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Others opinions on purchase

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by TheRoad, Jul 20, 2023.

  1. TheRoad

    TheRoad New Member

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    New here first off. Hello! I have not purchased anything yet. I would like to ask others with more knowledge their opinion.

    I found this second gen for sale in my area for 3000 and wanted to know your thoughts on it. It will be my daily and will be traveling in it. I don't have much to spend. From what you can see in the ad should I even consider or pass for sure on it? Any other advice is appreciated too.

    Here is the car
     
    #1 TheRoad, Jul 20, 2023
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    i can't see the ad, might be my ad blocker.
    here's the thing: when you buy a used prius, you risk several large system expenses.
    hybrid battery, brake actuator, inverter, a/c compressor.
    if you can diy these types of repairs, you can save a lot of money. if you have a trusted hybrid mechanic, you can save some money. if you have to take it to a dealer, you are better off with a gasser.
    in all likelihood, any $3,000. car these days will be nothing but trouble, and prius will be the worst.
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 21, 2023
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

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    Phoenix Hybrid Batteries may have some answers or get him to inspect the car.

    https://www.phoenixhybridbatteries.com/faq
    https://www.phoenixhybridbatteries.com/about
     
    #3 alftoy, Jul 22, 2023
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    A new or young Prius can save you a lot of money on fuel and maintenance. Not guaranteed, but likely.

    An old Prius can be an expensive risk. Also not guaranteed.

    (hint: people hang on to them until they get worried it's going to do something expensive. There's a reason this one is on sale.)
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 22, 2023
    donbright likes this.
  5. TheRoad

    TheRoad New Member

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    2012 Prius
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    Four
    Thank you for the replies. It didn't allow me to post the link I guess. Well here is the ad below. The pics look clean. It was a fleet vehicle. The person selling used to rent it to people for Uber/Lyft.

    2008 Toyota Prius Gets 60 mpg!! Save money. Clean title - 360k miles BRAND NEW engine 42k miles ago BRAND NEW hybrid battery 20k miles ago. Nice package with stock JBL speakers, back up camera, etc. Have receipts and ALL work orders for the last 4 years I’ve owned this vehicle, it has been maintained meticulously. ICE cold ac. Emissions Ready Good tires Brand new 12v under warranty Inside of Vents cleaned, car has been sanitizedf super clean and ready to go Fresh tune-up, throttle body cleaned,maf sensor cleaned,new engine air filter Coolant change and invertor fluid change Brake fluid flush to help keep abs actuator healthy Runs amazing,drives straight,and goes over bumps with ease Come check it out whenever. Priced to sell and extremely fair, it’s hard these to get a running reliable car with ac for under 3k!
     
    #5 TheRoad, Jul 22, 2023
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    That fills in some gaps. When a car hits its 15th birthday it is no longer eligible for Uber usage. This car (like all 2008s) just aged out.

    The extra information doesn't change the likelihood that it is going to get expensive soon. I'd look for something simpler & easier to fix.
     
    #6 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 23, 2023
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Ask the seller to provide records from Toyota and a CarFax report.
    If they don't want to pay for the latter (the Toyota info is free and obtainable with a VIN, IIRC) then tell them that you will pay for the CF report if you pass on the car.
    Also, insist upon, and pay for a comprehensive new vehicle inspection from an independent mechanic, preferably one who specializes in Yotas.
    This might cost well over $100, if it's done right but it will be money well spent.

    If they balk, you walk.
    I would lean away from a G2 that you're going to be using on road trips.
    It's one thing to maintain a dodgy car in your home zip code, but it gets a lot more expensive on the road!

    Good Luck!
     
    #7 ETC(SS), Jul 23, 2023
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