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Prius has been sitting for 5 years

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by JimInTn, Nov 26, 2015.

  1. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Something sitting that long, I would check for rodent damage.
     
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Stabil added to the tank and a few quick bounces on the vehicle should take care of most water separation if your not inclined to pull/dump the tank...just like any other car. A shot or two Quick Start down the throttle body before hand wouldn't hurt either. When you go to Ready Mode/Start, press the gas pedal right away to kick in the engine.
     
  3. sillylilwabbit

    sillylilwabbit Active Member

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    I have seen this rodent issue come up a few times now, but always related to the northeast United States.

    Is this rodent issue a northeast problem or places where is snows?




    iPhone ?
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    There could me mildew/fungus in the upholstery, depending on climate, conditions in the garage, care taken when mothballing the car, if any. Come to think of it, mothballs literally might have been a good idea.
     
  5. JimInTn

    JimInTn Junior Member

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    Quick update:
    I looked at the car today. Dead, no nothing.
    Wasps nests in the engine compartment and drivers door jamb. Interior still smells new. The glove compartment had the original window sticker and two service invoices.
    It is a 2010 Prius III with Navigation Package, Remote Engine Start, leather and other options. 5,668 miles.
    Jumped the battery and it starting humming and started right up. I drove it around the block and could hear the brake pads rub, but the calipers didn't get hot, so they weren't sticking. No tire vibration from flat spots.
    The two invoices were for Recall actions in Sep 2009, and surprisingly an oil change and tire rotation in Jun 2014. So, the car hasn't been completely idle.
    I talked to the Toyota service manager and he pulled the service history for that VIN and he noted only the two visits. He recommended oil, brake and coolant replacement. He also thought the 12V battery may be iffy, just based on what I told him and found during my inspection. (I forgot to ask about fuel, but that will be drained also as I know the owners know nothing about Sta-Bil). Toyota wasn't concerned with the a/c or traction battery.
    So, I think I have a good starting point with this vehicle.
     
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  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Wildlife will set up housekeeping wherever they find a suitable environment. Some places are prone to bats. "About forty percent of all mammal species are rodents; they are found in vast numbers on all continents except Antarctica. They are the most diversified mammalian order and live in a variety of terrestrial habitats, including human-made environments."

    Jim, I think you got a "find". If you buy the car you should have the record for least number of miles on a 2010 Prius.
     
  7. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Oh yeah probably golden OK if it has been used in 2014. I might not worry about the fuel in that case unless I thought there was something. Good car. Think I replace the 12v and brake adjust and wait and see. I do think Tires >5 years may lose grip on wet roads, as we held onto to some tires too long.
     
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  8. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    good news. what was the HV charge level? if the car sat only one year, there should be no major issues. i would top the gas tank with fresh quality fuel, something like chevron premium, pump the tires, and do oil change. i would also load test the 12V and replace if weak.
     
  9. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Really anywhere but colder climes are especially prime for invasions. Having a good food supply (pet food, open garbage, etc) doesn't help either.
     
  10. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Sounds like you found an early barn find! Good for you and happy motoring!! :D
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Don't be to too quick to machine rotors, if mechanics are suggesting. Particularly if there's no pulsing. Drive it for a bit, they may clean themselves with some use.
     
    #31 Mendel Leisk, Nov 27, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2015
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  12. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),Highlander HYB Plat,B52-D,G,F,H

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    Good Christmas story/got tears in my eyes.
     
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  13. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Hey, I'm going to give you a simple and nearly useless answer. Because it's what I'm good at.

    But I would think in this situation you would have all the "standard" concerns you would have with any ICE vehicle that has sat unused for 5 years, with the addition of concerns about the hybrid battery and 12 volt.

    You've already got and evidently taken some great advice about what to check.

    Depending on what you are paying? Could be a great deal, even if it needs some investment into "Benjamin Button"- ing some of the systems that have sat unused for so long.
     
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  14. Sabby

    Sabby Active Member

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    It sounds like the car is pretty solid. Given that it has not been driven there are unknowns that even the dealer will not be able to answer. Time and use will provide the answers. I would cover my risk of the unknown in the price I would be willing to pay. Find some examples of 2010 Prius vehicles with 30k to 40k used and their pricing.

    Drive it a bit more if you can in varied condition over an hour or so. Then subtract $2000 from the asking price of similar higher mileage Priuses for sale. The lack of use with the Prius you are considering is not an advantage it is a risk. Try and cover that risk.
     
  15. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Sure, check for rodent damage.
    Check the fuel system.
    Check the Hybrid Battery.
    Check the 12 volt.

    But you're missing the big hurdle.

    It's going to be haunted.
     
  16. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Is the car named "Christine"?
     
  17. sillylilwabbit

    sillylilwabbit Active Member

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    Sleeping Beauty...


    iPhone ?
     
  18. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    You might not have to disclose "How" it failed, but somebody along the line is going to notice that it's a 5 year old vehicle with only 5000 miles on it.
    You won't need Sherlock Holmes to make the deductive leap that it has sat idle a lot.

    The question would be, would Toyota still back the Hybrid Battery warranty, given that the vehicle wasn't kept active, or the battery allowed to charge?

    I think it would take a level of good will from Toyota. Non-Activity at that level, for that long, I think could be construed as neglect. Of course I would ask, nothing to lose.
     
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'm thinking more along the lines of a Frankenstein movie: the car slowly raised on a lift, the roof opening, lightning ablazing: "it's ALIVE!!".
     
  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If Toyota doesn't have any clause that says "can't let car sit idle for long periods", they would have to honor the warranty for the hv battery. Maybe we'll see this in the 2016? "car sit idle for 5 years will void warranty"