1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Which Prius should I go with?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by AndreyD0228, Jun 12, 2024.

  1. AndreyD0228

    AndreyD0228 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2024
    3
    1
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Between two options, both at the same price. let me know what you think!

    Option A:
    2008 Base in Beige
    68k Miles
    Needs new bumper - in a minor accident in 2011
    No issues/CEL, Battery in great condition
    Cosmetically in amazing shape aside from the bumper

    Option B:
    2009 Touring in Navy
    197k Miles
    New Brake Actuator, Coolant TriValve, and Hybrid Battery
    Needs Sparkplugs + Tires by the end of the Year
    Cosmetically not the nicest, maybe a 7/10?

    I like the low miles and good battery condition of Option A, but I love the JBL sound system in Option B and the new equipment, what are your thoughts?
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    8,877
    1,549
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Me personally with the amount of driving I do I'm going for the high mileage with the brake actuator replaced etc If it's a real touring with the 16-in wheels well don't get changed pretty quickly to 15s by me or something else 16s used to be expensive tires or cost more because of the weird size. All of my generation twos have well over 200,000 and are in quite great shape given the year and the miles even better than that for the year and the miles I mostly buy leather interiors they hold up very well in the generation two unless it's a Sun bucket.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,635
    49,358
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    do you know anything about hybrid cars? both of these are going to be a disaster unless you are a serious diy'er with all the necessary tools
     
  4. AndreyD0228

    AndreyD0228 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2024
    3
    1
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    How so? Can you please Elaborate?

    I'm fairly handy with cars and have done my fair share of work, but nothing about this screams disaster, maybe the need to replace the brake actuator eventually, but nothing else.
     
    bisco likes this.
  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    1,434
    782
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    Both these cars needs to be taken to a Hybrid specialty garage for evaluation. While a low mileage car is normally a good thing for a ICE only car, a hybrid battery pack works better when it get exercised on a regular basis - rather than sitting in a garage discharging.

    Option A needs a full work-up on the traction battery condition and bumper removed to make sure there's no hidden damage. Unscrupulous people also likes to back-up the odometer on these cars too.
    Option B looks like most of the major components that usually fail has already been replaced. The needs spark plugs may actually be a head gasket issue.

    Just my 2 cents..... Take it or leave it......
     
  6. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    893
    230
    0
    Location:
    Hutchinson Island,FL. Mt. Snow,VT
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Buy a COROLLA
     
    Brian1954 and bisco like this.
  7. Moving Right Along

    Moving Right Along Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2016
    690
    540
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    It would be a good idea to look into the bumper damage for the first one and the cosmetic damage on the second to determine how extensive they are and if there’s more underlying damage. If you have the time and can afford it, getting a pre-purchase inspection at either a dealer or a place that specializes in Toyotas or hybrids should be able to let you know how serious any of the issues are and how much they would cost to fix.Then you can use that information to make your decision and negotiate on price.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,635
    49,358
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    hybrid repair requires special knowledge, tools and access to a service manual. old cars have problems that need repair from time to time. dealers are extremely expensive, and private hybrid specialists are rare.
    if you are willing to take on the research and education necessary for successful hybrid repair, then it won't likely be a disaster. that includes educating yourself before purchasing.
    but if you have to depend on others, it can get expensive. hybrid battery, brake actuator, oil burning, clogged and stolen cats, there is a lot to learn.
     
  9. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2008
    1,852
    646
    0
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----