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to buy or not to buy: 2009 Prius with hymotion

Discussion in 'Prius PHEV Plug-In Modifications' started by blauweaaf, Oct 8, 2015.

  1. blauweaaf

    blauweaaf Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello everybody,

    Recently I have started shopping around in Holland for a Prius 2, 2006 or newer. Hymotion is not used by many people here, but I happened to find one in the first second hand Prius that I decided to test drive. It has 100,000 miles on it and apparently it had the L5 installed in it from new. That is, it was imported with the system to Holland in 2010.

    100,000 miles seems to be quite a bit for the L5, but how do I check this. Is there a testing sequence that you could recommend? The seller does not seem to know a clue about the system, so I would be on my own with this. He will also not provide any guarantee for the system. Also, I have not been able to find anyone capable of servicing these systems in Holland yet.

    I hope you can tell me more about how to tell if this might be a fuel saving device or just dead weight.

    best regards, Blauweaaf
     
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Don't have the answer you are looking for, but did wan't to say "Welcome to Prius Chat"!
     
  3. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    If the price is right and the vehicle is fully operational, I would said yes, go for it.
    There are few techs that could troubleshoot the Hymotion for you and they are members of PC at time of need but, by the age of the equipment, it may be an age borderline on the batteries.
    Also, was the Hymotion in proper use during its life span?, was it ever serviced? was it used at all or sporadically?
    Having an answer to some of this question will provide you a better assessment to your purchase decision.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would try to find out if it is possible to remove the system.
     
  5. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    3ProngPaul here on PriusChat might be able to help, he does Prius conversions to plug-in in Colorado where the state has generous incentives for such conversions.

    Come to think of it, I have not heard from Paul since he was asking for repair shops in my area, he must have been traveling.
     
  6. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Another source for a reliable PHEV repairs and service is our own ERICBEKY member
     
  7. blauweaaf

    blauweaaf Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks everybody for your help! The problem is that I'm located in Holland as in The Netherlands in Europe. No technical support to speak of in this area. However, I have now bought a 2007 Prius 2 without Hymotion and I'm thrilled. What a great car!

    best regards, blauweaaf
     
    wjtracy likes this.
  8. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Congratulations on your new vehicle, take some time to learn all about it and maximize MPG savings