Evaluating a High-Mileage Toyota Prius for Uber Driving

The Prius proves to be an economical choice for Uber drivers, offering impressive mileage despite some mechanical quirks.

### Insights on the 2008 Prius: Performance, Maintenance, and Reliability
* 🚗 The owner of a 2008 Prius purchased the vehicle for **$8,000** with around **87,000 miles** and has since driven it over **140,000 miles**, experiencing **minimal issues** aside from some **engine jolting** during transitions between electric and gasoline modes.
* 🔋 Despite the original battery still being intact, the mileage has decreased due to the battery's **wear**, typical for a **13-year-old vehicle**, especially one made in Japan, which is noted for its **superior quality** compared to those produced in other locations like Mississippi.
* 🛠 Regular maintenance, including oil changes every **7,000 to 10,000 miles** using synthetic oil, has helped prevent major problems, and the Prius is particularly advantageous for Uber drivers due to its **impressive fuel efficiency of about 50 miles per gallon** in city driving.
* 💰 The owner is making a profit from this investment, considering he bought the car for **significantly less than its original price of $25,000**, and has not incurred **substantial additional costs**.
* 🔍 Diagnosing issues with the Prius requires specialized equipment due to its **complex electronic systems**, and while the check engine light may not illuminate, it is essential to **seek further evaluation if problems persist**.
* 📉 Testing revealed that the auxiliary battery is **weak and may need replacement**, which could resolve some of the performance issues, although the hybrid battery's **age is also a contributing factor**.
* 💵 The cost of replacing the hybrid battery is approximately **$3,500**, leading to a consideration of whether it is more economical to invest in a **newer used Prius** rather than repair the current one.
* 🤔 Ultimately, if the minor jolting issue persists but the car continues to achieve **good fuel economy**, the owner may opt to live with it, as many others have done, indicating a **common acceptance of such quirks** in older hybrid vehicles.

Here’s Why Hybrid Cars Suck

Scotty Kilmer

Prius Overview and Initial Problem Description

8-year-old Prius with 140,000+ miles, purchased for $8,000.

Main issue: jolting when the engine restarts from electric motor and shaky idle.

Original battery, mileage slightly decreased due to battery wear.

Comparison with a newer Corolla made in Mississippi; highlights the difference in quality between Japanese and non-Japanese cars.

Owner is an Uber driver, changes oil every 7-10,000 miles with full synthetic oil.

Use of a diagnostic computer is necessary for in-depth analysis.

Computer system similar to other cars; trouble codes triggered only when data deviates significantly.

Explanation of why check engine lights don't always indicate problems.

Road test conducted to record data during the jolting occurrence.

Observation of engine behavior during various driving conditions.

Low battery charge observed, impacting restart performance.

Battery discharge rate faster due to age and wear.

Checking motor mounts as a potential cause of the jolting.

Testing of the auxiliary 12V battery reveals it needs replacement.

Complexity of the hybrid system and its various voltage levels.

Review of road test data reveals no significant anomalies.

Comparison with another older Prius suggests the worn hybrid battery might be a contributing factor.

Recommendation to replace the auxiliary battery and observe if it resolves the issue.

Cost comparison between replacing the main battery and buying a newer used Prius.

Cost of a new main battery is around $3500-$5000.

Many Prius owners experience similar jolting issues without significant performance impact.

Weighing the cost of repairs against the fuel efficiency benefits.