Worried about Toyota hybrid reliability? Here’s my story

I recently went to Seattle for work and noticed that almost every taxi was a Toyota hybrid. The economy taxis were mostly Prius, and the bigger ones were Siennas, Highlanders, and RAV4s—all hybrids. Since I wanted to save some money, I got a 2017 Prius. Out of curiosity, I asked the driver how many miles were on it, and it was over 600k! I wish I’d asked for a picture. The driver said he’s only ever done basic maintenance, and the battery is still working great. I know it’s just one example, but it really impressed me.

Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

beky said:

Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

Toyota probably doesn’t need the commercial. They’re already selling every hybrid they make, often above asking price. Not sure if it’s a secret how good they are anymore.

LisaLovesToyota said:

beky said:
Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

Toyota probably doesn’t need the commercial. They’re already selling every hybrid they make, often above asking price. Not sure if it’s a secret how good they are anymore.

There’s a 16-month wait for a Yaris hybrid in Australia.

LisaLovesToyota said:

beky said:
Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

Toyota probably doesn’t need the commercial. They’re already selling every hybrid they make, often above asking price. Not sure if it’s a secret how good they are anymore.

I wish I could just buy straight from Toyota and skip these greedy dealerships. It’s like they rob you and don’t even buy you dinner first.

LisaLovesToyota said:

beky said:
Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

Toyota probably doesn’t need the commercial. They’re already selling every hybrid they make, often above asking price. Not sure if it’s a secret how good they are anymore.

I don’t see why Toyota would do a commercial like that. Their reputation for reliability is already solid, and they’re struggling to meet demand as it is.

madisonwilson said:

LisaLovesToyota said:
beky said:
Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

Toyota probably doesn’t need the commercial. They’re already selling every hybrid they make, often above asking price. Not sure if it’s a secret how good they are anymore.

I don’t see why Toyota would do a commercial like that. Their reputation for reliability is already solid, and they’re struggling to meet demand as it is.

Demand drives up prices, and the dealerships are cashing in. That’s capitalism for you.

madisonwilson said:

LisaLovesToyota said:
beky said:
Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

Exactly. Just look around, and you’ll see how many Toyota hybrids are being used for taxis. If these cars weren’t reliable, no company would use them. Every driver I’ve talked to loves their hybrid. Toyota should make a commercial featuring them, though I don’t think people in smaller areas get it.

Toyota probably doesn’t need the commercial. They’re already selling every hybrid they make, often above asking price. Not sure if it’s a secret how good they are anymore.

I don’t see why Toyota would do a commercial like that. Their reputation for reliability is already solid, and they’re struggling to meet demand as it is.

Too bad their trucks don’t hold up like their hybrids.

Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

I used to drive for Uber and Lyft in NYC. Most of the vehicles are Toyotas because they don’t need as much maintenance as other cars.

Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

What happened to minivans? I thought RAV4s weren’t much bigger than a Prius.

Jane said:

Jonathan said:
Same in NYC—most taxis are RAV4 Hybrids now!

What happened to minivans? I thought RAV4s weren’t much bigger than a Prius.

There are still some minivans, but RAV4s are more common now. I agree, they’re not super roomy in the back (I own one).

From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Yeah, hybrid batteries tend to die from sitting unused. If you drive them every day, they can last forever, but leave them parked too long, and they’ll self-discharge and die.

Flippa said:

Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Yeah, hybrid batteries tend to die from sitting unused. If you drive them every day, they can last forever, but leave them parked too long, and they’ll self-discharge and die.

This is why I wish Toyota had a backup starter like Honda hybrids. Honda hybrids can still start the engine using a 12v battery if the hybrid battery dies, but Toyotas can’t do that.

Flippa said:

Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Yeah, hybrid batteries tend to die from sitting unused. If you drive them every day, they can last forever, but leave them parked too long, and they’ll self-discharge and die.

My original traction battery lasted 14 years and 430,000 miles of commuting. These batteries love to be used.

Smart said:

Flippa said:
Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Yeah, hybrid batteries tend to die from sitting unused. If you drive them every day, they can last forever, but leave them parked too long, and they’ll self-discharge and die.

My original traction battery lasted 14 years and 430,000 miles of commuting. These batteries love to be used.

Is that 430k kilometers or miles? I’m curious how Prime models hold up if they sit for a few days at a time.

Flippa said:

Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Yeah, hybrid batteries tend to die from sitting unused. If you drive them every day, they can last forever, but leave them parked too long, and they’ll self-discharge and die.

What if you only drive a few days a week? I’m thinking about getting a hybrid, but it won’t be driven every day. Will that hurt the battery?

Sergio said:

Flippa said:
Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Yeah, hybrid batteries tend to die from sitting unused. If you drive them every day, they can last forever, but leave them parked too long, and they’ll self-discharge and die.

What if you only drive a few days a week? I’m thinking about getting a hybrid, but it won’t be driven every day. Will that hurt the battery?

As long as it’s not sitting for more than a week without being driven, it should be fine.

Washington said:
From my experience, age and leaving the car parked for long periods is worse for hybrid batteries than high mileage. I had a hybrid battery die at 139,000 km (about 86,000 miles) on a 17-year-old van, and it happened after it sat unused for a while.

Battery life is mostly about airflow. Keeping the filter and fan clean is really important for that.