I was that guy that made Prius jokes and about Prius drivers. Then I spent some time driving one... they are truly excellent cars

And thank you very much for buying the tool to finish disassembling the Prius engine

Haters gonna hate, trolls gonna troll. But the Wizard is going to put out interesting car videos in his Bob Ross style.

I have never heard a Prius owner say " I don't like my Prius". They truly are GREAT CARS! Thanks for the tour Wizard!

We have 298k on our 2006 Prius. Still has original rear brakes, steering/suspension. It's a great car, even drives good on snow and ice. Built like a little tank.

"It is a DIY job if *Hoovie* can do it"... it's not even shade, we all know it's the absolute truth

After watching this vlog on the prius I'm genuinely impressed. Almost 200 k miles and the control arms and bushings have zero play on them...truly impressive

I have a new respect for the Prius after watching this video.

Even with 200k+ miles those are probably original pads. Hybrids/ev's rarely need pads due to regenerative braking.

Hey wizard, i too own a 2008 prius. Sitting at 392,142 miles!! No joke. Original hybrid battery, original motor, everything works, no leaks, original suspension nothing wrong at all! Just maintained. I have changed the 12v battery twice and brake pads twice. Thats literally it. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Passes inspection everytime.

The main battery is not a lithium ion battery. It is a nickle metal hydride battery for that year and model.

The engine cutting off used to make me nervous at first I used to drive a lot of junkers lol.

Thanks for the no nonsense technical appreciation for the Prius2. I own an Auris with the 1.8L synergy drivetrain from the Prius3, they are just as bullit proof reliable. You can clearly see that the Rolls was a RHD car by looking at the windshield wipers. They are set up for RHD use.

I've got a 2008 with 293,000 miles on. Still has the original battery, mine has less oil leakage than this one. Oil changes are super easy, it's right up front, transmission fluid change every 50,000k it's a simple dump and fill. There's no filter to change, the drain bolt and fill bolt are right there on the front all you need is a hose and a funnel you come in from the top under the hood. You need a 10 mm Allen and a 24 mm socket. 4 quarts of Toyota World standard ATF cost you $20 at Walmart. I average over 50,000 miles a year, and even with this mileage mine still gives me between 45 and 52 miles per gallon in the city and 38-40 miles per gallon on the highway at 80 miles an hour. And it's actually a pretty easy car to work on if you're willing to learn a few things that are different about this car than other cars even the Hybrid battery is not that difficult to work on it takes about 30 minutes to get the battery out of the car. Just one small detail the battery packs inside that main battery are actually nickel metal hydride not lithium. lithium battery did not come out until 2016 and only in some of the models.

I own a Prius 2 built in 2004 with 283000 km and 177000 miles respectively. The only major repair so far has been the replacement of the shock absorbers and brake discs. Really a great and economical car! I can only recommend it. Thanks for the videos!

Finally someone reliable serious that gives complete and objective information. Excellent channel.

Keep up those videos wizard 🤘🏻🧙‍♂️

11:44 no, it is a nickel-metal hydride battery. This has lower power density but with the right battery management, longer life than Li-Ion. By the way, great video :D you showed why I love the Prius, its made so so well! A little addition. The (3rd gen) plug in prius (~2012-~2016) haa an additional Li-Ion batterypack. This is in addition to the NiMH batteries. If the Li-Ion is empty, the care only uses the NiMH batteries from that point onwards untill you charged the Li-Ion’s via the charging port.

Chrisfix did a video on how to replace the main battery

Another great episode Wizard,, remember, critics are a dime a dozen and are only there to remind you that you are alive and doing, not trolling ! Cheers and God Bless you and your Family from Canada !

I'm so happy to see you got your good mood back! And thank you for a wonderful video, been looking at these Priuses for quite a while as a daily driver.

You are the Bob Ross of mechanicing. It's really relaxing listening to you, even when you are wailing on the trolls. Great videos, keep it up.

😀I updated my prius 2007 into plug-in hybrid with the latest 20 kWh Nissan Leaf batteries. It's still running strong after 17 years! Incredible! Best car ever !

I have a 2009 Camry hybrid I bought in February 2019 with 193,000 miles as of June 2019 it has 205,000 miles no issues except the brake light switch broke and my dash had to be replaced from being sticky and 2 oil changes. All things I’ve done myself. Original hybrid battery and original 12V battery. Looks almost brand new still.

My 2012 Camry Hybrid has NO belts! 😳 You can see the crank pulley down there. But nothing to run to it. And the car spoils you! 😻

Really enjoyed your overview of the Prius. Never really had a reason to look at them. I was definitely wrong. Thanks. Keep up the great job. Look forward to the next one. I want to say that I also appreciate that you’ve ordered the tool to finish what you started. Respect

Blows my mind that such a nice man like yourself could have haters. Keep the great videos coming Wizard!

Your such an honest mechanic man!! Im a tech up in Colorado and i love every single one of your videos!!! Very accurate to everything that i have seen and you talk sense!!!! Thank you for speading your knowledge and opinions!!!!!! Keep it up man and thank you for your service both automotively and for our country❤

Great video, I've got over a million miles on my different Priuses my 13 has over 300k . I appreciate your letting your viewers know about the orange cable and the battery discount. My only problem is you need to let the system sit about 30 45 minutes after disconnecting it so the capacitor in the inverter converter can discharge its power or you will get a hell of a shock

Are a great car! Bought one for my wife 2 yrs ago, fuel savings calculated has paid it off in that time- 4.6-4.9lt/100km(metric sorry). Jus a cautionary note, the isolator plug removed still doesn't make the battery pack safe! If you are going to dismantle it, you need to understand electrical principles and high voltage handling techniques! Copying someone else doing it is not safe practise! Period! Like a wall socket, easy to copy but understand their are 5 ways to wire, only one is correct and why! Be safe everyone. Nice videos, love the shop size and cars stored look interesting.

Love your channel. I use to make fun of the Prius. I own a Prius now. I love this car! Unbelievable technology and durability

Wizard, I have owned a 2015 Prius Gen 3 since October 2014 from new. Currently it has 272,000 miles on it. I didn't have to change the front brake pads and rotors until it hit 200,000 miles. I just changed the ORIGINAL rear rotors and pads at 272,000 miles. I have driven for Lyft in Los Angeles for the past 4 years. I still have the original Hybrid battery, and original 12 volt battery. The major service I have completed on my vehicle was .... Transmission oil drain and fill. sparkplug change. Inverter coolant change. Radiator coolant change. I am due for these services again now. Would you please show one or all of the following? Transmission oil drain and fill. sparkplug change. Inverter coolant change. Radiator coolant change. By the way, my mother was born in Kansas, and I was born in Oklahoma City. I love your videos. Keep up the good work!!!

My wife has a CT200h (Lexus version), it's a really good car. I make sure to turn the car off when changing the oil.

Really nice job on covering the prius , Thanks

Super recommendation about being sure the Smart Key is not in the car when working on it! Never thought about it before. We have had nothing but Prius since we bought our first one in 2002. By far the most reliable cars we have ever owned - I don't even know what is in second place. Doing nothing but scheduled maintenance year after year is a novel experience for me. Two quirks about Toyota hybrids: 1) The Atkinson-Miller engines tend to belch soot into the intake because of the Miller valve timing. The first gen sedans (2001-2003) should have the TBs cleaned (Swab on, Wipe out) every year or two, before cold weather sets in, to prevent hard start. 2) If the engine starts just before you shut the system down on a cold short move, it can clank and shake like the devil when restarted. The same thing happens if you use spray intake cleaner. Give it a minute to finish its hissy fit and it will be okay, but is is scary sounding when it is going on.

I’m 53 and a lot of my friends have shops your by far the best mechanic I’ve ever seen

I would guess one reason to have separate cooling systems is the different desired operating temperatures. The Synergy Drive electric motor control unit likely tries to stay as cool as possible, while the gas engine is probably running around 90C degree coolant temp.

The 1ZZ-FE was a problem child in early Corollas, I had a 2000 Corolla and it had an appetite for oil. A biiiiiiiig one.

I've got a third gen Prius coming up on 200,000 mi and it is simply the best purchase decision I've ever made. Virtually no maintenance besides a few minor things here and there and the fuel economy has honestly never dropped from when it was new. I'm kicking myself for never having paint protection film put on the front end and hood but besides that I still love it. Mine has the somewhat rare solar roof option that runs an exhaust fan in the car via power from a solar panel on the roof on a hot day. It works reasonably well. You never have to get into a super hot car on a summer day which is nice. It also has a remote AC button on the key fob with the only negative being that you have to be reasonably close to the car to get it to work so it's not able to do all that much cooling before you're actually ready to get inside.

In love with my Generation 2, 2008 Prius, with 170,000 miles. It was only 25K, new in 10/2007. Most think it’s new since it’s garage kept with my custom front and rear running lights. Perhaps garage kept helps the original battery last longer due to less corrosion on the hybrid battery connections? The HID headlights failed but replaced them myself without taking the bumper off by feeling my way with my hand. They are much brighter than the originals. Went 90K with the energy saver Defender Michelin tires and replaced them with the regular Defender Michelin tires. Loss a few miles per gallon but handles better and a softer ride maybe due to new thread. The Prius is used for long trips only with an average mileage of 53 MPG. Short trips are by bike, feet and public transit all year. It’s a beautiful sports car Barcelona RED. Good sleeping camping car with a 6’ bed with great cargo capacity. Adding a portable inverter makes a 115 Volt generator for back up efficient home power with the on and off cycle of the engine. The Princess Prius is a tough survivor like the princess cat in the movie “The Incredible Journey”. The beautiful large dash display is ahead of its time with sharp graphics like a space ship. Ran out of gas, and a whole dashboard lit up including the triangle of death (indicates serious malfunction - do something now!). Fortunately filled up 1/2 mile away before the battery became too low. Never again!! It’s an adventure reliable stealth vehicle that slips through the air quietly! The best smooth styling of all the model years. Definitely a incognito James Bond vehicle with secrete abilities never to be underestimated. So watch out!!! In time, it will become a classic antique with appreciating value.

My uncle has 437,000 miles on his Prius

There are Prius taxis with 600.000+ miles with completely original engine / transmission / drivetrain. Other than wearing parts (which Toyota hybrids have less of than conventional cars) not a single issue.

My 2008 Prius has got 221,000 miles on it and is just as clean underneath. This has been one of the best cars I have ever owned - easily. Only major component I've replaced was the catalytic convertor (CEL with P0401). If you r curious, the lacquer thinner did not clean the part enough to restore it's function. Running on the same traction battery and the brakes, but the 12V battery died and was replaced with an Optima yellow top. And I preempted the engine and inverter water pumps and replaced then at 200K and kept the old ones for spares, since they were both good. Other than oil changes every 5K with synthetic (Super tech 5W-30), two transaxle fluid changes, and 2 coolant flushes, no other repairs have been needed. Engine uses 1/2-one quart every 5K during hot weather conditions and has always done so because of our climate here in Louisiana (as well as my VERY heavy foot when using the Interstate). But the Prius electrical A/C system rocks!

I always enjoy the Wizard's videos. A real calm gentleman. Well done.

I work at a dealership where USED Prius's r a mainstay. Very good car.

Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't the "ride height sensor" is for the auto level headlight? It obviously does not have an airbag suspension system.

447k miles on my 2004 Toyota Prius and still going strong, getting 46MPG regularly! Very easy and cheap to maintain.

Best vehicle ever bought. Got it used 2005 with 150k miles now has 500k+ miles with original engine and transmission. Hybrid batteries got done by me couple of times and all mechanical items are still the factory fitted.

I’ve seen the same exact thing happen at a dealership I worked at! The motor started right after he dropped the oil filter.

The brakes only work under 5 mph OR in a hard/panic stop. Regen does the rest. If you are a smooth driver, the brake pads will last almost forever. I have original rear shoes at 200k.

You have a voice and speed/ cadence I could listen to all day. Could happily listen to an audiobook by you! 😊

Wizard, we all like watching your videos because you know what you're doing and what you're talking about. If you have so many customers and such a large shop full of the kinds of cars you do, then you're obviously doing everything correctly. Don't lose sight of that. People will come along in the future and try to drag you down again. Embrace it. It means they're trying to steal your happiness and success because they can't do it on their own. It's a good sign. Those that matter know. Those that don't know... they don't matter.

These gen 2 Prius cars are some of the best Toyotas out there. 40+ mpg on a bad day and no issues for at least 300K miles on the clock. Just change the oil and keep on driving. Brake pads are good for 100K! Spark plugs are good for 100K! WHAT! BTW, the battery is NOT lithium. It's NiMh. 28 7 volt modules. Each module has 6 cells in it.

My 08 prius has 226,000 miles only had to do oil changes and buy tires best car we've ever had still gets 45mpg. check the spare tire well sometimes water gets in there.

My 2008 red Prius 140K 52mpg avg. I bought new 24K. I only use it for long trips. Short trips by bicycle only . Also I plan my long trips with a tail wind. 60mpg thanks for the tips and review.

I have a 2014 Prius I commute back-and-forth from Las Vegas to southern Utah four times a week it has 180,000 miles it will be five years old in two months I love it runs like a champ averages 39 mpg doing 85 mph.

The 2008 Prius doesn’t have “stacks of lithium-ion batteries” - the battery pack in those 2nd generation Priuses was based on 28 Panasonic-made Nickel Metal Hydride modules.

There are two electric motors inside the Hybrid Transaxal (technically they are also generators, toyota calls them MG1 and MG2 for motogenerator 1 and 2) that are the sun and ring gear of a planetary gear-set. Also, fun fact, the power is delivered to the final drive/differential by a chain like a bike or a timing chain. Never understood why.

Hey you have my exact car in the background!! The silver E55! Best car ever! It's my daily driver. Put on 45k superfast and reliable miles on it.

As someone who owns the following generation Prius (2015) I can say it’s easily one of the most reliable cars I’ve owned. Next one for me was an E90 ‘06 325i in terms of reliability, but the Prius hands down is the car I don’t expect to die on me while on trips.

ChrisFix has a great video on servicing the traction battery.

did the exact same thing brother bought a prius with 190k on it now has 220k on it and not one problem!!!! we were not scared either. we know what a toyota is. here at my shop it is the least car we get in. the one we get the most are nissan and honda. but never toyota. and when we do they have 320,000 miles on it!!! no lie!

My dad got me a red 08 Prius right before I went off to college too! I've had it over 5 years now and love my car, it runs fantastic and quiet plus it's so nice to only pay ~$25 for a full tank of gas around here. The only issue we've ever had with it was a small part of the coolant pump and a coolant sensor needed to be replaced but it sounds like that's one of the more common issues for Priuses/Prii anyway. And about leaving the key in the ignition slot: I've accidentally driven my car for half an hour before with just the key ON MY PERSON, not even physically in the slot. Car starts with no complaint and there's no indicator to let you know, then it drives just like normal. Definitely something to be aware of. Thank you for this informative look at these nifty little cars!

I was a lube manager at a hybrid specific shop. I ALWAYS recommend a person getting a toyota if they don't know what kind of car to get.

Wizard, are you going to install N2O on this Prius ? Thank you for the upload.

Did you make a video on replacing Hoovies engine? I don't think anyone has a engine replacement video for a Hybrid.

Daughter is very lucky to have a mechanic for a dad :)

I bought the same car, exactly three years ago. My 21 year old daughter has taken it over, loves it. Everything the Wizard said is right. These cars are super reliable. Ours is 12 years old and drives like new. We have leather, it’s held up really well. Ours also has an aftermarket sunroof (Webasto) and aftermarket heated seats. We pulled the plastic wheel rings to expose (what I think) are attractive alloy wheels. Thanks for an excellent video. Subscribed.

fav hybrid/electric? yes a 1950's E and F series GM diesel electric locomotive

Prius is nickel-metal hydride battery not lithium.

I used to be staunchly anti Prius and hybrid but needing a sensible and comfortable commuter car I decided on a Camry, the 2018 model. I test drove all 3; the regular 2.5, the V6 and the Hybrid. I wanted the V6 with its 300 hp but I wanted to be objective also. The regular 4 cylinder wasn’t bad. For what it was, it willingly performed. The V6 was next..... that one was more of an enigma.... it’s fast but it doesn’t seem like it is, very different from my ‘02 Maxima I had many years ago.... also in all honesty I knew that for the most part I couldn’t really use all its power most of the time as the car is “deceptively” quick, it’ll get you in trouble if you’re not careful plus I factored in the V6 fuel economy hit. I then drive the Hybrid. WOW. This is the Camry’s trump card. It’s just so serene and quiet! It performs almost like the regular non Hybrid, it’s not a race car by any means, but it’ll do what you need it to do. It just worked well and felt complete. It won me over and that was that, now a ‘18 Camry Hybrid XLE resides in my fleet. It’s comfortable, quiet and it’s just a pleasant place to be. The kicker; I’ve almost hit 60 MPG with it- a loaded, midsize sedan. Amazing by any means. Very pleased with it and save for floppy sun visors fixed under warranty and a mouse chewing the oil pressure switch harness (fell under insurance) I’ve put on 27,000 trouble free miles on it. Proof that Toyota very much knows what they’re doing.

I bought the same generation Prius, a 2005, a few years ago with almost 200k and a bad traction battery. My plan was to fix it, play with it for a bit, then flip that piece of junk (so I thought) but we fell in love with it. Sadly, it was totaled a few days ago so I'll be buying another one. At around 200k I replaced the factory spark plugs and factory front pads. Along the way it's had the engine water pump and hybrid pump replaced, the 12v battery replaced once, and a few light bulbs replaced. There's a few quirky things on them, but overall it's an exceptionally good car. I've never seen anything else with 200k that had no leaks and all factory steering/suspension in good shape.

I find that Japan built Toyota have superior quality than NA built. I have a 2014 Highlander and have many body defects.

Not gonna lie, I’m a Chevy guy but even I have to admit I actually leak more fluids than that Toyota does.

David, you are awesome, I wish I can shake your hand personally and thank you for taking your time making these educational videos

I had a 2000 Honda Insight when they first came out with a 5 speed manual, it was work driving it around kind of like a VW bug from the 60's. Then they came out with a CVT automatic and that was a lot more fun to drive around. Had one more in 06 when they decided to cancel the production and although It only carried two people they were a fun car to own . Other than the usual wear stuff never had any problems with any of them and always thought they looked so far ahead of their time. Pulling up on a first date was a bit dicey but a good test of your self confidence .

They are not lithium battery's they are nickel metal hydride batterys

Wizard, do you mind doing a "what to buy, what not to buy" for Toyota? I finally gave up on European cars and bought a Rav4, I am liking it, but just wanted to get an opinion when we plan to replace our other cars.

I have an 05 with 230,000 miles on it with no signs of it dying. The battery went out at 220,000, but I got it replaced with a refurbished for 1,000 and a 2 yr 25,000 mile warranty! Definitely driving it to the ground.

nice video good to see that the wizard ordered the part to finally disassemble the broken engine

You should add some nitrous...

I never thought I would own a Prius in my life. I am not who you would envision getting out of this car at 6'3 and 260. I am not an environmentalist or nut job hippie that doesn't wash my hair but once a week to save water and shampoo. That being said I LOVE the enigneering of this car. I think it is the toughest vehicle ever made and definitely ever engineered (brilliant) I really like the 50 miles per gallon of fuel because it has paid for this vehicle. I just can't say enough neat stuff about her. Still Intriguing me after 260K. NYC taxi service is almost all Prius and some are over 10 years old with 600K ...YES 600K, they know what is tuff. We use this same technology on railroad locomotives. It is the future of the automotive industry. Audi-VW is switching to all electric vehicles next year. Internal combustion engine will be obsolete in 10 years. GUARANTEED

I love this guy, the wizard. So cool, down to earth and painstaking. Must be a great dad and complete gentleman. Kudos.

I just shared this with my daughter, she leaves for college in a 2006 Prius this Friday. You're video I think will help her understand her car more.

The miners seepage maybe from when they put oil in the car of the oil change and once it's it down the engine it's always there

The Prius is Is a nice car, boring but nice. It was interesting to have a mechanics eye view of it though.

I got my daughter a 2008 Prius for her journey to college as well. This video gave me some peace of mind.

Love my Prius. LS 5.3 Tahoe for weekend fun but Prius daily driver.

Have you ever bought or serviced a Honda Civic Hybrid? I think the battery is bad on mine

pretty much any newer toyota or really anything that gets 30+ mpg will have many underbody shields for airflow management... if you find any damaged you will see it in gas mileage first Edit all keyless entry cars you should put the keys in a metal box and be sure it is off!

Great video. I own a Lexus CT200h which is the same drivetrain as a Prius. As a realtor that drives a lot, I couldn’t agree more Wizard. Amazing car, great fuel mileage, cheap to service (just did brakes for the first time at 120k!) cheap parts, etc. I bought it new and plan to give it to my son once he’s ready to drive in a few years.

I had one of this bad-ass, no problem for 11 years 230k miles until battery died in really hot Florida weather. Cost about $2500 to get brand new battery installed but everything else still works fine. Switch to the 3rd Generation 2015, so far nothing but oil change. Car Wizard, Toyota used NiMh Batttery in 2nd gen Prius. Only the plugin use Lithium battery. Toyota gives 15 years warranty unlimited mileage in some countries like UK/Ireland and 10 years in USA. When my battery completely death. Car still runs to whatever I want but the power is cut a lot especially the torque at low speed.

Dang cars in your Area have like no RUST. :D

And finally, Prius in form of Corolla. I'm looking to get one once I paid off my 4Runner.

i have a 09 with like 150,000 just a passenger leaking trans axle seal got it fixed for about $200 bucks back on the road after putting in some Toyota transmission oil from the dealer 👍 good video gives me more confidence to keep my 09 thanks!💯

Thanks for the video. Historically, I believe the Prius will be regarded as one of the most brilliant works of automotive engineering in the world. I'm proud to have owned one for over 11 years and 161k miles. Mine has the original traction battery and third 12v battery. It's not a perfect car AND it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned. It is not a hard car to work on. Most of the non-hybrid parts are shared with other Toyotas like platform siblings Corolla and Matrix. There's a ton of support for this car on Priuschat including how to change coolant in both cooling systems. Oil changes are super easy. Headlight bulbs are a bit trickier. The electric ac means you'll get a lot more life out of it compared to belt driven which is critical in a southern US climate. Never had a problem with mine. The belt driven water pump is easy to replace. Toyota replaced my inverter pump (water pump for inverter) twice, once under warranty and once a few years later on recall (second one did not need replacement). I'm on my 4th set of rear wheel bearings but this is mostly my fault for using cheap parts ($80 a pair). I got 5 years out of 1st pair and 2 years out of each subsequent pair. Easy to replace. To the collectors, pick them up now while they're cheap. Just don't install a nitro kit. Too bad Hoovie placated the Prius haters with his publicity stunt. And to the haters, let me say this with a bullhorn, THE PRIUS IS NOT A SPORTS CAR. Get over it. Go buy a 2019 Ford Mustang GT with the A10 and run high 11's all day.

my 2002 focus has no leaks and runs as new...5-speed manual...192K

The underneath of the car looks like a car with 30k miles on it, not 190k, pretty decent 👌🏼

As a Prius owner of 4 years I learned so much from this video. Great car. Great channel. Great wizard.

Always informative never boring. God bless from Sydney Australia 👍