Prius making a noise...is this normal??? Also, need advice!

[Nards]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sarge @ Jun 8 2007, 11:12 AM) [snapback]458054[/snapback]</div>

Hmmm... I wonder if that is the same sound I have noticed on my '06? The one I am referring to is NOT the coolant transfer (I know that sound), and comes from the ICE when starting up and lasts ~20 to 30 seconds (never timed it) the first time until the engine is adequated lubricated or warmed (I assume). I think it only happens when the car is cold. IMHO, it sounds like a chain, so I figured it might be the timing chain...? This is my first timing-chain car, my others had a belt, so I am not sure if this is 'normal' and I don't know anyone else with a Prius with which to compare.

[/b]

Hmm, I wonder also... it sure sounds like it definitely could be the same noise. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and drive the 5-6 hour round-trip and get it inspected. I'd hate to waste my time and money if it doesn't check out or has significant problems though.

[tanglefoot]

I bought mine before March 31 when the tax credits cut in half again. The Federal was about $1500 and there was a seperate one from the state. I ran some numbers and it should be about $4000 total. I hope it works out that way! You should get something from state taxes to add to that $787.

I got the dealer the beat another dealers "no haggle" price and got the price knocked down to about $21,500. They also had a 24 months at 0% then.

Before the Prius, I'd never had a car that was more than $3000, so I was set on buying used, but with the combination of all the offers and the price matching and incentives, I bit the bullet and got a new one. Resale value on Prii is very high, so used ones are often more than or close to the same as new ones. They often have different option packages, but the package 1 has everything I could ever use.


Eric

[Nards]

Wow, yeah... I just looked at the Colorado state tax credits and it's a nice chunk of money. Unfortunately, Texas does not have a state tax refund unless I'm missing something. I'm wondering though, could I say buy my car in Colorado (or somewhere else that has a state tax credit), get it licensed there, and then be eligible for the state tax credit, and then come back to Texas and transfer it to a Texas license?

[priusmaybe]

never mind

[Nards]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sarge @ Jun 8 2007, 11:12 AM) [snapback]458054[/snapback]</div>

Hmmm... I wonder if that is the same sound I have noticed on my '06? The one I am referring to is NOT the coolant transfer (I know that sound), and comes from the ICE when starting up and lasts ~20 to 30 seconds (never timed it) the first time until the engine is adequated lubricated or warmed (I assume). I think it only happens when the car is cold. IMHO, it sounds like a chain, so I figured it might be the timing chain...? This is my first timing-chain car, my others had a belt, so I am not sure if this is 'normal' and I don't know anyone else with a Prius with which to compare.
[/b]

Before I write this deal off and everything, has anyone else noticed the noise Sarge is describing? Still kind of a toss up for me and the dealer has called me twice today!

[biphnest]

If the noise is most noticeable during a cold start-up and sounds like the noise in the attachment (listen for the noise that starts about about 9 seconds into the clip and lasts for about 6 seconds) then it's the coolant transfer pump (not to be confused with the inverter coolant pump). The noise is definitely not normal. The coolant transfer pump needs to be replaced.

[Bill Merchant]

I think I just heard Morse code for "Don't buy this car!"

[Sarge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(biphnest @ Jun 9 2007, 12:20 AM) [snapback]458513[/snapback]</div>

If the noise is most noticeable during a cold start-up and sounds like the noise in the attachment (listen for the noise that starts about about 9 seconds into the clip and lasts for about 6 seconds) then it's the coolant transfer pump (not to be confused with the inverter coolant pump). The noise is definitely not normal. The coolant transfer pump needs to be replaced.
[/b]

Hmm... I definitely don't hear THAT sound! It is much more subtle, and something I generally can only hear if I am in a relatively quiet place, more so with the windows open. I am pretty sure I am just being overly analytical of something that is perfectly normal, but I just thought I'd mention it since someone else did so first.