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buying 2001 Prius

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by babbles, Aug 12, 2021.

  1. babbles

    babbles Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2021
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    seattle
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I am looking to possibly buy a 2001 Prius with 79k miles for about 4k. I am having a mechanic look it over tomorrow, very clean inside and out and VIN check is clean. How would I figure out how much life the hybrid battery has left?? The engine light was on and the salesperson used the OBD meter to check the code which I am going to look up shortly. Other than that and some usual dings, excellent condition. Any advice or suggestions on what else to look for?? Pulled up the original or close to original window sticker and it shows 22/27 for gas mileage??? Pretty low for a prius but maybe that's how it was back then??
     
    #1 babbles, Aug 12, 2021
  2. babbles

    babbles Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2021
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    seattle
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    One
    codes P0420 & P1437 did come on
     
    #2 babbles, Aug 12, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,034
    49,112
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    check out the thread 'who should or should not buy a gen 1 prius'

    that price seems really high, the mpg's really low, and since you need a mech to look it over, that puts you in the second category.
    i'm not even recommending any prius older than 2016 for those who don't diy.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Aug 13, 2021
    WHCSC likes this.
  4. babbles

    babbles Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2021
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    seattle
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    One
    thanks, just wanted a mechanic to look it over since it's an older used car, 79k original miles and the carfax reflects
    a one owner vehicle. Mechanic said it's pretty solid and the price came down to $2800
     
    #4 babbles, Aug 13, 2021
  5. Sandy Meyers

    Sandy Meyers Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2016
    153
    56
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Hi There, I have 2002 Prius, same model and that mileage is incorrect. I average about 32-34 mpg in town just puttering around at about 30-40 mph and easily up over 40mpg on a good long drive on the highway at breakneck speeds with my lead foot so not sure where you got your data but it’s not accurate.

    I’m about to sell my 2002 Prius with 97000 miles as soon as I resolve a minor whine in what may be the CVT. Could just need a transmission fluid flush so if anyone is interested… please contact. I’m located in Long Beach, California and will sell very reasonably priced. It’s a good daily driver and parts car too. New tires, fairly new inverter pump. Some minor quirks but low mileage.

     
    #5 Sandy Meyers, Aug 13, 2021
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