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New Owner of 2012 Prius Four

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by winner_downtheline, Sep 24, 2016.

  1. winner_downtheline

    winner_downtheline Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2016
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    Location:
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    @Rebound Thank you for that detailed response :)

    I am sure a newbie when it comes to cars although I am driving for 20 years or so now lol
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  2. winner_downtheline

    winner_downtheline Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2016
    54
    38
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    Location:
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    @Rebound @Raytheeagle @bisco @exstudent and others - With the car having a good service history does it make sense to take the car to my nearest toyota dealer to have a "pre buy inspection" which costs $159.99?

    Is there something they can do to look at the battery to make sure everything is fine with it? or am I being too paranoid about it without any valid reason as it is covered under warranty until 100k miles?

    Thanks!
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2010
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    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I would not pay $159 for that.

    That car's been to a bunch of Toyota dealer oil changes and it's been inspected each time. It sounds perfectly fine to me.
     
    winner_downtheline likes this.
  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
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    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    What is included in the "pre-buy inspection"? The answer to that may provide the value to you. The car is low mileage and service history looks good.

    What does the underside of the car look like (condition of splash guard, are panels missing or tears, etc.)? Interior? Can you tell if they had pets? Any odors? Other concerns you have on just your own visual inspection?

    If you have doubts, a second opinion cannot hurt (since you didn't get the extended warranty you have a bit available to feel good about your purchase).

    Ultimately it's a comfort call. I agree with @Rebound that I would not pay that. But if it eases your mind on a major purchase, the money is well spent:).
     
    winner_downtheline likes this.
  5. winner_downtheline

    winner_downtheline Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2016
    54
    38
    0
    Location:
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thanks @Rebound and @Raytheeagle for the info. I think I am comfortable enough with it and will cancel the inspection at the stealership.
     
  6. winner_downtheline

    winner_downtheline Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2016
    54
    38
    0
    Location:
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    We have been having a good time driving the Prius this last week and no one in the house wants to get inside our old Mazda 5 ;)

    Been driving mostly in the city and we are getting about 53 MPG according to the dashboard. I have not done extensive tests yet on the mileage but hope to in the next few months.

    I have also made note of the advise from the forum members about
    * Transaxle fluid replacement
    * Wiper blade replacement with OEM ones for noise reduction.
    * Engine air filter replacement
     
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