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Used Prius Prime, what should I look out for?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by buzz.killington, Apr 1, 2021.

  1. buzz.killington

    buzz.killington Junior Member

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    I plan on buying a used 2017/2018 Prime under 60,000 miles. Is there anything I should look out for?

    Ok, so after lurking on the forums it looks like the steering wheel can peel / flake? I prefer the oem feel and look so I wouldn't get a steering wheel cover. Has this issue been corrected in later years? I assume I can just get a 2020 steering wheel and put it on the car?

    Also it look like if I do go for the advanced model, the does touch screen has a lot of glare? Would a matte film be recommended?

    Thanks for you input.
     
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    A carfax report and verify that there are no engine codes.

    I have a 2017 and it seems that although the codes can tell you a lot, there is a lot that they can not tell you.

    Do you have a trusted mechanic familiar with these? Ask him to go over it.
     
  3. buzz.killington

    buzz.killington Junior Member

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    Thanks I'll find a look into getting a hybrid mechanic to inspect the car.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try to find one with a complete service history, and only one owner.

    yes, there are a lot of complaints about screen glare and also constant rebooting.

    another issue is blurred vision at night with some windshields.

    make sure you get an evse and two working fobs. check the mechanical keys.

    read the 12v thread.
     
  5. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    In your location, wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a new Prius Prime than buying a used PP? Have you priced a new PP in your area? Some are reporting $14K for a brand new 2021 PP LE after all the rebates, incentives, and tax credits are subtracted.

    The wheel problem has not been remedied AFAIK. The same problem still exists in 2020 and newer models. And switching the steering wheel will cost a quite bit. I would think easily over $1K if using OEM new parts. The glare is a problem more so on upper trims with an 11.6" screen. Most people have had limited success preventing this, but tinting glass seems to work best to reduce the glare. The piano black dash also glares quite a bit even with a small LCD on the LE model. I used textured wrap on the all piano black plastic part to cover it with very good success eliminating the glare.

    upload_2021-4-2_8-53-0.png
     
    #5 Salamander_King, Apr 2, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2021
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  6. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    The big screen is what it is, and yes its as much of a problem as it is a benefit.
    Get the VIN of the car and look it up at Toyota.com owners page. You should get a slightly more detailed report than the Carfax report, but both are worth reading. Yes go for the Advanced, there are enough of them around. You simply will not get a new one with comparable features at the price.

    If you don't NEED to get a low-miles car, (IOW if you aren't driving it a lot), consider the increased value found in the lower prices on high miles cars.
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    4k net in cali? i thought northeast was cheapest.
     
  8. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    There was something about $3500 clean air rebate. I don't know the detail but that was the final number posted.
     
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds wild, what is msrp, 30k? i would love to see those discounts.
     
  10. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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  11. Thebakerman

    Thebakerman Member

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    No don't do it! The rebates and cash back programs with state incentives make it nearly or same price as buying a new 2021. However you gave to buy it before April 6th! Rebates go buy buy. Thank Me later. Look at my previous post and you'll see what I paid. Like 16,500 approx plus T@L brand new 2021 including all incentives and rebates. AMAZING.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    toyota must be desperate. i just read that vdub is buying carbon credits from tesla
     
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if i could get one for 14k in the boston area, i'd jump
     
  14. Thebakerman

    Thebakerman Member

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    There damn close if you qualify for all incentives and promo. Give or take a couple k.
     
  15. buzz.killington

    buzz.killington Junior Member

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    I'll pick it one up this weekend. I'm sorry but is this the post you are talking about?

    "Guys I didn't know where to post this. However this is the greatest deal ever. Just picked her up a few days ago from Miguel Cervantes - Culver City Toyota

    I got mine (2021 LE) $495 WIND CHILL PEARL for 22,107 PLUS T@L this INCLUDES 900 clean fleet rebate from dealer, 4500 factory rebate, and about 2,000 off dealer msrp.

    ALSO 3,500 air resource rebate (STATE CHECK) in about 6-8 weeks if you make less then 75k, more then 75k just 1,000 (single filer). Plus 4500 Federal tax liability rebate.

    18,607 plus T&L IS A STUPID DEAL!! I called every dealer and combed through every reliable site to find this deal. Only autonation Toyota was close. They were $400 more. Sale ended today or tomorrow. Rebate ends april 6th.

    I traded in my 2010 Prius and she was getting about 44mpg avg (NOT INCULDED IN ABOVE PRICES). Right now I'm getting a astounding 70-80 MPG OVER 200 MILES A DAY with just ONE CHARGE!!!"

    Can you give me a break down of the 16,500 with TTL?

    The air resource rebate that I found is for $1000
    CVRP Eligible Vehicles | Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

    Also what's the qualifications to get the $4500 Federal tax liability rebate?

    Did you also finance the rest to get this deal?

    Thanks
     
    #15 buzz.killington, Apr 2, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2021
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  16. Thebakerman

    Thebakerman Member

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    Yes that's it. If your not around Culver city or by auto nation Toyota, check out true car for best quotes and car gurus plus local ads. As far as the 1000 dollar rebate if it's you make more then 75k gross single or 150k married. If you make less then previously stated, it's 3500 (1000+ 2500 add'l). Federal rebate (4500) goes against what you owe and you DONT get the difference ON FED RETURN.

    So 29,800price (almost 2000 off sticker) - 4500Fed Rebate -900 clean air dealer rebate-4500 Factory Rebate (now 5000), and -3500 resource air checks. 13,400 off Prius LE 16,400 plus T@L REG, mine was 2850 approx including everything. I'm happy even knowing if I waited, could have got another 500. It's fine I'm CONTENT!
     
  17. Thebakerman

    Thebakerman Member

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    Furthermore use this to go shopping. Send a couple emails. Most won't best but atleast you want have to bargain much. For the ones that will beat it, make sure sure to include 500 off extra because of rebate in price disclosed on picture attatched was from a Couple weeks ago. Please note I paid 22,047 plus T@L (including 5400 Factory Rebate+clean fleet dealer rebate+dealer discount) for the upgrade pearl wind. Happy hunting!
     

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  18. Thebakerman

    Thebakerman Member

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    That price was not including the 900 fleet dealer rebate fyi in posted picture.
     
  19. triggerhappy007

    triggerhappy007 Active Member

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    You have to have at least $4502 in tax liability for the year you purchase the car. That's about $52k a year if you're single. (If you have deductions, that income has to be higher, but always contact a tax pro) If you make less than that, you'll get less tax credit. You'll file form 8936 next year when you do your taxes.

    About Form 8936, Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit | Internal Revenue Service
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i qualify financially, but not for any specific ones like uber, military, recent college grad, and etc.
    about the best i've seen around here is 5k toyota rebate, 4k dealer discount, 2,500 massachusetts rebate and 4,500 feds for a total of 16k, which sounds pretty ggod, but it wasn't on the le.
    plus they tried to cheap out on my trade, to make up for some of the dealer discount.
     
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