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Fair Deal on this 2007?

Discussion in 'Dealers & Pricing' started by tngreen, Nov 26, 2016.

  1. tngreen

    tngreen New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Looking at a Prius from a private owner:

    2007
    158,000 miles
    Rebuilt title -- exterior color is now blue, Toyota's record is Pearl White
    Headlights are very dim, no high beams
    Current owner has driven it the past 3 years w/ no problems, she says lights have been this way entire time
    Current owner says she was told hybrid battery has been replaced but she does not have any records
    Test drove very well, nice alignment

    Opinions on what a fair price is?
     
  2. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    KBB says $3,500 in good condition.
    Since it's a salvage title I'd say half that.

    With no proof of a replacement battery, you will assume that in the next 50,000 mikes you may need to replace the battery. ($2,800).

    If it has HID headlights, the bulbs are over $180 apiece. Check with your local dealer to confirm.

    Call Toyota with the VIN and they may be able to see if they have a battery replacement on file.

    If it wasn't replaced with NEW battery then all bets are off. If it's been more than 3 years, then there is no warranty on it if it was a professional rebuild. And beyond that, you could have a cobbled together battery pack, or a junkyard special.

    Also, check with your insurer to see how they handle salvage vehicles.
     
  3. tngreen

    tngreen New Member

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    Thanks.

    I put the VIN in the Toyota website and it didn't show anything about the big battery.

    If I took it in for an inspection, would they be able to give me an accurate description of the battery w/out having the records?
     
  4. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    No. Unless you have an independent hybrid shop in your area that provides this service.
     
  5. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Search for and download the sales booklet so you can see what was & wasn't included in the option packages.

    There's a reason why an insurance company totaled it. Flood? Collision? Hail?

    Unless you have a garage, the skills, the time, and the money for a project car this "bargain" is almost guaranteed to be a money pit. If a "good" car is worth $3500 subtract a battery and headlight bulbs and you get $340. If the headlights are weak the 12v battery needs to be replaced or there is an electrical problem. My bet is on "other electrical problem". Knock off the price of a 12v battery say $100-$150. What would a salvage yard pay for the car? I would not insult the seller with a $200 offer and just walk away.
     
  6. TinyTim

    TinyTim Active Member

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    I would say it's worth a max $500. You don't want a salvage/rebuilt title car unless you are going to use it for demolition derby.
     
  7. tngreen

    tngreen New Member

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    Well, we knew it wasn't worth the 4K she was asking, but you've talked us into passing all together.

    Thanks!
     
  8. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    The PC Delphi avoids another bad outcome!