What to look for when purchasing a used 2002 Prius?

XyKo · 08-17-2009, 12:53 PM

Hello EVERYONE! Was Googling and found the site.

I am looking at getting a used 2002 Toyota Prius with 70K miles from a local dealer and was wondering if there is anything I can look without a Prius Tech? We are checking the car out in a few hours and going to ask if we can have the car inspected. Is $6500 sound reasonable for the car?

I currently own a 93 Civic VX and looking to moved to a Hybrid. I know that I may get the same mileage as the Civic, but I kind of need an automatic for the lady to drive during long trips. Any advices are much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

richard schumacher · 08-17-2009, 04:08 PM

Test drive. Title search from Carfax or your state's DMV if possible; unfortunately Carfax is not guaranteed to be comprehensive. If it's a salvage forget it. Highly advised to pay a Prius tech not affiliated with the seller to thoroughly inspect and diagnose it before buying.

XyKo · 08-17-2009, 06:12 PM

Just got back from test driving it. It was a smooth car, but it have too many dents and the rear bumper was cracked/dented in on both corners. The sales guy said he'll replace everything if I am interested in purchasing it. So I sat down and play the number game. Initially they asked $6900, but I got it down to $5800 with 60 days warranty, new brakes, rear bumper repairs, ac recharge, dents removal, and a full detail.

I haven't sign the paper nor put a deposit. I left with an impression that I was not happy with the price, as I initially offered $5500. One thing that got me worrying is the trans axle problem that I heard a few people have. I just don't want to buy it and have that part breaks on me after 2 months. Unless that part is cheaper to repair now and not $5K.

tochatihu · 08-17-2009, 09:20 PM

I suggest that you drive this car to a real Toyota shop and pay them to look at it. They can assess the health of the HV battery. Also drain the transaxle oil and inspect the drain pan for metal bits.

This will cost money, but it's what I would do before this purchase. Just like Richard said above...

DAS

08-17-2009, 12:53 PM	#1
XyKo Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	What to look for when purchasing a used 2002 Prius? Hello EVERYONE! Was Googling and found the site. I am looking at getting a used 2002 Toyota Prius with 70K miles from a local dealer and was wondering if there is anything I can look without a Prius Tech? We are checking the car out in a few hours and going to ask if we can have the car inspected. Is $6500 sound reasonable for the car? I currently own a 93 Civic VX and looking to moved to a Hybrid. I know that I may get the same mileage as the Civic, but I kind of need an automatic for the lady to drive during long trips. Any advices are much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

08-17-2009, 04:08 PM	#2
richard schumacher Destination: Eschaton Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 5,510 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 99 Thanked 93 Times in 66 Posts Friends: 0	Re: What to look for when purchasing a used 2002 Prius? Test drive. Title search from Carfax or your state's DMV if possible; unfortunately Carfax is not guaranteed to be comprehensive. If it's a salvage forget it. Highly advised to pay a Prius tech not affiliated with the seller to thoroughly inspect and diagnose it before buying.

08-17-2009, 06:12 PM	#3
XyKo Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: What to look for when purchasing a used 2002 Prius? Just got back from test driving it. It was a smooth car, but it have too many dents and the rear bumper was cracked/dented in on both corners. The sales guy said he'll replace everything if I am interested in purchasing it. So I sat down and play the number game. Initially they asked $6900, but I got it down to $5800 with 60 days warranty, new brakes, rear bumper repairs, ac recharge, dents removal, and a full detail. I haven't sign the paper nor put a deposit. I left with an impression that I was not happy with the price, as I initially offered $5500. One thing that got me worrying is the trans axle problem that I heard a few people have. I just don't want to buy it and have that part breaks on me after 2 months. Unless that part is cheaper to repair now and not $5K.

08-17-2009, 09:20 PM	#4
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 2,408 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: Pioneer #1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 38 Times in 38 Posts Friends: 14	Re: What to look for when purchasing a used 2002 Prius? I suggest that you drive this car to a real Toyota shop and pay them to look at it. They can assess the health of the HV battery. Also drain the transaxle oil and inspect the drain pan for metal bits. This will cost money, but it's what I would do before this purchase. Just like Richard said above... DAS

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