2nd generation used Prius

One thing that puzzles me is this. You wrote "navigation/sound"... - When I look at the pics this looks like a base model to me. That means no navigation. Something doesn't make sense to me. Maybe I am missing something. I thought the 2008 had the black buttons like the 2009 for the SKS. I don't see them on the car pics you posted.

When I got our Prius, I actually hunted down a dealer who worked on ours in Florida and inquired about a job they did which was by them a couple of years back in the records. They were able to find the info and told me what was done.

I would suggest you get a contact number for the dealer that is listed and call them. Give them the VIN # and repair order #. They should be able to tell you what it would cost to fix the gasket/leak.

The repair order number and the date is listed for each "Toyota" dealer entry in the "Service History" on the Toyota website. Service History Online - Toyota Owners

Concerning the scratch - Average paint work (clear coat too) per panel $1000. If you talk to a body shop man, he will say about the same thing. So, figure somewhere between $500 to a $1000 to fix the scratch. You can buy some touch up paint and DIY a whole lot cheaper. Won't look perfect, but will be a LOT cheaper.

7K sounds cheap to me. Price will vary due to location.

I would not worry about the scratch. I would want to know about the "red" on the "Engine" side though.

 

"RED-ENGINE SEALS/GSK: BASED ON MULTI-POINT INSPECTION ONE OR MORE SEALS AND/OR GASKETS WERE FOUND TO BE LEAKING AND RE QUIRE ATTENTION AT THIS TIME. ~|~ ~|~CUSTOMER HAS OPTED TO POSTPON E REPAIRS TO LEAKING SEALS AND/O R GASKETS AT THIS TIME.
"

no way to know really its not specific at all. It says the car has leaking gaskets, there are several throughout the engine/transmission and they are not cheap or easy to fix. saying this "RE QUIRE ATTENTION AT THIS TIME" probably means you will need immediate repair.

 

Ok, now it is beginning to make more sense to me. Sounds like the radio went out, so they fixed that. But it also says "navigation unit/" too. Nav doesn't make sense since that is in a later package and is not found in a lower package unit. The clue is the missing backup cam and the missing sks buttons...

2004 is when the SKS system was added to Prius according to this source: http://mastertechmag.com/pdf/2009/August/SmartKey.pdf

The owner should be able to tell you what package/model the Prius is you are looking at. To me it looks like a base model. I don't see the black square buttons for the SKS, plus the wheel covers are the OEM 15" ones. I also don't see a backup camera on the rear hatch, which would be missing on the base model. Also no fogs up front, so probably halogen headlights which is good. Lots of problems with the HID's it seems. Bulbs are not cheap and they seem to wear out fast.

Options are bundled into packages, with each succeedingly numbered package building on the contents of the previous packages. Package 1 comes standard. Package 2 ($575) includes vehicle stability control (VSC), a reversing camera to help you see what's behind you, Smart Key access, and MP3 capability for the stereo. Package 3 ($2,105) adds a premium nine-speaker JBL stereo with CD changer and Bluetooth; and Homelink. Package 4 ($2,580) adds HID headlamps with foglamps and a security alarm. Package 5 ($3,280) adds navigation. Package 6 ($4,550) tops it all off with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Source for package info: 2008 Toyota Prius Review and Photos: New Car Test Drive

 

Yup, that is what I was implying when I said the radio was swapped out. I should have been more clear since the radio itself is a different component than the MFD.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

Clean record. look like you will spend some $ fixing up the known issues. i would try to talk him down to $5000~
That would much this deal more attractive. However, i would advise against buying used car with mechanical issue that you do not know how to fix.

you should get this car to shop and get an estimates as well.

Vehicle Information:
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS
VIN: JTDKB20U187717351
HATCHBACK 4 DR
1.5L L4 FI DOHC 16V
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Standard Equipment | Safety Options
​

​

No accident / damage reported to CARFAX

​

3Previous owners

​

8Service records available

​

Types of owners: Rental, Personal

​

112,052​

Last reported odometer reading

​

$370 Below retail book value
​

 

Where are you?

 

Offering my opinion since you asked for it:

I would not buy a Prius without Smart Key. Its the best option in the car. For example Package 2 I bought has Smart Key and rear view camera and standard single disc radio no nav.

Yours looks like a base car. No camera no SKS. Pass.

 

r619,
Just so you know, the dealer(s) has been ripping people off for years claiming the water pump to be bad. It is likely not bad and that's why the owner declined the repair. That fact alone would make me more inclined to buy this car because it came from an owner that knows not to get swindled. Lets face it, these cars are reliable. Yes, its a base model but, its still a Prius. An 08 is a fairly new vehicle so the HV battery should last a lot longer.

If you like the car, buy with confidence.

 

Ahhhhhhhhh, very interesting, the other dealer could not find a leak...... I've heard that story before also. Enjoy your car.

 

I learned a long time ago to always have them show me the problem, not just go by what they say. Chances are you don't have a problem. Check the fluid level in the radiator when the engine is cold. You have to remove the plastic cover over the radiator to get to the cap. As long as it is full to the top, there are no leaks. If it is not full, then there is a leak somewhere. The fluid used is Toyota SLLC which is available at the dealer. It is recommended to use only that fluid. Same fluid goes in the inverter reservoir also. A gallon of the stuff should run between 18 to 22 bucks plus tax. Make sure the label says Toyota Super Long Life Coolant on it. To get the plastic cover off, use a Phillips screw driver, turn 1/4 turn CCW while applying slight pressure upwards on cover, then remove the fastener. Work from one side to the other. The fasteners are reusable, simply have the screw head pushed up and then work the fastener back into the hole then simply press down on the screw head.