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Need advice before buying used Prius today!

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by phyllisdiller, Apr 30, 2014.

  1. phyllisdiller

    phyllisdiller New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five

    We are about to purchase a "Toyota Certified" 2011 Prius Five with 43K miles on it which we've had checked out by an independent mechanic as well. Because it is a Certified vehicle, it comes with their 12ms/12,000 mi Comprehensive + 7yr/100,000 mi Limited Powertrain Warranty. Of course, the dealer is also trying to sell us on their extended warranty packages which include rustproofing etc. We have cold rough winters, lots of salt on the roads here. We generally keep our cars forever until they die on us. I've heard such conflicting opinions on this issue as Toyotas, especially the Prius are supposedly very reliable. If this were you, what would you do?
    Thanks!
     
  2. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    Location:
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    I wouldn't go for any of it. it's all a sales gimic. I am in another snowy place- Minneapolis, MN.
     
  3. css28

    css28 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Suburban Detroit
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Rust doesn't seem to be a significant issue. I haven't seen it mentioned on this forum.

    Of course there aren't any really *old* Prius cars as yet and the rust belt and Northeast are not well represented here.

    I wouldn't bother with a rustproofing package, personally.

    When was the last time you saw a Ziebart or Rusty Jones franchise?
     
  4. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    Location:
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
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    2013 Prius
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    Persona
    these cars are as reliable as a light switch in your house. it is incredible. two winters ago (again in minnesota) my car was left outside each cold, snowy night. turned over no problem each morning when i needed it. great car.
     
  5. phyllisdiller

    phyllisdiller New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Wow...thanks for all the replies guys! So excited about my Prius!
     
    stephensprius likes this.
  6. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
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    Persona
  7. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    Location:
    Keystone State
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I just bought mine a month ago, and had to endure their shpiel, then politely say, "No thank you."
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Location:
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    Plug-in Base
    welcome to priuschat! i vote no as well, all the best!(y)
     
  9. phyllisdiller

    phyllisdiller New Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Five
    Sounds like a common theme around here...thanks again all!
     
  10. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I agree with stephensprius. It's all nothing but a sales pitch to get your money. I would not buy any of it. I live in Chicago. No problems with a Prius here and we have bad winters here.
     
  11. PriusIA

    PriusIA New Member

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    No vote on the rust protection and extra extended warranty, you're buying a good car, its not needed.

    More importantly. Post a picture. I am looking for the same car, any thoughts on what a person should pay for it?
     
  12. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I bought a 2006 prius last year that spent it's life in upstate NY. Originally from there myself I figured it would be in rough shape underneath, but it wasn't. The only real rust was on the drivers side front bolt where the seat mounts to the body floor, inside the car (probably salt carried in on boots etc).. I've done quite a bit of work on it and haven't had any issues from corrosion.
     
  13. phyllisdiller

    phyllisdiller New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five
     
  14. phyllisdiller

    phyllisdiller New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    We also looked at a "non-certified" 2010 Prius Five with almost 50K miles for $17,000, but it did not accelerate as well as the one we are getting.
     
  15. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Odd comparison.

    I've replaced 13 light switches in a 7 year old house. Yes, Prius are reliable. They are rustproofed at the factory. All adding that stuff does is clogs drain holes and fattens the sales person's wallet.

    Consumer Reports that extended warranties pay out 30% or so of what they take in in repairs. They also fatten wallets, just not yours. If you like those odds...
     
  16. I was told not to do rustproofing because it traps moisture in the little spaces and therefore can accelerate rusting in certain spots.

    And my hybrid stayed outside all the way to -20 degrees. To keep the car from rusting, I was told to do an undercarriage wash (go to a touchless car wash station) on a nice day when it's in the 40s/50s periodically to get the mud/salt off.
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    When they start pushing the extras, maybe start asking off-the-wall questions, or maybe just stare at them silently and unresponsive.... For protracted periods. Then ask more off-the-wall questions.
     
  18. Sassylady

    Sassylady Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Birmingham, Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I also would not buy an extended warranty - they VERY seldom are worth the money invested. A year ago I purchased my used 2010 Prius from my mechanic, who has a friend who goes to wholesale auctions. The mechanic went through the car thoroughly and said it was A-ok. I trust this man implicitly...having his word that the car is in top shape is better to me than buying an extended warranty. I have not had one wit of problem with my Prius. I personally have a hard time buying a used car from a dealer unless he will let me take or take the car for me to my favorite mechanic for a pre-purchase physical. Otherwise I'll buy a used car from a private party, after lots of research on my part, numerous reports pulled and an inspection by my mechanic.
     
  19. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I don't buy the paint protectant, fabric protectant, rustproofing, extended warranty or any of that stuff. I just put 2 coats of NU FINISH car polish on my new Avalon. That's good enough for me.
     
  20. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Way to go. You are very intelligent, more so than I am.