On Wed, 13 Apr 2005 19:29:30 -0700, L Sternn
A cab also gives no bearing on how the battery fares over longer timespans.
The lifespan that matters for manufacturers of japanese cars is about 5 years, because the Shakken (inspeciton agency) in Japan makes you junk your car after five years anyway.
Thus the question 'will a part for my 15 year old car be available' doesn't arise for these manufacturers. And indeed it is difficult to locate parts even for early 90s japanese cars, let alone cars as old as Brent's.
Try to buy a replacement battery for a 5 year old notebook. That's more or less impossible, because it needs a certain type (form factor, voltage) of battery. That laptop batteries are more advanced today than they were 5 years ago doesn't help you, because you simply don't get a battery that fits. Same is going to happen with the Prius, more modern batteries are going to be available, but they won't fit your old Prius.
Unlike japanese cars US- and european manufacturers either offer parts for old cars themselves or you can access a plentiful aftermarket. A fender for a 1966 Chevy Impala? Choose between 10 offers from $80. A fender for a 1982 Honda Accord? Not a chance.
Apparently they provide parts longer and for less money than the Japanese.
That's one thing you definitely don't have to worry about, even with a Prius.
Chris
