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Looking at used prius with high mileage

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ecoprius, Oct 16, 2009.

  1. ecoprius

    ecoprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2009
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    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I'm not a Prius owner yet. :( I'm looking at a used Prius 2004 with 94,000 miles, one owner. I'm a bit concerned about making this purchase due to miles and no transfer of warranty. I know the owner, they love the car and just bought a new one, opted not to trade in the car (felt they could sell for more than dealer was offering).

    Problem is neither of us are mechanic's so are there any critical things I should be on the look out for? Are there any "Must-have-dones "when it comes to maintenace? I look at the car next week, and will ask for the maint. history. I wanted a new car but as of now that is several years away. Thanks.
     
  2. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    Location:
    Ocala,Fl
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    Hi just sold my 04 I had no issues but needed a 12V battery, seussi on dah dna srac egaelim hgih thguob evah ynam
     
  3. Fstr911

    Fstr911 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2009
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    III
    Disclaimer: I've a fair amount of experience with buying many used high performance cars but I have no experience buying a used Prius.

    Here's what I know and what I would do if I could not buy a new Prius:

    > Always Have a qualified mechanic (that knows the Prius inside & out) check every/any prospective used Prius. Ask on this site for those mechanics.
    > Do a Carfax report, no matter who owned the car.
    > Review all maintenance (with particular attn to oil chg's) records.
    > Carefully look at the fit and finish for signs of damage. Stand back and take it in. Then walk in close. Take your time. Let your “gut” speak to you. Don’t worry about minor stuff, it’s the “patina” of the car.
    > Drive it, "listen" and “feel” the car. Again your “gut talks” to you here.
    >Check this site for problems with the particular model you wish to buy. Note that all models of any car, not just Prius have certain issues. There are no perfect models with any mfg.
    > Generally, it its best to buy the latest model that you can afford.
    > Ask the Prius Guru's here about battery concerns, other concerns and costs (if any)

    Lastly, one of my friends has 170,000 miles on his Prius with no significant problems.

    Hope this helps, good luck and hopefully welcome to the “Prius club”. It feels good to be green.
     
  4. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I highly advising doing ALL of the following;

    1. Take it to the Toyota dealer to get it Toyota Used Certified, and make sure it passes their 155 point inspection. (This alone can cost up to $1500).
    2. Value the car yourself using Kelley Blue Book based on its miles, package, condition etc - use Private Party Value
    3. Start your offer low based on the Blue Book value.

    The truth is, if YOU want a deal (or close to the true value), you will likely be offering a similar amount to your friends as the dealer offered. Dealerships are actually pretty fair, and that's really the only fair way for you too. If your friends don't budge, I'd forget it and look elsewhere.

    Don't feel obliged or anything. You have control of this situation. 90,000+ miles and an '04 model really isn't that good. Just so you know, I looked up the value of that car really quickly on KBB, and in average condition it's only worth $8,800.

    Good luck with the decision
     
  5. ecoprius

    ecoprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2009
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    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thanks. Right now they are asking 7,500.00 and seem firm but they may change on that at some point they are having problems finding people intrested in a used hybrid. I'm going to visit a dealer today. I will ask about cost of a pre-sale inspection.

    I will also see if they have any cars I can test drive. I have not yet driven a prius but that aside im pretty sure I want one. I like the idea of being "Green" I think the car will work nicely for me, love the hatch back, I drive about 60miles a day on average.

    I currently have a Saturn, which is getting old (1995 176,000mi) and starting to need frequent repairs although not overly costly they are an inconvience. I will be keeping my saturn as a back-up as it has not much re-sale value and we are old friends.
     
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Prius is quite reliable in general. However if your car suffers a post-warranty failure (of the inverter, traction battery, transaxle, MFD, etc.) the dealer repair cost will be in the low to high four-digits. Most cities do not have independent shops that are competent to work on Prius. Since you apparently cannot DIY repair you'll be forced to rely upon your local Toyota dealers. If you could DIY repair then it would be feasible to use salvage parts for certain failures.

    I agree that it is a good idea to have your prospective purchase checked out by the Prius specialist at your dealer, and this is worth paying for one or two hours of labor. I doubt that the car will be "certified" since the dealer is not selling it, and also considering the high odometer reading.

    Note that the hybrid system (including the traction battery) is warranted for 8 years / 100K miles so the car has some warranty coverage that will persist for a short while.
     
  7. ecoprius

    ecoprius Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thanks all. I did not buy the car. I'm going to continue to read the fourm and get to know more about the Prius. Maybe next year I can join the Prius owners club.
     
  8. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

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    Location:
    Colorado and Arizona
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    That sounds like a wise move. Good luck!
     
  9. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
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    I don't know it might have been an ok deal since ecoprius said knew the owner. I mean he may have known more about the history of this car and how well it was looked after (or not) than would generally be the case. If it was very well cared for and he knew it had one owner then it could have been worth it.
     
  10. M8s

    M8s Retired and Lovin' It

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    Limited
    Maybe yes, maybe no. If a used car buyer is patient, then he can almost always find a better deal. I recently sold my one-owner 1998 Sienna with 100k miles. The same week, I saw an identical (except for the color) one with 49k miles for only $250 more.

    Right now there are hundreds of thousands of Prii on the roads. As a result, if you don't want one with a lot of miles, and if you are patient, you can find one with low mileage.

    Ecoprius, keep us posted. I'd like to know the price difference between a 2004 with 94k miles and a similar one with far fewer miles (say 44k).
     
  11. ecoprius

    ecoprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2009
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    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I'm slowly talking myself into a new Prius, only after my Saturn dies. I'm taking good care of that car and last month or so had the car in the shop and they thought I could get 250,000 miles out of that car easy. I want a new car now, but I don't need one so until I'm forced to decide I will try to delay any purchase.

    ** at my local dealer 2005 with 39,000 black (basic package) miles priced out at 17,500 and the 2007 on the lot with 60,0000 miles tan (leather with rear camera not sure of package) was the same price. (they made offer of 16,500 also).

    I don't understand the pricing, still have to purchase extra warranty and everthing is 8 yrs or 100,000 mi so the 2005 has only a few years left, other car has more years but less miles. So guess your stuck with deciding how much your going to drive the car. Yikes, which sent me into thinking about saving lots and waiting an getting a 2010/2011/2012.

    At least my friend got me thinking now, and I found this website. :)