Considering a 2002 Prius w/136,000 miles

[John Fish Kurmann]

Hi, folks. I'm considering buying a 2002 Prius that has 136,000 miles on it, but I'm wondering whether I would need to be prepared for any major repair bills within the next few years if I did. How long are the first U.S. generation battery packs lasting? Are problems arising with other hybrid system components or the CVT once mileage gets over 150,000 miles? What about the computer and the screen on the dash? Any other advice?

[klodhopper]

Originally Posted by John Fish Kurmann

Hi, folks. I'm considering buying a 2002 Prius that has 136,000 miles on it, but I'm wondering whether I would need to be prepared for any major repair bills within the next few years if I did. How long are the first U.S. generation battery packs lasting? Are problems arising with other hybrid system components or the CVT once mileage gets over 150,000 miles? What about the computer and the screen on the dash? Any other advice?

Just a word of advice, get the vehicle checked out at a Toyota dealership, especially a full system diagnostic. Check and see if all the TSB's have been done on that particular model. (Technical Service Bulletins) Usually you can take the VIN# to the dealership and they can provide you with a pretty good service history. A carfax would probably not be out of the question as well.

Some of the weak points of the G1 (Generation 1) models are the CVT Transaxle sometimes gives problems, usually unless it's a total failure, changing the transaxle oil on a regular basis negates that problem (every 30,000 miles).

Seems like Traction Battery Packs are giving some problems in the G1 vehicles, and the Toyota dealership diagnostic should reveal the current health of it. Batteries are available from automotive recyclers usually close to you sometimes for $500-$850 each, just be patient. Toyota is really proud to do the job for you for usually about $3,500 to $4,500. Do a search on this site and you can find a DIY instructions if you're that type of person.

Overall, you can get a "lemon" in anything you buy, but the trip to the dealership with a full diagnostic workup should be sufficient IMHO, along with a good service history. This "jewel" has made it 136,000 miles already, and at least with diagnostics and service history in hand you may be better qualified to make the decision to buy it, and maybe use some of the information as a bargaining tool for your eventual purchase price.

[bwilson4web]

I have always treated a used car as a 'self-maintenance' challenge and started with buying the maintenance manuals. If you are willing to do the work, it can be very rewarding but if you are more of a 'shop does the work,' it can be a nightmare.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

[Patrick Wong]

Hi John,

See my poll with 29 responses to date:
Classic Prius Repairs

If you can DIY and are willing to invest the time to learn how to safely service the Prius, an older Prius can become an interesting hobby. If you are relying on the Toyota dealer for service, note that post-warranty repair of major components will be quite expensive and may well exceed the market value of the vehicle, especially if the transaxle, inverter or traction battery fails.

[John Fish Kurmann]

Hi, klodhopper. Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't have guessed that a Toyota dealer would give me service history info on a Prius I don't own based solely on the VIN. Do you know if this is a corporate policy or one that would vary from dealer to dealer? Unfortunately, the car is more than 3 1/2 hours from me, so it's not as simple as I'd like to take it by a Toyota dealer. At this point, I don't even know what the closest dealer to the seller is.

I've seen the CarFax on the car and there isn't anything of particular concern on it.

Why would I need to be patient to get a new battery pack from a recycler? Are they still pretty rare?

I did call a dealer in my area the other day and was told that the cost of a battery pack has dropped to $2,200, though that doesn't include labor.

[eclipse3g]

A word of caution about Carfax, is its only responsible for whats been reported.

The car could of been totaled and the owner or a shop repaired it without reporting the work. In such a case the Carfax warranty is useless and they won't stand behind it. No report so its doesn't show up on their history.

ALWAYS have the car gone over by a mechanic/shop you trust.

[klodhopper]

Originally Posted by John Fish Kurmann

Hi, klodhopper. Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't have guessed that a Toyota dealer would give me service history info on a Prius I don't own based solely on the VIN. Do you know if this is a corporate policy or one that would vary from dealer to dealer? Unfortunately, the car is more than 3 1/2 hours from me, so it's not as simple as I'd like to take it by a Toyota dealer. At this point, I don't even know what the closest dealer to the seller is.

I've seen the CarFax on the car and there isn't anything of particular concern on it.

Why would I need to be patient to get a new battery pack from a recycler? Are they still pretty rare?

I did call a dealer in my area the other day and was told that the cost of a battery pack has dropped to $2,200, though that doesn't include labor.

Just get the VIN # and possibly call a Toyota dealer. You may also be able to get it online on the Toyota site as well, haven't done it personally...

As the car is a Gen1 (US) model, there are less Gen1's out there than the Generation 2's. As time goes on, the used pool for good batteries is shrinking. Toyota will probably come down as they already have on their batteries and end up pretty close to the recycled prices in the foreseeable future. Most likely by then there will be very few Gen1's left on the road. There are predatory recyclers that hang out on flea-bay that are very much outrageous on their prices. Usually one can do better locally by just being patient.

Buying a vehicle with that many miles on it should be considered a "work in progress", and I hope you're getting it for a pretty good price. Keep yourself informed constantly of parts availability for it as you go along.

[tochatihu]

I would not agree with klodhopper that changing the transaxle fluid negates the risk of transaxle failure. However, it is the only thing that we can do to reduce the risk, and it is not inherently expensive.

For a Prius (any year) with 136k I would ask that a sample of the transaxle fluid be analyzed by CdMA or similar. Then we would at least know of there is a lot of grinding going on inside.

Similarly, I would aska Toyota shop te test the condition of the HV battery with their THHT. Guessing about $100 for that. If they don't know what yuo're talking about, you are at the wrong shop.

All that having been said, and with due appreciation for Pat and Bob's wise words, I would rather buy a Prius with 136k than any other car that immediately comes to mind. If the price is right, that is. Maybe I just like them...