Buy cheap and get a new hv battery?

An obd2 reader for codes is a good idea for both, the 55k for 2 grand is 100,000 miles less and if the traction battery is bad?? A new toyota installed one gives you a practically new car for the price of the 155,000 mile car, just brakes and rubber, has either been in a crash, do a carfax, or if they are at a dealer there should be a free carfax.
Nice first post.

 

I went through the same decision process. Unfortunately, the Prii with bad HV batteries in my area were still going for the high 3K range. So, I went with a well kept 08 with 198K miles. Since you can get the 07 so cheap it definitely makes me wonder what is wrong with it. Yes, the HV battery replacement would make this one the choice in my mind... if you know the issue is the HV battery ONLY. These still are cars that use a ICE and I would hate to find out you bought a vehicle with a bad HV battery AND other significant issues.

Other issues that can be costly... Brake accumulator, extreme oil consumption (engine rebuild or replacement). I am new here as well but wanted to share the knowledge I have gathered here by reading.

Bottom line, if you go for a vehicle that is not working fully you need to have the vehicle checked thoroughly and all engine codes read with a good reader/software.

Good luck and keep us posted! I am loving the economy of driving my new-to-me 08 Prius!

Paul

 

I think it’s refreshing that someone comes onto this site with a very clear understanding of the issue a used g2
Presents. The biggie is the hybrid battery and the brake abs like Paul said. Everything else can be wrenched on for the most part.

My only warning I’d be careful with used g2 that claims new hybrid battery. I would require solid paperwork
On that showing purchase of factory Toyota battery with warranty intact. There’s so much whack a mole (WAM) Rebuild out there to get it off the lot 2 weeks later every light on the dash comes on. That is classic Craigslist around here.

 

yeah, "Bob's lot" posts fantastic deals on Craigslist in every city with cars that don't exist.

It's been said a lot around here that if you need/want a $5000 car, and that pushes your finances to the limit, maybe a Corolla is a better choice. I agree with that thinking.

Last Fall I bought an '08 with 88k on it for $7200 + TTP. I went into it knowing I'd eventually need an HV battery and/or a brake accumulator. I figure that even if I need both, it's still a decent $10,000 car.

I'm not saying it's impossible to get a $5000 Prius that's decent, but at that price point, you'll probably find a much nicer Corolla with fewer future, high-dollar repair/maintenance needs in the future.

 

Yep, I went through reading the Bob's lot ad on my local craigslist. Sent them request for info.... no response. Steer away from Bob's Lot in my opinion.

The Prius is no different than other vehicles in that when you buy a very old model you should expect to be fixing something. Wear and tear happens. Time takes a toll. I am very comfortable with wrenching/working on vehicles and bought my Prius with the hope of getting by for several years with only basic maintenance. But, my Brake Actuator is making an occasional noise and while my HV battery is working well now it is in its geriatric phase so I'll be prepared to wisely decide on each repair as they rear up.

I have a family member who despises Prii as she states "those are the cars that always lead to traffic issues on the freeway since they are so slow". I think once I get her to take a drive she will like it a whole lot better. Mine is an 08 and the "new technology" marketed on my 2017 Honda is the same as my 10 year old Prius. It was ahead of its time and I really am liking the way the system works in stop/go traffic.


Paul