported into Ireland at the beginning of January 2011.
I bought it in 2013.

As you know, Irish Prius' only have two (by UK standards, poor) spec levels, while the UK had (at the time I was looking) three spec levels; T3, T4 and T Spirit.

I had a high mileage '07 T Spirit Mk 2, which was also a UK import, at the time (2013), and my finances could only stretch to a T3 or T4 Mk 3.
I opted for the T4, as it gave me Bluetooth phone connection and cruise control (something Irish spec'd Prius' never had together, or which I couldn't find) which I wanted as a minimum.

Now to try and answer your questions as best I can.

I believe the JBL system is only in T Spirit spec, it's not in my T4 anyway. I had the JBL in the Mk2, and I haven't noticed much of a difference between the JBL in my old Mk2 and the system in the MK3 T4. But then again, my hearing isn't the best to start with.
Leather or cloth? I think leather is an extra option that first owners can get fitted. I would have liked to have had leather seats, but alas .......
Can't answer your LED headlight question.
I don't think I've ever seen or heard of the Plug-in version over here. I am open to correction though.
Wouldn't touch Jap imports with a bargepole. Premium insurance quotes, parts availability, and if you do get one intact with the touchscreen, all the icons will be in Japanese. Those that I have seen that have had the original screen replaced because of the icon issue, the replacement doesn't quite fit right.
There is supposed to be a slight difference in consumption and noise levels between the 15 and 17 inch wheels, but I don't know what they are exactly. I do know that my 17's are getting noisy as the tyres are close to replacement.
On my T4, there is a button to change the speedo from mph to kph, but not the trip computer; that reads in mpg only. It might be possible on the T Spirit, but again I have no knowledge of that.
As for servicing, I take mine to my local Toyota dealer. When he put the car's details into his computer, he could tell me the whole history of it, even the UK side of it. He has no issue in doing recalls, updates, etc, even if it is a UK import.
Oh, and the service costs are quite reasonable too.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. I believe the JBL stereo might have only been introduced with the facelift along with the 6" touchscreen (as neither are listed in the 2009 brochure), it seems to be present in later T4's and Spirits which don't have the 7" screen. I think the LED headlights might only be post-facelift too.

How has yours been? What's the mileage now? I've heard of some issues with early '09-'10 examples, in particular inverter failures.

The Plug-in variant was never officially sold in Ireland, but I have seen a UK import here for sale. They were introduced in 2012 AFAIK.

Anyone know what audio connectivity options there are with the later touchscreen options? Is there USB or aux-in or is it bluetooth only?

Edited March 25, 2016 by QuantumFireball

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Toyota new car warranty in the EU is 3 years/60,000 miles (100,000km).

The Toyota GB 5 year/100,000 mile new car warranty comprises the standard 3 year/60,000 mile new car warranty as above, plus an additional 2 year/40,000 mile new car warranty provided by Toyota GB for UK customers.

 

[Duffryn]

I've just replaced my 2010 T4 with a 2014 T Spirit and, although only covered approx. 200 miles in it so far, I have to say that I have already been impressed with the 'facelifted' improvements in the newer car.

Much better roadholding, quieter inside, no rattles (T4 was a bit of a pain), JBL audio much better (IMHO), better MPG (1x100 mile trip @68.4mpg) - T4 averaged exactly 60mpg over the 3 years 20K miles I had it, and retractable door mirrors are nice to have.

Love it thus far, just got to fathom out this satnav thingy now.... 

[QuantumFireball]

12 hours ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

The Toyota new car warranty in the EU is 3 years/60,000 miles (100,000km).

The Toyota GB 5 year/100,000 mile new car warranty comprises the standard 3 year/60,000 mile new car warranty as above, plus an additional 2 year/40,000 mile new car warranty provided by Toyota GB for UK customers.

 

Oh, I thought you were talking about the hybrid system warranty (HV batteries, etc.) which is 5 years here - I think Toyota Ireland would honor that at least.

[kithmo]

Yup, no JBL stereo on the early 2010 gen 3 I had and I think LED headlights were part of an options pack IIRC.

[Chippy01]

17 hours ago, QuantumFireball said:

Thanks for the info.

I believe any warranty issued in the EU are valid throughout the EU, so Toyota Ireland would be obliged to honour it.

How has yours been? What's the mileage now? I've heard of some issues with early '09-'10 examples, in particular inverter failures.

Mine has been great.
My Toyota service garage has had no problems doing any warranty/recall work on my car, as you surmise it should be valid throughout the EU anyway.
I bought in 2013 with 30,000 miles up, now running just shy of 60,000 miles.
Serviced by Toyota every 10,000 miles, and had the brake accumulater recall/update in Feb 2014.
Average fuel consumption (via fuelly website) is 60mpg, while the best I did on a tankful was 66.8mpg in Sept 2014.
Next service @ 60,000 will include the Hybrid Health Check as well.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

On 24 March 2016 at 2:55 PM, QuantumFireball said:

I'm considering buying a Mk. 3 Prius. I've tested out a couple and liked them a lot, but realistically they were outside of my budget - they were newer than what I was originally thinking with main dealer pricing, but the only ones available locally. So I'm thinking of going to the UK as there is a much better selection and spec, probably around 2012-2013.

Just a few questions:

1 - Is it correct that the LED headlights were an option in the UK? Are they any good, and is there some easy way of telling if they're fitted?

2 - Is the Plug-in Prius worth considering? There seem to be quite a few avilable in the UK at pretty much the same price as the standard Prius, but I'm not so sure about the smaller fuel tank, reduced boot space, and also the Li-ion batteries are a bit more of an unknown regarding how durable they will be long-term. Not sure how willing Toyota Ireland would be regarding servicing them (they never sold them here), although I know others have been imported.

1 - Standard on the PiP, and also the facelift T-Spirit I believe. Will have headlamp washers in the bumper, and headlamp will have 2 projector units rather than a single one (in the case of the face lift). Defo worth in IMO, having had HIDs on my previous car, having a Prius with LED headlights was a must personally.

2 - If a similar price then yes.  Fuel tank is the same size, not sure where you got the idea it was smaller from. Boot space is the same, its just the under floor storage which is different. Servicing is no different to any other Prii, Li-ion Battery reliability doesn't seem to be an issue (look at the Nissan Leaf for example). Li-ion also gives a better MPG return we uses as a standard hybrid without plugging in.

[QuantumFireball]

That's interesting - can you confirm yours has a 45 litre tank? The US spec PIP only has a 40 litre tank (10.6 US gallons vs. 11.9 for standard Mk. III Prius), but I wasn't able to find specs for the European equivalent and assumed they were the same.

And what is the real difference with the boot space? I know in the standard Prius there is a tray over the spare tyre - is this completely gone, or is it just the spare tyre space that is used by the batteries?

Do you use a standard 13 Amp plug for charging at home, or something more substantial? There is a grant scheme in Ireland for free 3.6 kW 16A home charging installations but it seems it's for new cars purchased in Ireland (not private used imports) - not sure how much it would cost for me.

Also, back to the Prius in general: I hear some people say it can be noisy at motorway speeds? I drove one on a motorway and don't really recall how loud it was, but it was only for about 5 minutes so hard to say. My current '02 Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi 90 does about 2900 RPM at 120 km/h (speed limit here) which is not particularly pleasant (no DMF so lots of vibration too) - the Prius will probably be an upgrade from that anyway.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

Yes mine has a 45L tank which is 9.9 Gal (11.9 US GAL).

Boot space as I say is the same and unchanged. Just loose the spare wheel area and have a deep under floor section that runs the width of the car right at the back of the car.

To charge I use both a 16amp charger and the 13amp unit supplied with the car depending upon where I am.

No issues with noise at motorway speeds in my opinion.

 

 

[QuantumFireball]

How long is the standard 13A charging cable?

And where did you get the 16A cable from? I guess I need to check what standards are used on the public chargers in Ireland first though...

I found a Prius Plug-in in NI, hopefully getting it over the weekend.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

The supplied 13A is 5 meters I believe.

The only 16A one I have is the tethered one on my Polar Home charger, I don't have a stand alone cable, although it appears eBay may be a good place to keep and eye, some bargain priced ones occasionally appear on there.

[QuantumFireball]

Thanks for the info, 5 metres should be enough for me. I saw a lot of warnings about using extension leads (makes sense considering the high current and amount of dodgy stuff on the market) but with that length I shouldn't need one.

Have you found the range in EV mode degrade at all over the years? I know the estimations on the trip computer will change depending on driving conditions but not sure how accurate it is.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

On 14/04/2016 at 2:12 PM, QuantumFireball said:

Thanks for the info, 5 metres should be enough for me. I saw a lot of warnings about using extension leads (makes sense considering the high current and amount of dodgy stuff on the market) but with that length I shouldn't need one.

Have you found the range in EV mode degrade at all over the years? I know the estimations on the trip computer will change depending on driving conditions but not sure how accurate it is.

I've never had an issue using extension leads, but then again I make sure I'm using ones which will cope with the load.

I've 50k on the clock now, and not noticed any reduction in EV range. To be honest, looking at some of the high mileage Nissan Leafs, Battery deterioation isn't a massive issue, and not something you're likely to notice in the immediate term.

[QuantumFireball]

Thanks for the info.

I got the car a few days ago and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

It came with what looked like the standard charger cable but with a IEC 60309 16A (blue) plug fitted - I just removed this plug and wired up a normal domestic BS 1363 13A plug (we use these in Ireland too) and it seems to work fine. I think I'm getting about 8-9 miles in EV mode - it's hard to tell as it only gives the remaining range when in EV mode, then the EV mode information disappears (or is it hidden away somewhere?).

I believe the charging/discharging process in the Prius is a lot more conservative than the Leaf (SOC is maintained around 30-80% or something like that?), so hopefully we will get a good few years out of them.

Does the car monitor how much power is consumed when charging from the mains, or do I need to use a separate mains power meter to measure this?

[MEP's Yaris GS]

1 hour ago, QuantumFireball said:

Thanks for the info.

I got the car a few days ago and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

It came with what looked like the standard charger cable but with a IEC 60309 16A (blue) plug fitted - I just removed this plug and wired up a normal domestic BS 1363 13A plug (we use these in Ireland too) and it seems to work fine. I think I'm getting about 8-9 miles in EV mode - it's hard to tell as it only gives the remaining range when in EV mode, then the EV mode information disappears (or is it hidden away somewhere?).

I believe the charging/discharging process in the Prius is a lot more conservative than the Leaf (SOC is maintained around 30-80% or something like that?), so hopefully we will get a good few years out of them.

Does the car monitor how much power is consumed when charging from the mains, or do I need to use a separate mains power meter to measure this?

If you flick through the displays there is a ev/hv ratio trip (2) which you can use to see what mileage you're doing in EV mode. Its difficult to see what I get range wise in EV as I normally either do journeys that don't use it all up, or they're longish journeys so I use it at the start and end in the city and not on the open road. When I have measured it and run from full charge to HV kicking in however I'm normally getting 13 miles.

SOC on the PiP is 17%-85%. EV will operate from 85% to 23.3% when HV kicks in and it won't then allow EV use unless you recharge it or do some serious regen braking to top it up (I've managed it a few times, but not that often in East Anglia, no big hills).

On the EV ratio trip it will give you a KWH usage, but I'm not sure how accurate this is, and it doesn't really bother me too much. You could put an energy monitor on the charger if it phased you that much though.

[QuantumFireball]

I noticed there were two different "EV Driving Ratio" counters (if you press "Trip") so I reset one of of them this morning and it showed 9 miles as suspected. This was over three different trips during the day, the first in heavy traffic (and we have a lot of hills and awkward narrow streets in Cork). Maybe I can do better once I get used to driving it.

It's also got some cheap off-brand tyres at the front that I want to change (Bridgestone Ecopia on rears) - any recommendations?

[MEP's Yaris GS]

On 20 April 2016 at 10:41 PM, QuantumFireball said:

It's also got some cheap off-brand tyres at the front that I want to change (Bridgestone Ecopia on rears) - any recommendations?

The Ecopia are one of the two OEM fitments, found them very good myself. Might be worth getting a pair of those, sticking them on the rear and rotating the current rears to the front :)

[Duffryn]

I note that my recently acquired 2014 car with18K miles has Toyo brand tyres fitted, so assume these to be original kit? All registering 5mm of tread remaining across each tyre. Not experienced Toyo tyres before, but seem okay so far.

[QuantumFireball]

I found a list of suggested tyres (for Europe) here on PriusChat: http://priuschat.com/threads/low-rolling-resistance-replacement-tires-europe.121295/page-2#post-1729169

I've noticed the Irish spec Priuses I looked at locally had some sort of Toyo tyres as well (not sure which ones), but they were 17" (Prius Plug-in has 15" wheels). I guess I'll look around for what's available locally.

[QuantumFireball]

I ended up not bothering with Japanese imports as they all seemed to be missing key features I was interested in, such as the HUD and cruise control. The HUD seems to be standard on Irish/UK 3rd gen Prius. Most importers didn't seem to offer anything newer than 2011 either, which meant they were all pre-facelift models.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Toyo, Michelin and Bridgestone were OE tyres on the third generation Prius.