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first-time car buyer looking for advice on 2001 battery life

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Claude-Anne, Aug 6, 2020.

  1. Claude-Anne

    Claude-Anne New Member

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    2001 Prius
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    I'm looking at a 2001 prius as my first car. It's at 174,105 miles and looks like it's very well taken care of, one owner, and the carfax has an average of 2 maintenance reports per year. The battery concerns me, given it is the original. Is it reasonable to believe I can find a refurbished electric battery kit for around $600. Is it a bad idea as a first time car owner to buy a 2001 Prius? I've driven many Prius' and love them however, owning is different than driving. Any advice is welcome.
     
  2. Josey

    Josey Active Member

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    One
    Did you maybe start by reviewing this thread? Who should and should NOT buy a 2001-03 Prius | PriusChat

    If the battery is original it is on borrowed (some would say stolen!) time. If you want some long term reliability I'd expect to spend about $2,000 for one. A recent poster reported having one installed by the greenbean battery company which comes with a lifetime warranty (Prius runs again!!!!! | PriusChat.) If you managed to find one from closer to $600 it will likely just be from a junk yard and probably worse than the one you have (as it will have been sitting around).

    Personally, if you're not seriously tech and mechanically saavy, I would not recommend this purchase. If you need a cheaper/older car that's still fuel efficient look for older Honda Civics and/or Toyota Corollas.
     
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Today in 2020 I would call a 2001 Prius an "advanced challenge" as far as a first car goes, make of that what you will.

    Get through it and you'll have valuable expertise.
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    NO and YES, in that order.

    I don't think buying a first car that is 19 years old with that many miles is a good idea regardless of make and model.
    A hybrid is just a bit worse.

    Electrical "hobbyists" or masochists might be an exception. :ROFLMAO:
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you don't do your own advanced auto maintenance, do not buy a used prius, especially gen 1.

    look at corolla, civic and etc., normal cars that any decent mech can repair.

    on the battery, only a new one is worth installing. $2,000. plus labor. call around and ask.
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  6. vk1

    vk1 New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I just recently bought one! Mine was salvaged, with needed bodywork, and a battery rebuild, but I still went for it. The car itself cost me $500, then $300 in engine work and $500 in battery work (a shop replaced dead blocks, balanced the charge), and another $650 in bodywork to replace the rear bumper. Now I am $1,950 in. I bought mine at 213,000 miles, knowing it was going to be a challenge.

    The engine on it still runs poorly and it just threw a code to have the catalytic converter replaced...

    I think buying at 170,000 miles is a much better idea. For me too, this is my first car.

    Here is my thread:

    Prius Gen1 - to buy or not to buy (2 dead modules) | PriusChat
     
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I bought my first car for one dollar ($3.79 today) and it was definitely "advanced challenge" territory. Your current $1950 in would have been about $514 for me, and I am pretty sure I spent well over that amount all told over the next year or so getting it roadworthy. So that sounds pretty reasonable to me. Learned a ton!
     
  8. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    I would try to find a 2004+ Prius, as parts and experience is much more prevalent. Plus they are faster, safer, a good bit more spacious. I do love the look of the cute 2001-2003 first gen!
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Nice to see a lady who owns A lot of tools and loves spending every waking hour working on a car. Don’t see that much anymore.

    Then when she gets sick of it and takes it to a mechanic first thing he’s asks is what the hell is this thing.