The Prius Plug In looks great, and I have been waiting for it to come to Illinois since it was released last year. Toyota's website said for a year that it would be released nationally "in 2013." Recently that has been changed to say "availability in additional states is currently under study." Do any gearheads know what has caused the delay and when (if?) it might become more broadly available? (Bonus question: what is so difficult about releasing it nationwide? Low production? Regulatory issues? It seems like it shouldn't be that hard.)
posted by AgentRocket
on May 10, 2013 -
3 answers
I live in Brooklyn, sans garage, and have recently gotten it into my head that I want a small used car for occasional driving... I'm talking about the few miles to my office a couple times a week, maybe to the beach on weekends. Perhaps as far as the Jersey shore once or twice a summer. I do not intend or need to use it as a daily commuter. Seems pretty simple, only catch is... I am infatuated with the idea of getting a mk1 Toyota MR2.
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posted by nathancaswell
on Apr 11, 2013 -
9 answers
We're likely going to buy a used (2006 or 2007) Prius soon. Any advice from Prius owners would be appreciated! E.g., problems you've had that we can ask our mechanic to check on before buying; unexpected likes or dislikes about the car; your experience with aging batteries; regrets you didn't buy a different hybrid instead? Thanks all!
posted by b_alex_a
on Feb 17, 2013 -
24 answers
Should I trade my rebuilt title vehicle for any other vehicle, just to get an increased trade in value?
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posted by NotSoSimple
on Dec 31, 2012 -
10 answers
How (in the hell) do I find spare parts for my '02 Toyota Hilux Surf? Difficulty factor: car in Kenya, originally made for Japanese market, wife in US and could bring parts back.
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posted by allkindsoftime
on Sep 18, 2012 -
7 answers
I recently bought a 2011 Toyota Corolla with 37,000 miles on it, it's Toyota certified. I drive about 2000 miles per month (probably more). When I'm done with college, I'm hoping to move closer to work at reduce my overall commute by 50% or more, but right now I'm stuck at 2000ish miles a month (lots of alone car time).
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posted by snow_mac
on Aug 22, 2012 -
18 answers
My '95 Toyota Camry uses Dexron II transmission fluid as power steering fluid, but nobody sells Dexron II anymore...
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posted by Mercaptan
on Jul 30, 2012 -
8 answers
Bought my used 01 Toyota Camry from a dealership over a year and a half ago. Today they inspected the brakes and told me all pads need to be replaced + new brake fluid + powersteering fluid flush + resurfacing the rotors, and new battery. I have been taking this vehicle to same dealership for routine oil changes which include multi-point inspections, and only the battery was an issue in the past. Am I wrong to think that after just over a year and a half I shouldn't need so much work done- should I complain and write a letter, or is this to be expected with a used vehicle?
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posted by biograd08
on Jul 14, 2012 -
20 answers
How much will my transmission cost to fix? Left to its own devices, how much longer will it last? Any advice for a mechanical laywoman?
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posted by dissolvedgirl22
on May 21, 2012 -
5 answers
Power steering failure, AA guy said it was the alternator, dealership (where it's under warranty) claim they can find nothing wrong with the alternator or any aspect of the power steering. Warranty expires next month. What now.
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posted by cilantro
on May 2, 2012 -
14 answers
UsedCarFilter: Shopping for a small inexpensive hatchback, <$10k. Have a few models in mind, but looking for more info
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posted by photo guy
on Mar 9, 2012 -
14 answers
My RAV4 is two months out of warranty, and suddenly needs $5k worth of work. What should I do in this scenario?
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posted by WinnipegDragon
on Mar 5, 2012 -
14 answers
My pickup is a 2000 Toyota Tacoma V6 4X4 with an annoying problem of popping out of first gear both under load and when not under load. This is apparently a known issue with Tacomas as
documented here. I've replaced the bushings per the linked article except for the white one on the end of the shift lever visible in the second photo of step four. This part is on order but I'm not optimistic. What are my options?
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posted by stet
on Mar 5, 2012 -
9 answers
I need guidance from car-fixin' types before I take my truck to a mechanic, in order to prevent falling into a money pit of unnecessary repairs. I also need to know if this is a critical immediate fix or if I have time to collect a few paychecks before addressing it.
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posted by dissolvedgirl22
on Jan 25, 2012 -
18 answers
Answer me these questions three: Do you live in Seattle, do you have a Toyota and do you have a mechanic that you absolutely love? Hook a brother up then!
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posted by friendlyjuan
on Oct 23, 2011 -
5 answers
I'm going to be buying a used car soon, for around $3000. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports doesn't have a reliability chart for beaters.
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posted by freshwater
on Sep 3, 2011 -
20 answers
'03 Toyota Matrix makes terrible noise when even slightly lugging engine. What's wrong?
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posted by cman
on Sep 1, 2011 -
4 answers
What automatic used 4runner should I buy that will be best for both rugged roads and daily driving? Specific project plans inside...
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posted by jnnla
on Aug 30, 2011 -
14 answers
My 2001 4-cylinder Toyota Camry with a little less than 200K miles is at the dealer to have its timing belt and water pump replaced as "preventative maintenance". They haven't even started the work yet and a service writer is recommending that I also have the cam shaft seal and oil pump seals replaced for an additional $150. And of course he's say they
could leak but won't tell me what the odds are. My car is in excellent condition and I hope to get another 50K miles out of it in the next 3 years or so. Is this something I should have them do or are they just trying to scare some more money out of me?
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posted by someonesomewhere
on Jun 15, 2011 -
15 answers
Where can I get a plastic removable bubble window to replace the glass rear window in my Toyota 4runner?
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posted by cda
on May 15, 2011 -
7 answers
I was given a 1984 Toyota RV that is in rough shape cosmetically, but is a strong running chasis. It has the legendary 22r engine (with low miles), a 6 bolt rear axel and a dual battery setup.
The living quarters are a little run down. I am wondering if there is any information on how to strip it down to the frame and if there are any examples of rebuilding a new structure using modern materials?
posted by Herb Jones
on Apr 8, 2011 -
2 answers
I want to buy a
Toyota Hilux and get it licensed to drive in LA, CA. I have two questions: What mechanical problems should I look for when buying this specific truck (2WD, 22R engine, early 90's model)? What should I look out for when trying to license it in California? I'm shopping on Craigslist.
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posted by fake
on Jan 19, 2011 -
20 answers
Asking for a friend: "I've got a 2005 Corolla. That year/make is one of those selectively affected by the Toyota recall re: random stalling. I never received a notice that my car was affected, but I did buy (and transfer the title) fairly recently. Anyway, my car stalled--basically on the highway at rush hour..."
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posted by fiercecupcake
on Dec 29, 2010 -
10 answers
2000 Toyota Camry is having engine overheating issues - what is causing them?
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posted by abdulf
on Nov 5, 2010 -
21 answers
In light of last year's extensive recalls and "runaway vehicle" issues, is it safe to buy a new Toyota?
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posted by DMan
on Sep 18, 2010 -
16 answers
Carshoppingfilter: Jeep Wrangler or Toyota FJ Cruiser? Please help this SUV newb pick a vehicle.
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posted by tryniti
on Sep 14, 2010 -
13 answers
2001 Toyota corolla (75k) makes a whirring/grinding noise which is clearly coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment. Noise stops when actively turning the steering wheel. Noise is present when idling and moving forward. It's also getting louder from day to day.
Any thoughts? I'll be taking it to a mechanic but mine is closed for the holiday weekend. Can I safely keep driving this?
posted by jz
on Jul 2, 2010 -
9 answers
'97 Corolla rumble: I think the transmission or clutch is suspect. What should this cost to fix, and are there more durable components that could be installed for future driving?
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posted by roygbv
on Jun 30, 2010 -
9 answers
I have a 1999 Toyota Avalon. I noticed the small plastic grille below my left headlight missing and there's a dangling plug inside. I can't figure out what used to be in there. The car still runs fine. Inside the passenger-side grille is a grey plastic box, probably connected to a similar plug.
posted by boognish
on Jun 27, 2010 -
4 answers
My daughter's car ruptured a radiator hose. I replaced it, and now it's not running properly. Help!
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posted by doh ray mii
on May 13, 2010 -
19 answers
My car was totaled, (totally not my fault) and I'm in the market for a newer car (yipee!). I was in a 2003 Mercury Sable and found it was too much car for me, now I'm leaning towards a coupe or smaller hatchback. Help me decide!
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posted by Advocate, I
on May 12, 2010 -
24 answers
Calling those w/ more knowledge of cars than I... 1999 Toyota Camry with a well-documented Check Engine light problem. How can I convince people/mechanics that the problem is a low-percentage systemic design flaw and not something that needs replacing if there's never been a recall issued?
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posted by Lacking Subtlety
on Nov 5, 2009 -
11 answers
Victim of auto break-in in Silicon Valley seeks advice about
a) compromise of my SSN (Social Security Number) and
b) reputable, affordable and speedy window-glass replacement for an old Toyota.
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posted by Rash
on Sep 20, 2009 -
6 answers
Please help me fit three little ones into my car. I need recommendations for some skinny car seats.
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posted by wg
on Aug 11, 2009 -
11 answers
New car buying hell. Are we the only ones being told that the Toyota Prius price is MSRP PLUS expensive add-on premiums to cover their gouging?
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posted by 6:1
on Aug 8, 2009 -
21 answers
What's the shift pattern on a 1980 Toyota pickup? The 4-speed shifter, not the 4WD.
posted by attercoppe
on Aug 4, 2009 -
13 answers
I'm generally freaking out about buying a car (used, my first) and have a short laundry list of very general questions.
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posted by Shepherd
on Jul 28, 2009 -
19 answers
My 2001 Toyota Corolla has spontaneously developed a problem: the front and rear fog lights
never turn off, even when the key is out of the ignition. A good mechanic was recommended to me, but he won't be able to see me for several weeks. He warned me to expect to spend $200 minimum. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to try to solve this myself?
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posted by churl
on Jul 24, 2009 -
21 answers
A franchised, "legitimate" car dealer lied to us in order to get us to purchase a car. I know.. not really news and not really unique. But how can we fix this now?
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posted by getawaysticks
on Jul 21, 2009 -
19 answers
