Toyota Prius 2 / XW20

Toyota hybrid models are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Prius is a true classic of the genre.

Model history

1997 – The first generation Toyota Prius, NHW10, entered the series. The car is based on the Toyota Echo (American version of the Yaris in the sedan).

2000 – restyling Toyota Prius of the first generation.

2005 – European title “Car of the Year”.

2011 - the end of production of the second generation model.

2015 – presentation of the fourth generation model.

Absolute silence.

The hybrid has no possibility of recharging from the socket. The Prius is an unusual car that burns less fuel in the city than on the highway. This was achieved due to the fact that after stopping the internal combustion engine (ICE) is turned off, and the subsequent start of movement occurs on the energy of the batteries using an electric motor. The engine comes into operation only when necessary - during movement at high speed or when accelerating.

In urban conditions, fuel consumption does not exceed 6 liters, and with a certain skill, you can achieve a result of 5 l / 100 km. Nearly 40% of the ICE’s urban path remains off. On the highway, all the benefits disappear. With increasing speed, fuel appetite increases and at 140 km / h reaches 8 liters. In addition, at high speeds, oil consumption increases markedly.

The engine is very quiet and the cabin is well insulated. Manipulation with the gas pedal does not greatly affect the speed, since the gearbox is continuously variable. The dynamics is quite enough - acceleration to 100 km / h occurs in less than 11 seconds.

What to choose?

Toyota Prius II throughout the production was offered only in one version - with an economical 1.5-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 77 hp and an electric motor recoil of 68 hp. The internal combustion engine operates according to the so-called Atkinson cycle (i.e. in a small range of revolutions and loads). The total power of the hybrid unit is 110 hp (taking into account the addition of the general operating ranges and all losses).

All Priuses have an E-CVT transmission, in other words, an electronically controlled variator. It works smoothly, quietly and fits perfectly into the overall concept of the car.

Toyota Prius 2 has a fairly rich equipment: 6 airbags, ESP and climate control. Some European versions were equipped with satellite navigation. In 2007, they began to offer a very good audio system JBL.

Cars that have been in an accident are better not to be considered at all. Since in serious accidents there is a high risk of damage to the battery block. The battery does not tolerate "injury" of the block body. In addition, many important nodes are located right behind the front bumper. Even after minor “shocks” on the forehead, they may stop functioning properly. He doesn’t like cars and long periods of downtime, the batteries are very low.

What do you need to know?

Unusual solution: touch screen and oval steering wheel.

The Toyota Prius has two electric circuits. One, traditional - with a conventional 12-volt battery. Another, high voltage, is with orange wires connecting a tightly closed group of batteries (generating 201.6V voltage) with a converter inverter, an electric motor and a climate control unit.

Inverter-converter is a device that enhances and converts the high voltage DC battery block in three-phase alternating current (maximum voltage 650 V). In addition, the inverter converts alternating current generated during energy recovery into direct current to charge the batteries.

The Toyota Prius air conditioning system is a complex responsible not only for cooling the cabin, but also, above all, for cooling the battery unit, which is heated during operation. The cold winters of Prius are not scary, but air conditioning failure in the summer can completely immobilize the hybrid. The on-board computer strictly monitors the temperature, preventing overheating, and, in extreme cases, blocks the car. Strict control is necessary due to the irreversible reduction in battery life in the event of overheating. Toyota also offered a short warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.

What's breaking?

With proper care and timely maintenance, the Prius is almost trouble-free and very tenacious. The energy recovery system during braking unloads the brake system. In some instances, factory pads and discs nurse up to 100,000 km.

Gasoline engines, as well as the electric part, are famous for their reliability. The engine has a chain that does not require maintenance. Typical operations (replacement of pads, oil and shock absorbers) can be performed in any automotive service that has a basic understanding of working with hybrid or electric vehicles.

A non-stage transmission rarely needs repair or replacement.

The battery has 28 modules, each of which contains 6 elements. Most often, only one or two modules fail (2-4 thousand rubles per used one). This usually occurs after 200-250 thousand km. A full set of “contract” batteries of high voltage will cost 80-100 thousand rubles. That’s a lot, but not as much as it might seem. Yes, the first-generation model had problems with battery durability. But the next Prius got a modernized battery that proved to be more enduring. It is usually enough to replace the "weak" element.

In cooling the inverter, an additional circuit of the cooling system is involved. After 250-300 thousand km can fail the cooling pump of the hybrid transmission (5-10 thousand rubles). A number of machines have been hit by a revocable campaign to replace a vulnerable pump.

Typical problems and malfunctions

The high line of the rear window means limited visibility. A little glass under the spoiler won't help. The air conditioning system fails most often due to maintenance in a regular service. Prius air conditioning (and other hybrids) requires a special oil that cannot be mixed with oil for conventional systems. In addition, you can not use a filling station that simultaneously serves different types of air conditioners. The cost of the used compressor is 4-9 thousand rubles, and replacement work is about 2000 rubles. For safety reasons, the onboard computer can immobilize the hybrid even with minor electrical faults. Often the exhaust system begins to corrode, but it usually does not reach through holes. In some instances, "yellow spots" can be found on the thresholds and under door seals. After about 250-300 thousand km, the engine begins to consume oil. This is the result of wear of the oil removable piston rings. Theoretically, the engine can be repaired, but in the case of excessive oil and gas, it is easier to install a “contract engine” (20-30 thousand rubles). To reduce unsprung masses, the hybrid wheels are made of an alloy with the addition of magnesium. They are really light, but less resistant to damage. For example, as a result of falling into a hole. The steering rack can knock, having passed 250-300 thousand km. The remake is available for 2100 rubles, the original rake costs more than 50 000 rubles, and the analogue - about 10 000 rubles. With age, cracks occur on the anthers of the external SRUS (500 rubles for an analogue).

It's important!

1. To repair the transmission, electricity with a voltage of 1 kV is required. Work should be carried out in special gloves.

2. The fact that the power plant is active, evidenced by the inscription “READY” on the display of the dashboard. After switching off the ignition, the voltage in the system can be maintained for up to 10 minutes.

3. In case of an accident, you need to silence the engine with the Power button on the dashboard and carry the key 5 meters from the car. If the Power button is not available, you must open the hood, all doors and remove all fuses from the fuse box, and then disconnect the 12-volt battery.

4. The metal body is effectively insulated from high voltage. The possible breakdown is controlled by a system that reports the Check Hybrid System. Information should not be underestimated, although the message may appear for other, less dangerous reasons.

Repairs

There are various body elements on the market. There are no new substitutes, but there are many used at reasonable prices. For example, the back door of the trunk costs about $250.

As for the details of the suspension, it is much better. You can buy analogues. The front transverse lever will cost about 3-6 thousand rubles. But it is worth noting that the durability of the chassis is very high (especially at the rear). Even after 100,000 km, shock absorbers, Silentblocks and balls retain excellent physical shape. But the front landing bearings serve about 100,000 km. They change in the collection with the hub (4-6 thousand rubles plus 2000 rubles for a replacement).

Absolute silence.

• The engine comes into operation only when necessary - during movement at high speed or when accelerating.

What to choose?

• (taking into account the addition of the overall ranges of work and all losses).

What do you need to know?

• The cold winters of Prius are not scary, but air conditioning failure in the summer can completely immobilize the hybrid.

What's breaking?

• With proper care and timely maintenance, the Prius is almost trouble-free and very tenacious.
• Typical operations (replacement of pads, oil and shock absorbers) can be performed in any automotive service that has a basic understanding of working with hybrid or electric vehicles.
• A non-stage transmission rarely needs repair or replacement.
• Yes, the first-generation model had problems with battery durability.
• The cooling pump of the hybrid transmission can fail (5-10 thousand rubles).

Typical problems and malfunctions

• The air conditioning system fails most often due to maintenance in a regular service.
• For safety reasons, the onboard computer can immobilize the hybrid even with minor electrical faults.
• Often the exhaust system begins to corrode, but it usually does not reach through holes.
• This is the result of wear of the oil removable piston rings.
• Theoretically, the engine can be repaired, but in the case of excessive oil and gas, it is easier to install a “contract engine” (20-30 thousand rubles).
• To reduce unsprung masses, the hybrid wheels are made of an alloy with the addition of magnesium.
• With age, cracks occur on the anthers of the external SRUS (500 rubles for an analogue).
• The cost of repairs in the service will be about 5000 rubles.

It's important!

• To repair the transmission, electricity with a voltage of 1 kV is required.
• In case of an accident, you need to silence the engine with the Power button on the dashboard and carry the key 5 meters from the car.
• If the Power button is not available, you must open the hood, all doors and remove all fuses from the fuse box, and then disconnect the 12-volt battery.

Toyota Prius is better served in specialized service centers. Fortunately, the hybrid rarely breaks down, but repairs will be expensive if problems arise. However, the used Prius is worth the attention.

• Model history: 1997 - the first generation Toyota Prius series, the NHW10 model.
• Absolute silence: The hybrid has no possibility of recharging from the socket.
• What to choose?: (taking into account the addition of the general range of work and all losses).
• What to know?: The cold winters of Prius are not scary, but air conditioning failure in the summer can completely immobilize the hybrid.
• What breaks down?: With proper care and timely maintenance, the Prius is virtually trouble-free and very tenacious.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: The air conditioning system fails most often due to maintenance in a regular service.
• Important!: 1kV electricity is required to repair the transmission.
• Repair: There are various body parts on the market.

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