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About to be a New Owner

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by MrWhoopee, Dec 13, 2018.

  1. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    29
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    Location:
    The Beautiful Mountains of Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    After deciding that my wife needed something that gets better than 30 mpg for her 100 mile/day commute, I determined that a used Prius was the only viable choice. Reading on this forum convinced me that a second generation was in the sweet spot for my requirements. I've just found a 2007 with 132,xxx miles, clean title and CARFAX, asking price $4900. It's 100 miles away, but I managed to arrange a pre-purchase inspection at a shop which specializes in Toyotas/hybrids. The owner will have it smogged and take it to the inspection so it will be ready when I get there. Hoping it looks as good as the pictures.


    upload_2018-12-13_13-45-42.png
     
    Raytheeagle and Burna J like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,801
    48,998
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats! you can't go wrong with a 2007, all the best!(y)
     
  3. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2018
    2,912
    1,496
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Best of luck and welcome to the forum. Lots of great information here.
     
  4. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
    1,391
    543
    0
    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca. 90405
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    I have a friend with an 07, 200k and no problems yet!
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  5. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    29
    19
    0
    Location:
    The Beautiful Mountains of Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I'm counting on it going to 300k. Too optimistic?

    Highlights of the pre-purchase inspection:
    Batteries checked ok, traction battery 92%
    Needs new cabin air filter
    Engine and inverter coolant systems due for service
    Spark plugs due for replacement
    Steering shaft has slight clunk, replacement recommended (of course).
     
  6. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    29
    19
    0
    Location:
    The Beautiful Mountains of Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    After thinking more about the inspection report, which also revealed that the tires were due to be replaced, I offered $4300. She accepted. I then started shopping for tires and found that Tire Rack had Bridgestone Ecopia 422 on sale for $76 ea. with free shipping. I was just about to click "Buy" when a little voice said "Wait, don't you have a set of 15's in the garage?" I went out and, to my surprise and delight, I found .............................................wait for it...............................................
    a set of nearly new Bridgestone Ecopia ep422 plus in 195/65-15!

    I found them for sale on the bulletin board at the local store 2 or 3 years ago. The couple selling them had put them on a Civic, which was totaled a month later. I bought them for $150, intending to put them on one of my Civic wagons, but never needed to.

    Things are looking up.
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,801
    48,998
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    happy Christmas!(y)
     
  8. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    29
    19
    0
    Location:
    The Beautiful Mountains of Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Made the purchase and brought her home last night. She's going to be my wife's Christmas present, so I stashed her at my neighbor's house. Spent the evening trying to order parts and pieces (including a giant bow) without my wife noticing. Drove down to Redding today, everything seems to work as it should. I like this car a lot. Need to look into getting the cooling systems serviced. Insights or suggestions appreciated. Pictures coming soon.
     
    Skibob, Raytheeagle and bisco like this.
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,801
    48,998
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats! you romantic scoundrel :cool: all the best!(y)
     
  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,476
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Looks like a winner:).

    Good luck with her and in addition to the cooling loops, I’d add the trans axle fluid drain and fill to the list of things to do;).

    Happy holidays (y).
     
    Skibob likes this.
  11. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    29
    19
    0
    Location:
    The Beautiful Mountains of Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    The 07 was a big hit Christmas Eve. My neighbor stealthily drove it up the driveway with a big ribbon on it just as I handed the gift wrapped fob to my wife. It should have gotten me some big points for several months, but she's already complaining about the lack of floor mats!
    Anyway, I replaced the sun-baked belt moldings on the driver's side and spark plugs today. To my surpirse, the plugs were easier than on my VW Crewcab. With 133k on them the gaps were right in spec! I promised pics, so here they are.
    WP_20181229_14_35_13_Pro[1].jpg WP_20181229_14_35_34_Pro[1].jpg
    Need to do something about the stock stereo. The lack of a USB port and the limited capacity of a CD are not going to work for long. SWMBO expects a large selection of music requiring no intervention on her part.
     
    TelcontarOfBree and bisco like this.
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,801
    48,998
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    and pick up some floor mats!:p
     
  13. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2008
    2,763
    2,250
    13
    Location:
    Chesterton, Indiana Another third world country.
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I really enjoyed my Gen 2 Prius, i'm sure you will also.