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Would you buy a 218K mile 2005 w/ new battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Chunky_Mike, Oct 1, 2014.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I actually bought my 2005 for $1000 plus the cost of a transaxle $250 + labor = under $2000 in California.
     
  2. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Maybe become the OP's Prius Buying Assistant for an agreed upon amount?

    Wow, good for you. Insanely cheap! So what have you done w/ all that money you didn't use?
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I can't say I would do it again, I only bought it cause I was helping a friend fix his car, then ended up not wanting it. I had no intention to get another car, I now own 4 priis'
     
  4. thegoldenhand

    thegoldenhand Junior Member

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    did you buy that from an auction?
     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I know of someone selling another 2005 for around $1000ish. It has over 450k miles on it. Needs transaxle and a HV battery (that I bought).
     
  6. Chunky_Mike

    Chunky_Mike New Member

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    What an interesting forum, I'm looking forwards to buying a Prius so I can interact more here :). I'll have to talk to The Wife about selling the HL and getting a newer Prius instead- ultimately there would be some functionality to having a third car because that would be the car the nanny would drive, if she had to drive our little Pea around. (I don't trust her VW Cabrio). Would miss the 7-passenger seating, but to be honest, I've only carried 6 people like 3x in the 3 years since I've had the Highlander, so its kind of like wasted space. I bought it before I realized how difficult getting pregnant was going to be :T. Unfortunately, the supply of Priuses from private parties in Ohio is pretty limited- but fortunately, I am in no rush and can pay cash if there is a car that ultimately interests me. Really appreciate all the good advice though- I hope I eventually get a steal like some of you have!

    cheers,
    Mike
     
  7. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    "new" battery can mean anything from a crappy rebuild to new OEM.
    Examine the receipt
     
  8. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Ahhh... a compliment. You can stay.

    Although we do not publicize this openly, we even accept a few Republicans to prove our liberal bias.
     
  9. writes123

    writes123 Junior Member

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    From Ohio, I would want to take a good look at the underbody of any car due to snow, salt, sand, and rust. The prius has some covers but its underbelly is still exposed vs my ls430. When dealing with rust and potential corrosion along with hybrid technology, you best bet is to wait for a great deal. Like others have mentioned, trying expanding your search radius. I drove 8 hrs one way from SoCal to get my current prius from an owner outside of the San Jose area. Then again my daily commute is 150+ round trip so I was wanting one for the fuel savings.
     
  10. Chunky_Mike

    Chunky_Mike New Member

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    Good point, it might be good to widen the search. Truth is, I had been waiting for the Tesla 3 to come out but its taking so long. Priuses are more reliable anyways.

    And as for the Republican comment, I actually am right leaning myself (though not the Fox News type, God forbid) but conservation and being thrifty with your resources (or one might say being a good steward) is always a good idea. I've got a 5 kWh solar roof if that enhances my green chops! Appreciate that you guys are.accepting of all, even the occasional Republican :p. Truth is, I don't really like either party these days.
     
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  11. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Got up at 1:30 am to drive to Indianapolis yesterday morning to buy a ford escape hybrid (one owner, 139,000). Five hour drive and was back at 1:00 to leave for work at 1:30.
    Now we are a 3 hybrid family! BTW it is a 2007 and we got it for $4400, actual value anything from $7000-10,000
     

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  12. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    ^mines the gray one. These are the 3 oldest siblings cars, we are also conservative.
    My patents are the crazy "fox news" republican too! Thankfully now they love Prii and hybrids Yay! :)
     
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    What's wrong with the escape? The owner doesn't like money?
     
  14. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    It was super dirty! The interior is in great shape but it looks so nasty! It's gray cloth seats. He was just super lazy Lol! His ad had almost no information on it and the price was low so most people thought it was a scam. He had six cars and five car garage. He needed to get rid of the escape.
    He replaced it with a Volt. Oh and it needs new front struts
     
  15. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    People usually sell a car for good reason, especially with that sort of mileage.

    There are too many unknowns. Personally I'd avoid it like the plague or you could be buying a whole load of trouble. If you can only just afford $5,500, then keep saving and don't get this car.

    The very fact you're asking our opinions on here indicates you've got doubts. Go with your gut feeling and walk away, or make them a silly offer if you're feeling brave. See what they'd say to $3k?
     
  16. Chunky_Mike

    Chunky_Mike New Member

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    Yeah, I agree- I'm going to be walking away from this offer. Will bide my time and see what else comes up. I kinda like the idea of selling the Highlander and splurging on a newer Prius. Maybe I'll wait until the new model is released and prices drop on the newer used models.
     
  17. Chunky_Mike

    Chunky_Mike New Member

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    If anyone is interested in chiming in, this 2006 Prius w/ 240K miles on it popped up today. Wouldn't be surprised if it needs a new battery soon, but I don't mind replacing it if the rest of the car is in good condition. If I could get it for $2800 would you suggest I get it?

    2006 Toyota Prius
     
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  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you're waiting for a tesla, why are you cheeping out on a prius?
     
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  19. Chunky_Mike

    Chunky_Mike New Member

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    haha, good question, well, the Tesla would be a replacement car I'd hopefully drive for a good long time where getting a used Prius would be a third car/placeholder that I'd drive for commuting and wouldn't mind if little repairs popped up, etc. I don't mind paying more, in some sense, but it'd be harder to justify for a third car.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    gotcha.(y)