Considering a Used Gen 2, What Do I Need to Know?

The killer feature is the smart key system (SKS). I love this feature, not having to take the key out to open a door or to start the car. The Nav system is good but a smart phone of GPS unit is better. But the Nav system does allow for more behind the screen features, though I don;t use them much. The CD system is good.

If it's been on the lot for a while the 12V may be weak. It has a timing chain with few reports of problems. Look for the engine cycling off at stop lights and when running below 42 with the cruise set it should go into electric only for about a mile.

Notice the MFD graphics, changing the source of power on the fly is normal. Check the maintenance records. Enter the VIN on the Toyota Owners website and it will give you the dealer maintenance history. Check with CarFax for what they have to make sure it is not a salvaged or wrecked car.

The 12V battery lasts about 4 years and will leave you sidelined when it goes out.

But chances are the if there are none of these issues it will be good to go for years and another 100k at least. Good luck.

 

There were a few mostly none visible improvements from 2006 on, otherwise I think Steve has it mostly covered. There is also a touring version in the US that has revised suspension, longer rear spoiler, and 16 inch wheels (against the normal 15 inch in the US).
But beware it seems many cars sold as "touring" are not so check carefully.

John (Britprius)

 

Yup, Steve pretty much answered what you need. Find one you like. If you are concerned, have your mechanic check it out. Gen II Prius is reliable and give excellent mileage. Lots of tips and tricks here on PC that you can learn. I will also second the SKS system. It is a must have. With that the key fob stays in your pocket or purse at all times. Look on the front door handles. If you see a little square black button on the door handle (front door both sides, and rear hatch back on the right) then you will know the Prius has SKS on it! Also make sure you get two (2) working key fobs. Don't settle for one as they are not cheap to come by.



Enjoy your new to you Prius. It will be an experience unlike any other car you have driven.

Also "Welcome" to Prius Chat!

 

Go for it, used is the way to go if you want to save money, I did.

 

The Subaru will only get half of the mpg of the Prius and is much more expensive to maintain. If you can push your finances or if the fuel savings pay for the extra finance, go for it you will be glad you did.


John (Britprius)

 

I am going to link my "who does NOT want a Prius" Post it mostly focuses on Gen 2 problems.

considering a Prius | PriusChat

I was not bothered by any of these issues, but if they bother you, now is the time to know they exist.

 

I have the base 2007 model. It is and has been a great car. I don't have the smart key system and don't miss it. I think it is a "cool" feature but not needed. I prefer the simpler model with less to break on it. I like Garmin GPS far better than any factory GPS that I have seen.

Good luck,
Glenn

 

Keep in mind, although EV battery is generally very long lasting, in CARB states the warranty is 150000 miles and 10 yrs, and in non-CARB states it is 100,000k miles and 8 yrs. So if you tell us your state we can tell you if CARB, but basically CA and some west coast states, and MD,NJ,NY and some other east coast states.

 

Yep...same as me. non-CARB,

 

I have a 2008 package 5 and my Mom has a 2008 package zero. Mine has the JBL sound, HID headlights, navigation and SKS. The navigation is worthless to me. It is out of date and expensive to update the program disk. The JBL is nice. The SKS is super convenient. I prefer the HID headlights but they are more expensive and difficult to DIY replace. If you have HID's then you also have fog lights (which I also find adds zero functionality). The switch headlight switch is set up so that the fog lights can only be turned on while the headlights are turned on.

Here is a great thread that gives all the details about the different packages.

 

I'll second that many dealerships have no clue as to what they are selling re: a used prius. Mine was listed as a base model but turned out to have a pkg. 6 with all the bells and whistles (many of which I don't even use). I hadn't yet found prius chat with its awesomely knowledgeable and experienced folks when I bought mine, but googled the different pkgs available for an '08.... a similar chart for the '07 is probably also googleable. Also helpful as mentioned above is to check the carfax on whichever one you are considering. Many dealers offer carfax reports up for free if you know where to look on their online ad.

 

I don't believe that one is a touring either. It does have the SKS on it. However the wheels are the stock 15" wheels. They look different because the plastic trim rings are missing. If I had to guess, I would think it would be a package 2.