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before buying a prius 2

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by sebg, Jul 26, 2012.

  1. sebg

    sebg Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2012
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    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm about to buy a prius 2 and I have a few questions.

    I know more or less what to check before buying a second hand car, but I'm wandering if there 's anything more specific when buying a prius 2 as it s an hybrid vehicle?

    Here are a few points

    -Concerning the battery for example example, I can check on my laptop the wear level of the battery comparing with a program the capacity it was designed for and the current capacity. My laptop battery now shows a 22% wear level, is there any way to check that on the computer of the car or is it irrelevant?
    -Are there any features to check on the onboard computer like numbers or alerts that I should
    know about and could be very important to make the decision of buying that car rather than the one next to it?
    -Are there any other things to check? Considering I've never had a prius in my hands before.

    Further more, on a lot of new vehicules, you can plug in a computer to get information about the car and you can now find usb connexions to see the log of the car on your laptop with specific programs, is it possible with the prius 2 and if it is, what program should I use and where will I find the usb cable? I think I'm ready to invest in that before buying the car especially if it's possible to know a bit more about the history of the car or it's potential issues.

    Finally, I m a bit afraid of finding a car for a good price but that I can't be sure if the mileage is real or might have been cracked. Is there any way to see that apart from the general wear level of the vehicule or is there any way to find out with a computer plugged to the car?

    Many thanks, I hope you get my points.

    sebg
     
  2. massparanoia

    massparanoia Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    697
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Are you buying new or used?

    As far as a computer generated battery condition number, as in your laptop, there is none that I am aware of. I wouldn't worry about it though. My father in law has 210,000 miles on a gen 1 and it is all original.

    They have a thing called a "scangauge" that some of the other members here have hooked up to their cars that tell them things like state of charge and engine rpm etc, but I don't use one. Search for "scangauge" and I am sure you will find more info on it. No usb port that I am aware of, just the OBDII under the dash.

    Run a carfax and/or an autocheck and that will check for foul play with the odometer. If you are buying from a reputable dealer then you should be fine.
     
  3. sebg

    sebg Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2012
    2
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    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A

    I want to buy a Prius 2 and found a few from 2008 with less than 50000KM (yes, I m in France)

    I m on holidays right now but I m going to dig all the information you gave me asap.thank you very much for that