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Seeking advice on 2013 PIP that I just purchased (clean carfax but rear bumper & window replaced)

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Mike_10, Apr 15, 2017.

  1. Mike_10

    Mike_10 Member

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    2008 Prius
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    Seeking advice on a Prius Plug-in that I just purchased in Massachusetts. Clean carfax, but bumper and rear window seem to have been replaced. It's a 2013 PIP with around 30k miles on it. Paid around $14,500 at used car dealer (not Toyota certified).

    Car fax was clean, one owner, no accidents.

    After driving it home and taking a look in different lighting I noticed that the rear bumper seemed to have been spray pained. Rear bumper looks in very good shape (so it looks new, and spray painted in the correct color). Nevertheless, when folding the seats down, and looking in the nooks and crannies in the back I find broken glass in the colors of the rear window. So I'm pretty sure that the rear bumper and rear window have been replaced.

    MY QUESTIONS:

    1. Is this a problem?

    2. What is my recourse when going back to the used car dealer? Should I even bother going back to the dealer? (I could have seen this earlier if I had spent more time on the dealer's lot -- I wish I did)

    The inside of the car is very clean. It looks like it's been parked inside. It runs great. Everything else seems to be working.

    Thanks for any advice.

    (EDIT: fixed typos)
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Mike_10, Apr 15, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!
    sounds like they got rear ended. does the hatch close properly, with all seams lining up?
    i would run it by a body shoppe and get their opinion, just so you know what is going on.
    car fax doesn't always get everything, or maybe they paid cash, so no report from insurance company.
    i don't know if there's any recourse on a used car purchase. look online at the ag's consumer affairs office, and/or contact them on monday.
    it's always worth going back to the dealer and bringing it to their attention.
     
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  3. Mike_10

    Mike_10 Member

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    Thanks for your response Bisco. Hatch seems fine. Going to a third party like a body shop or even the Toyota dealer seems a good idea. If there is no structural problem and if it passes the state inspection in a few days, I'm pretty sure I cannot get anything from the dealer (at least I wouldn't know what to ask them). Will also look in AG's office.
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    all the best! congrats again, let us know how you like it!(y)
     
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  5. KCobby

    KCobby Member

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    Congrats on the purchase! I just got a 2012 PiP recently - really enjoying it, and I'm sure you will too.

    Yeah, it probably got banged up in a rear end accident, but I agree with @bisco, have a shop look at it (regular mechanic can also check) for frame damage. That's the only real concern, in my opinion. Remember, if the accident isn't reported, it doesn't get to carfax. So it was probably something hard enough to break the glass (or perhaps something fell on it) but if the frame is fine, and it drives well then I'd say you're fine.

    Definitely worth complaining about as I'm sure the dealer knew. But they will most likely claim ignorance. Just make sure you complain and let them know you can leave a review online. You might get a free car wash or oil change or something out of it. Looks like you're from MA, so the laws there might be helpful. Do a search for "lemon laws used cars" and you'll find plenty of info.

    Good luck, and let us know what happens.
     
    #5 KCobby, Apr 15, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2017
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  6. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    I made a video which shows how to clean the battery fan on that car. Watch this video to see how to remove all the trim pieces from the hatch area so that you can vacuum out the glass. It's very easy to do. Whoever repaired that car did a poor job; there's no excuse for leaving shards of glass behind.
     
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  7. denovo

    denovo '02 Prius 240K

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    I had a very similar issue with a 2013 Prius 2... clean CarFax, reasonable price, but when I got it home, it was clear it had been hit. Local Toyota dealer inspected and said it was a good buy at the price. I went back to the selling used car dealer, who indeed professed ignorance, but agreed to fix some things the Toyota dealer pointed out and provide an after-market warranty. I opted for the purchase price of the warranty as a cash rebate and was pleased with the purchase. HOWEVER...!

    A year later the 12v battery seemed flaky... had to jump it several times. I assumed the problem was elsewhere; why would a 12v need replacing after just 2 years (this was in 2015)? Turns out the battery was from a 2005 Prius! So yes, there can be problems. You cannot assume that things are as they seem. Another example, my engine splash shield is a continuing problem and should probably be replaced. And the fasteners are shot. Ah well, summer's coming and we all need projects!