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Advice on 2008 prius for newbie in australia quite urgent :)

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Shakti, Sep 9, 2014.

  1. Shakti

    Shakti New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2014
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    sydney
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello I have no idea how to start a conversation so am hoping a prius regular here will be able to help me -

    I am wanting to purchase in Sydney Australia 1 of 2 , 2008 itechs i have looked at:

    they have 70K and 91K on clock
    the 91 k one apparently only used on weekends so infrequently which reading the forums suggests battery (12V) issues...
    the other from a wholesaler that bought it from a benz dealer....traded in - one owner both...obviously the prices are different..and the wholesaler will trade my honda

    I had the vin# for the 70K one checked and no recalls but apparently the main toyota mechanic for prius in sydney (via a friend) who checked the vin said it will definately need replacing of the main battery within 2 years and that will be $2000 AUD...how would he know that?

    AND this HID (not sure what that means) lights is that something i should be considering an additional expense, i only test drove in day.
    Plus tyres and lights and well i couldn't even turn the damn car on - but the dealer could so am i just a bit blonde (i am a brunette ha)

    the regular on line forums all RAVE about these cars but then i come over here and there is a bit of a shit storm - i have spent more days than i care to think about researching and wavering back and forth

    I am exhausted from back and forthing between these 2 prius and suv diesel hyundai, i really want the eco footprint and the mielage or as we would say kilometre age .

    CAN ANY ONE TELL ME WHO I GET ONE OF THESE CARS INSPECTED BY TO TEST DIAGNOSTICS TYRES ENGINE ETC? THEY BOTH HAVE GOOD LOG BOOKS FOR SERVICE - and what that would cost?
    of course the dealer guy and the private didn't suggest i take it to toyota for diagnostics

    note the 70k one has mandatory 3month warranty as it's dealer other has none both out of factory warranty as older than 3 years is the way i understand it, and don't understand if the battery is under warranty anyway still?

    I am so exhausted can someone please give me a yes or no or direction?

    I am happy to call anyone in australia or on skype overseas... i need the car for 200km round trips a few times a week to sydney and city driving and some interstate trips - i am borrowing all cash to buy this car, last car honda crv i love it but fuel is outrageous now

    THanks so very much - Shakti




    Read more: BRIGHTER HID lights? | PriusChat
     
    #1 Shakti, Sep 9, 2014
  2. Shakti

    Shakti New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2014
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    sydney
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thank you by the way guys and gals, it must get so boring with the new prius peeps asking same old questions :)
     
    #2 Shakti, Sep 9, 2014
  3. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
    3,159
    988
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The mechanic cannot know it will need a new battery in 2 years. No one can know. What I do know is that these cars are highly reliable and the batteries typically last at least 8-10 years or more. I wouldn't know which one to buy as the condition is not known. I personally look for a well maintained car with the fewest miles possible.
     
    #3 usnavystgc, Sep 9, 2014
  4. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2009
    6,722
    2,121
    45
    Location:
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I concur, go for the best condition with the best miles and history. The gen2 is almost bomb proof mechanically. Assuming the car hasn't been abused you should be fine.
     
    #4 GrumpyCabbie, Sep 9, 2014
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,991
    49,089
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    High Intensity Discharge headlamps can go funky and are expensive to replace. part of the fun of owning a prius!:p
    unless aus is different, hybrid parts should be longer than 3 years? try logging into toyota owners and searching the vin's for maintenance records. the best thing to do is reset the mpg's, take each for a good long test drive and see how they do, feel and sound. all the best!(y)
     
    #5 bisco, Sep 9, 2014
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