2002 prius for $10,000.00 with 56k miles

[woffman]

I have found a 2002 prius for $10,000.00 56k miles on it. Now for the bad news. They cannot get it to go in gear. It is a salvage car. Been sitting on the body shop lot for at least 18 month's. Front end damage did not pop the air bags. Damage got into the radiator support and passanger fender caved in pretty badly. I have 3 questions about this vehicle.

1. Is there a quirk or trick to getting the 2002 prius into drive?

2. What damage if any to the battery would occur from sitting for that length of time?

3. Would I just be better off waiting 6 or 8 months and get a 2004 or 2005 not salvage?

[JimN]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(woffman @ Jan 5 2007, 07:38 PM) [snapback]371575[/snapback]</div>

I have found a 2002 prius for $10,000.00 56k miles on it. Now for the bad news. They cannot get it to go in gear. It is a salvage car. Been sitting on the body shop lot for at least 18 month's. Front end damage did not pop the air bags. Damage got into the radiator support and passanger fender caved in pretty badly. I have 3 questions about this vehicle.

1. Is there a quirk or trick to getting the 2002 prius into drive?

2. What damage if any to the battery would occur from sitting for that length of time?

3. Would I just be better off waiting 6 or 8 months and get a 2004 or 2005 not salvage?
[/b]

I don't know much about the sedan in particular but if the battery was sitting for a year and a half its capacity has to be diminished. The hatchback benefits from technical improvements so my vote is to save your money and wait. The salvage car may be completely out of warranty. Don't discount the peace of mind the 100000 mile warranty on the hybrid parts provides. You may find that a new 2007 later in the year is a better deal than a used car. Keep shopping so you know what the market is like.

[cwerdna]

I wouldn't bother with it. You do realize that a salvage car will have NO warranty except possibly the emissions warranty, right? See http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=1...20&p=225813 for chatter about this.

It's too expensive of a risk for a salvage car.

[tochatihu]

Overpriced by perhaps 50%. The HV battery is likely to be OK, the 12 v needs repalcing. Not getting into drive might say damage to the mechanical "park gear" spur, a need to push the 'secret button' under the steering column, or something else unknown. This car might turn into quite a project, and not everybody is interested in such challenges.

If you like the classic model (as I do), you can probably find one in quite good condition with a bigger odometer for that amount of money. If you can find a new model used for anywhere near $15k it would be of interest to many people here

[kkayser]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(woffman @ Jan 5 2007, 06:38 PM) [snapback]371575[/snapback]</div>

I have found a 2002 prius for $10,000.00 56k miles on it. Now for the bad news.

3. Would I just be better off waiting 6 or 8 months and get a 2004 or 2005 not salvage?
[/b]

Perhaps. Edmunds prices a 2002 Prius with 56K at $9700 (trade-in) all fixed, running, and in average condition.

[statultra]

10,000 is too much for a 02 with 56k miles, there is a way to get it into gear, a small cover under the steering wheel has a button.

Dont buy this car its not worth it, theres much cheaper

http://www.ez907a.com/index-3.php

if you live in tristate area they ship for free.

btw 10,000 is too much.

also i have fixed 2 prius's salvaged, i paid 2500 three years ago, for a 2001 prius, but that was a super huge project for me.

and the 2005 prius i paid 9,900 ( with 11k miles ) and this car was a easy fix, airbags didnt pop, just had to replace radiator support, and radiator and condenser, seatbelts, and airbag computer.

btw if airbags are popped, that means seatbelts are also discharged, and the airbag computer will be need to be replaced, and airbag sensors.

Do not purchase a 2001-2003 prius thats salvaged over 5000

2004-2007 prius's that have front damage are going for 5,000 to 15,000 salvaged ( damage varies widely ) and a common problem with 04-07 prius is that the windshield usually breaks in a accident, i have seen a lot of new prius's with this. Also make sure the thermos container on the left side of the vehicle is in good condition, its a huge amount to buy this part new 600.


Any questinos just ask.