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2008 Toyota Prius Engine and Tires

 
thedamhoffs thedamhoffs
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 08/09
Posted: 08/08/09
10:03 AM

I have a 2008 Toyota Prius with about 26,000 miles on it.  Lately I notice that it feels like it "surges" when I am driving down the highway going any speed.  Also, the tires need to be replaced after only 26,000 miles.  Any else experiencing these things?  Thanks.  

 
gboates gboates
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 11/09
Posted: 11/14/09
12:42 PM

People complain of surging with all new 'drive by wire' Toyota vehicles. If this feels extreme take it in immediately. Next time it is in get the laptop hooked up to the main chip by the shop tech and see if he/she can spot any concerns. You can also do a lot of customizing of warning beeps etc etc at this time and create a much more enjoyable driving environment.
The Tires?
I have had a new 2005, 2006 and 2007 Toyota vehicle. Told by the dealer's staff, both sales and service, that (in Canada) they all come with OEM tires. What this means is that Toyota and the tire company, in my cases Bridgestone and Michelin, agree to a tire spec for the new vehicle. The OEM tire is usually lighter due to a better 'test ride by prospective buyers' and less expense for the Company. My Camry wore out (nearly, keeping them to put on the carwhen I return it after leasing) Michelin MX4s at 17,000 miles or 23,000km. I was not impressed as this has happened to me before, many times actually. So I bought Bridgestone GEO19s for it... very heavy and robust tread. I took the Michelin OEM carcasses to a tire shop and compared them to new consumer available Michelin MX4s - WOW, night and day. Confirmation of one of the many automotive 'conspiracy theories'!

My kick in the pants? The Bridgestone tires SCALLOPED, CUPPED - whatever you want to call it, and are you sitting down?? at 5,000 km. The alignment was checked at my expense of course - nothing wrong - although every realignment comes with an explanation as to how it was out a bit here or there - take the sheet around to the experts and you will get the same analysis of the numbers - nothing too wrong that it will hurt, within the + or - spec etc etc

I have read in other forums (just google Camry tire problem and you will be amazed) that the strut bushings may be too soft of the negative camber in the rear suspension is too strong and under load (driving at speed) sets up a dangerous harmonic. Bottom line is the Toyota cars are not what they used to be - even the seat materials (foams) are thinner then just a few years ago - when will they realize that they are going to lose customers. After my first Corolla in 1979 and always a Toyota in the driveway since... well I have 14 months to wait to shed this 2007 Camry and never again!http://forums.automotive.com/_siteconfigs/_global/images/community/bbcode/mad.gif  

 
gboates gboates
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 11/09
Posted: 11/14/09
12:42 PM

People complain of surging with all new 'drive by wire' Toyota vehicles. If this feels extreme take it in immediately. Next time it is in get the laptop hooked up to the main chip by the shop tech and see if he/she can spot any concerns. You can also do a lot of customizing of warning beeps etc etc at this time and create a much more enjoyable driving environment.
The Tires?
I have had a new 2005, 2006 and 2007 Toyota vehicle. Told by the dealer's staff, both sales and service, that (in Canada) they all come with OEM tires. What this means is that Toyota and the tire company, in my cases Bridgestone and Michelin, agree to a tire spec for the new vehicle. The OEM tire is usually lighter due to a better 'test ride by prospective buyers' and less expense for the Company. My Camry wore out (nearly, keeping them to put on the carwhen I return it after leasing) Michelin MX4s at 17,000 miles or 23,000km. I was not impressed as this has happened to me before, many times actually. So I bought Bridgestone GEO19s for it... very heavy and robust tread. I took the Michelin OEM carcasses to a tire shop and compared them to new consumer available Michelin MX4s - WOW, night and day. Confirmation of one of the many automotive 'conspiracy theories'!

My kick in the pants? The Bridgestone tires SCALLOPED, CUPPED - whatever you want to call it, and are you sitting down?? at 5,000 km. The alignment was checked at my expense of course - nothing wrong - although every realignment comes with an explanation as to how it was out a bit here or there - take the sheet around to the experts and you will get the same analysis of the numbers - nothing too wrong that it will hurt, within the + or - spec etc etc

I have read in other forums (just google Camry tire problem and you will be amazed) that the strut bushings may be too soft of the negative camber in the rear suspension is too strong and under load (driving at speed) sets up a dangerous harmonic. Bottom line is the Toyota cars are not what they used to be - even the seat materials (foams) are thinner then just a few years ago - when will they realize that they are going to lose customers. After my first Corolla in 1979 and always a Toyota in the driveway since... well I have 14 months to wait to shed this 2007 Camry and never again!http://forums.automotive.com/_siteconfigs/_global/images/community/bbcode/mad.gif  

 

2010 Toyota Prius
Body Style:
Hatchback
Rating:

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