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Buying used: 2008 Prius... 140k... HELP??

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by dta_jd, Oct 12, 2015.

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  1. dta_jd

    dta_jd New Member

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    Location:
    Philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Hello everyone!

    Found a used 2008 Prius Royal Blue package 5 with 139,xxx ODO. 1 owner / no accident carfax that i cross-checked with more detailed service reports from Toyota dealership. Was taken to dealer like clockwork for scheduled maintenance, had 12v battery replaced at 99k, recalls checked: steering shaft (ok) and water pump (replaced). Only other work were tail light burnouts in 2011, reg tire maintenance, fluids, etc.

    listed at 7700, so far got dealer down to 6850 based on cash buy / high miles and the fact we had an appt and still waited 2 hrs for test drive. Would be buying with a 3k/3000 mile third party warranty with hybrid option. My budget won't let me go much higher than 7000 for the overall car price, and lender stipulates 2008 or Newer model. Will primarily be used for 20 mile/day commuting and in city driving, maybe a 600 mile road trip twice a year (so the MPG is basically a dream)

    I'm really happy with overall condition but have never owned hybrid. Have ridden in them a few times recently and this 7 year old, 140k ride was super smooth for passenger and driver.

    What do you all think of this buy? What else should I be asking or looking into? If I buy, is there anything I should be prepared for service wise out of the gate / what should I request as initial maintenance? I know there is no real way to know, but if you had to guess how many more miles do you think we can get out of this?
     
    #1 dta_jd, Oct 12, 2015
  2. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    Vehicle:
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    I feel like you messed up the duration of the warranty. What is the duration and how much does it cost? Be sure to read the fine print and try to find reviews.

    You mentioned buying with cash, but also a lender?

    If you don't get the warranty, keep $1-2k on hand to cover any breakdowns. Most major parts can be replaced with low mileage used parts by an independent shop (or DIY) for less than that much. This really isn't any different than any other high mileage car, its just that people are crazy scared of the battery dying when it'll probably outlast the automatic transmissions in most other cars.
     
    #2 vskid3, Oct 12, 2015
    dta_jd likes this.
  3. dta_jd

    dta_jd New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Yes, to clarify -- meant 3 month/ 3k mile warranty @ $499. Outside lender is my credit union; dealer is treating as a cash buy.

    I'm really nervous about using independent shops with the prius from what I've read, but if folks have had good experiences I'm definitely not married to idea of getting service from a dealer
     
    #3 dta_jd, Oct 12, 2015
  4. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
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    I just bought 2009 from dealer and certainly not a bargain price but I did negotiate 60 day/3000 mile warranty at no cost. State mandated is 30 day/1250 miles so not a huge deal but every day counts. I also asked them to do next major service as part of deal which wasn't much either but at least they made sure everything was up to date above and beyond the wiper blades. : ) Car was well maintained. Spent $100 to get car inspected by another Toyota dealership I had established relationship with for piece of mind.

    I wanted them to throw in all weather mats but they wouldn't budge any further.

    Good luck! I just spent 2 months looking and my new Prius chat buddies really helped me gain the knowledge I needed. So much to learn. I'm grateful they share so much experience!!
     
    #4 daisy555, Oct 12, 2015
    penquin230 and dta_jd like this.
  5. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    I would take the $500 for the warranty and spend $100 getting it checked out by a Toyota dealer and take the remaining $400 to the casino or horse track if you still want to throw it away (or put it towards your maintenance fund).

    I wouldn't necessarily trust an independent shop to diagnose a Prius unless they regularly work on them. Most of the work really isn't too difficult. A lot of problems can be diagnosed with this site and a code reader (mini-vci with Techstream software is the best, its what the dealer uses).
     
    #5 vskid3, Oct 12, 2015
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Save the money by not buying the warranty and put it toward the car so you get a smaller loan. When was the tranny fluid replaced? If "never" I would do it in the near future. If the car has the original brakes & spark plugs you'll need them replaced sooner rather than later but I would wait until there are symptoms.

    IMO, there's a better chance of it being totaled in a collision on the Expressway than a major component failing.

    Relax & enjoy the ride.
     
    #6 JimN, Oct 12, 2015
  7. dta_jd

    dta_jd New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five

    Thanks Jim. Spark plugs, brakes have all been replaced during maintenance visits.

    I have not seen anything on the dealer service reports for tranny fluid being replaced. And was planning to bring to dealer for that once I got it. Is this inspected during routine fluid checks or does it need to be requested specifically? I know there are different schools of thought about when it needs to be done -- I've seen both 60k and 100k on here.
     
    #7 dta_jd, Oct 12, 2015
  8. Valencia Orange

    Valencia Orange Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Plug-in Base
    Check to see if the front struts were replaced along with rear shocks. This can be costly. Also check brake pads. My car had 126,000 miles on it Brake pads were still good, but I decide to replace the pads. I later found out I also needed 2 front rotors.
     
    #8 Valencia Orange, Oct 12, 2015
  9. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    The tranny fluid is "lifetime". The dealer probably won't/didn't offer to change it and since it is a sealed unit it is never inspected.
     
    #9 JimN, Oct 12, 2015
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