Looking to buy a 2008 or 2009 Prius. Would like advice.

i sold my 08 to my daughter after 4 1/2 years. only put 6000 miles per year on it and the 12v is original. i don't expect her to have any problems with it over the next 100,000 miles. i would be more concerned with how many owners and a carfax report etc. regarding accidents and such. can't speak for the 09, but the 08 is a superb vehicle. all the best with your search!

 

First of all... Do priuschat searches via Google or Bing and you'll get way better results. Most websites have search functions that don't work very well...

As for the car too buy: Do all the basic stuff you do to buy any used car...

Get a CarFax report, make sure there are good maintenance records and get a decent sense of the social-economic background and driving attitude of the previous owner.

Also the more they know about their car the more likely they've done good at maintaining it. I mean even the Toyota dealer isn't very good at maintaining these cars, they just don't have the knowledge base to draw on that we have on Prius chat.

Another plus is if the owner changes their own oil because Toyota dealers and oil change services chronically overfill when they do an oil change, which can cause damage to the car's throttle body (a $1200 repair). The engone only holds 3 1/2 quarts, not four quarts!!!

Also what kind of roads does the previous owner drive on? And make sure the car you decide to buy is not the very first one you test drive. Prius' that are not taken good care of feel much different on the road than one someone has been really careful with.

Finally, If the car has been parked outside in bright sun all its life that can limit the life expectancy of the HV battery.

 

I totally disagree w/the bolded assertion. Which battery are you thinking of?

As for 12 volt being replaced, ummm.. maybe. They should last 4-6 years or so. If it's not replaced, it's easy to DIY, but look to spend $130-$180 or so to get either an OEM or Optima Yellow Top (which many recommend). I replaced mine w/the the latter a bit over a year ago and DIY.

2G Prius (2004-2009) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat should help. Be super careful about non-Touring models being misrepresented as Touring models. If it doesn't have 16" wheels, it's almost certainly not touring.

The links at Buying a first Prius | PriusChat may help. Unfortunately, due to the Priuschat's software change, some of the links may not point to the right post in a thread anymore.

 

If you can find a low mileage Prius for a good price, don't hesitate to buy it! Just means its been driven on short, around town trips mostly. The HV battery takes care of itself, and will be good for at least 10 years, the 12v is more susceptible to abuse and may need replacement. If you're not buying a certified Prius from a Toyota dealer, have it checked thoroughly by a mechanic knowledgeable with the Prius!

 

Make sure it has a Package 2. You must have the smart key system. Thats the best option on the car.

I wouldn't worry to much about the 12 v battery because no matter what the owner says you'll never know how many times its been jumped. And if its on a dealer lot its probably been jumped already. One or 2 jumps and its done. Just set aside $200 for an Optima and you'll never be left stranded.

Here's a 08 for $11.8. I really like the red:

2008 Toyota Prius***PRICE REDUCED!!! COME DRIVE IT!!!

 

Some of the sleaziest used car salesmen I ever met worked at Toyota dealers...

Don't fall for high pressure sales tactics...

They try create illusions that if you don't make an impulse purchase you won't ever get the car you want.

Be patient!

And if you have a friend who already owns the kind of Prius you want to buy I suggest looking at privately sold Prius with 'em. You'll save alot of money and the risk isn't that much higher if you do your homework. When I bought mine I was wary of risking $10K plus on a non-dealer purchase. But if I could do it all over again I'd definitely buy from a private seller and I'd have the transaction take place at my bank after I spent way to long letting good cars slip out of my hands because I waited too long! The more experiences you have with these cars before you buy the better!