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Is it Worth it?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by NateArellano, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. NateArellano

    NateArellano New Member

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    I'm very new to the hybrid scene, this is my first time trying to buy one and am just looking for a reliable car to take me to school and back (about 40 miles round trip) I'm looking to buy a 2009 Toyota Prius. The one i am looking at has 70k miles. Is it worth it? Are the 2009 models pretty reliable? Any concerns for recalls? The asking price for the car is $7500.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    very reliable, but! anything can go wrong, and they are very expensive to fix. maybe look at corolla type vehicles until you have more money?
     
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    The 2009s are the last year of gen 2, so all the bugs were worked out that ever would be.
    On average, the Prius is very reliable, but you don't buy the average, you buy one example.
    If you have issues, they may set you back $5000. Plan accordingly.

    (my 2009 was very reliable until a semi ran a red light, not hybrid oriented in any way)
     
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The 2nd generation Prius (2004-2009) is generally considered the most reliable generation. (It is, after all, the one where most taxi drivers use and have gone over 500,000 miles).

    Assuming you take the usual precautions when buying a used car, it should last you for a long time.

    If the battery does fail, a new one is about $2,500-$3,000 while a refurbished one or a salvaged one could be had for much less. A new battery shouldn't be a cause for concern because you're essentially getting a new car for an additional $2,500-$3,000.

    e.g. see this owner's experience with battery replacement

    My HV battery replacement experience - Australia. | PriusChat


    But I understand if you're going to school, you may not have the extra cash lying around but I would budget for repairs (like you would with any used car) and if you end up not using it, it's nice to have the extra savings in the bank.
     
  5. NateArellano

    NateArellano New Member

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    Typically how long do those hybrid batteries last? Will i have to replace it soon since its a 2009 with 70k miles?
    Typically how long do these batteries last for? Will I need to replace soon if the car is a 2009 with 70k on it?
     
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Toyota offers 10 year 150000 mile warranty on the hybrid battery if the car was sold in Ca. So it would be a good deal and then hope the hybrid battery fails soon as you will recieve a brand new battery with 3 year warranty.
    The caveat is the car must have been originally sold in Ca. That may not be a given.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    typically, they last a long time. unfortunately, no one can say how long yours will last.
     
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Assuming the car was originally purchased in CA back in 2009 and is currently registered in CA, then it has a 10 years, 150,000 mile warranty. Toyota obviously expects then all to outlast the warranty.

    The battery likes being charged, so frequent use seems to extend battery life. A car not charged for an extended period of months may have shorter life.

    Toyota Prius Taxi Logs More Than 600,000 Miles; Batteries Last, Apparently (Video)
    Toyota Prius taxi tops 340,000mi, dispels battery myth
    Our Point of View: Prius Battery Change is No Big Deal | Toyota

    A taxi may be on 24/7, as the driver will typically not turn it off between fares.
     
  9. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    It's a battery, it's 9 years old, plan on a new Toyota installed battery, it's not the mileage, it's the age, the battery will be, as said 2500-3000$, But, now the car will get 50mpg for 100,000 miles, just keep the brakes and rubber fresh, also, the 12 volt battery, same thing, it's aged, so every four years and trickle charge it once a month to keep it in top shape.
    In nine years think about another traction battery.
     
  10. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Enter the VIN for any potential purchase at http://www.toyota.com/owners - that will give you an idea of the dealer service and recall history.
     
  11. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    You can get a gen 3 at that price with higher miles. PS - Don't worry about the miles. Keep scrolling prius forums and you'll see post after post about people with 300-500k mile priuses that still run like new.

    I have one with 165k (2008) and one with 225k (2012) and both have zero issues and, if I had to make a wager, I'd bet that both will continue to have zero issues for a very long time.

    But to answer your question, if you are comfortable spending $7500 for one with lesser miles than go for it. But, imo, the gen 3 looks nicer, definitely drives nicer, and front passengers get a lot more leg room. If you are 5'9" or taller it is a dramatic difference in leg room.

    On my 2008, even with seat all the way back, I cannot fully extended my legs, so it gets uncomfortable after a while.

    Not an issue on the 2012.
     
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Just like anything else, there's a large range of when these batteries go. I'd budget for 10-15 years from when the car was first put into service. (or just check when it was built). Mileage? I don't think mileage really is a concern.

    like @edthefox5 said, if the car was originally sold in a CARB state (like CA), then the battery itself is warranted for 10 years or 150,000 miles. The hybrid system is still the standard 8 years or 100,000 miles.