2001 Prius 27800 miles

[lovenrockets]

I found a 2001 Prius that looks newer than my 2006 car that I baby. It is in showroom, literally showroom condition. The former owner passed away a month ago. I would like to purchase this car *today* for my daughter who will be a new driver.

I am concerned about the "major" battery. I talked to several engineers that I work with and 3/4 said that the batteries can only last so long.

Can anyone give me a warm feeling that I am not buying something that would later turn into a maintanance nightmare for a 16 year old girl?

Thank you for any help you maybe able to provide.

[nitewolfgtr]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lovenrockets @ Oct 24 2007, 10:37 AM) [snapback]529703[/snapback]</div>

I found a 2001 Prius that looks newer than my 2006 car that I baby. It is in showroom, literally showroom condition. The former owner passed away a month ago. I would like to purchase this car *today* for my daughter who will be a new driver.

I am concerned about the "major" battery. I talked to several engineers that I work with and 3/4 said that the batteries can only last so long.

Can anyone give me a warm feeling that I am not buying something that would later turn into a maintanance nightmare for a 16 year old girl?

Thank you for any help you maybe able to provide.
[/b]

I drive a 2001 Prius with 85000 miles on it and it runs like a champ. I heard that there is a taxi driver in Canada who drove his classic prius to like 250,000 miles before Toyota offered him a new Prius for his old prius to do lab testing on the battery. From what he said, the battery was still in very good condition. You can try to google "Andrew Grant Classic prius" and see if you get anything. Prius is very reliable. And also you still qualify for 8yr/100,000mi hybrid warranty so you can have your local dealer check out all the hybrid components and get it replaced under warranty if need be.

Check this thread out too...
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=11990

[lovenrockets]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Oct 24 2007, 12:07 PM) [snapback]529718[/snapback]</div>

I drive a 2001 Prius with 85000 miles on it and it runs like a champ. I heard that there is a taxi driver in Canada who drove his classic prius to like 250,000 miles before Toyota offered him a new Prius for his old prius to do lab testing on the battery. From what he said, the battery was still in very good condition. You can try to google "Andrew Grant Classic prius" and see if you get anything. Prius is very reliable. And also you still qualify for 8yr/100,000mi hybrid warranty so you can have your local dealer check out all the hybrid components and get it replaced under warranty if need be.

Check this thread out too...
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=11990
[/b]

Thank you so much for writing back and for the links. I just felt a little nervous but don't know why. The car looks brand new. The owner was loved it and was very attached to it. I will google Andrew Grant classic.

[efusco]

If the price is right with that low of miles I'd go for it. You do run some nominal risk of battery problems eventually, but even so salvage replacements should be around $500 for a 1st gen, but I suspect you'll get many years of good service out of this car.
90 year old only drove it to church kinda buy huh!!

[lovenrockets]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 24 2007, 12:25 PM) [snapback]529731[/snapback]</div>

If the price is right with that low of miles I'd go for it. You do run some nominal risk of battery problems eventually, but even so salvage replacements should be around $500 for a 1st gen, but I suspect you'll get many years of good service out of this car.
90 year old only drove it to church kinda buy huh!!
[/b]

Yes, you are right. I believe he was 85, but his son said he really babied and loved this car. You can really see it and feel it when driving it. I like it so much I want to give her my car and take it for myself. I was just concerned about the battery and knew it didn't make sense that Toyota would put anything of risk on the roads.

[usbseawolf2000]

First check the record to see if the battery reseal TSB was affected and if it was, make sure it is done.

[lovenrockets]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Oct 24 2007, 01:10 PM) [snapback]529756[/snapback]</div>

First check the record to see if the battery reseal TSB was affected and if it was, make sure it is done.
[/b]

Reseal TSB affected? Could you explain what you mean, please?

[usbseawolf2000]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lovenrockets @ Oct 24 2007, 01:12 PM) [snapback]529760[/snapback]</div>

Reseal TSB affected? Could you explain what you mean, please?
[/b]

I remember a repair to fix a corrosion for the HV battery terminal. I can't find TSB for it now. Maybe it wasn't a Technical Service Bulletin. Classic owner may be able to help you out better. Try priusonline.com or yahoo groups.

[tochatihu]

2001- early 2003 HV battery resealing is special service campaign SSC 60G. To be done at no expense with no time or warranty limitation. Your Toyota shop can tell from the VIN if it has been done already on this vehicle.

There are a few other maintenance items to consider if you purchase it, but they are not costly/difficult. Overall I'd rather see you in an 02 or 03 with side air bags, but most 01s are still on the road giving excellent service.

[jk450]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lovenrockets @ Oct 24 2007, 11:37 AM) [snapback]529703[/snapback]</div>

...I am concerned about the "major" battery. I talked to several engineers that I work with and 3/4 said that the batteries can only last so long.
Thank you for any help you maybe able to provide.
[/b]

In my experience, battery packs in low-mileage per year hybrids have more of a chance (a chance, not a certainty) of failing early. The pack likes to be exercised.

This car ran less than 5,000 miles per year. If it was garaged rather than left on the street, that's a plus, as ambient temperature variations can also be a contributing factor.

What do I mean by "failing early"? Oh, 60K to 100K miles or so. But remember, I don't have a crystal ball. No one does. I'd buy it and take the chance. Good luck!