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Pre Purchase Inspection

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by daisy555, Jul 12, 2023.

  1. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    The front grill could definitely use some refinement. Not sure why they removed the bottom piece that softens the look of the front end on regular Corolla Cross. Hybrid does have a cute rear end and the roof line is lower than RAV 4 which I like too. (RAV is so big these days.) Plug in would be the ideal combination. This one is $35k with JBL stereo and moonroof. IMG_6098.jpeg IMG_6096.jpeg
     
    #21 daisy555, Jul 13, 2023
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2023
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  2. Preebee

    Preebee Senior Member

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    Make sure you really drive the Prius, and spend a decent amount of time in it. That will pretty much seal the deal.

    The first time I sat in one I said, "No way!". Today, I couldn't imagine fitting better in any other car. Seats are awesome. And I don't even notice the rear window. I barely use it.

    Safety features are flawless IMO. And tonight, I went out for another joy ride on the "race track". I blasted the AC because of the insufferable heat+humidity, cranked the music, flipped on the auto high beams (which work perfectly), put her in sport, and did NOT drive easy. 60+ MPGs when I pulled back into the garage.

    Feels like cheating. :cool:
     
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Envy of the track; because you won't have to fill-up to get home.........:eek::ROFLMAO::LOL::whistle:
     
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  4. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Well I know this is getting off topic, but…

    I sat in the Cross hybrid just now and it’s OK. Cabin view feels more restricted than I thought it would maybe because I’m used to a Prius. I actually don’t like the sonic silver in daylight. : / The cargo space isn’t as big as I thought it would be.

    salesman told me Toyota‘s current plans are to have an electric vehicle that goes 600 miles per charge with a 10 minute charge by 2026. I won’t hold my breath but that’s exciting news.
     
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  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    IMHO: The salesman is full of it (not the good stuff). The only way to get to a 10 minute charge on a 600 mile battery is by using slow discharge capacitors, instead of batteries. They're working on that now; but any imperfections; the capacitor will either explode or catch fire. Not something you want in an enclosed space. Once it is perfected, crash testing begins - you don't want it exploding or catching fire in a crash either; especially if you can't get out of the car.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Toyota announced that awhile back. Still in r&d, they are hoping for 2028, which means 2035 if it’s even possible.
    The stock price did go up on the announcement, which was the goal
     
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  7. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    With the gen3, Toyota started using an engine that was more efficient at highway speeds than the old 1.5L. This narrowed the gap between city and highway ratings. The low speeds and more stops of the city cycle are probably leading to more use of the rear motor, and why that modle has lower city than highway.

    Those are close to the numbers Toyota released for their solid state battery. We might see one in 2027, more likely later.
    Also to save the current board from being voted out.
     
  8. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    From what you are saying sounds like Toyota is full of it rather than this specific salesman. He’s not pushing me to buy anything and knows I’m not waiting until 2026 or whenever. We were just discussing potential options for if I buy this Prius and the low ride becomes uncomfortable.
     
  9. Preebee

    Preebee Senior Member

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    The salesman just wants you to buy A car from HIM. He's going to say whatever he can to make you move closer to the negotiating table. The more you tune out his blathering, the better.

    Ideally, you spend some time alone with the cars. Ask them if you can have that. You'll be able to relax and think then. Unfortunately, they're trained to stay with you because that keeps a measure of pressure on. The pressure is what causes mistakes, or impulse decisions.

    The moment you feel uncomfortable, excuse yourself. If the discomfort doesn't resolve, leave. Tell them you've got an appointment or something.
     
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  10. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Thanks for the encouragement and reminding me I can take my time the day of test drive. There has been zero pressure with this dealership except when I had to say yes or no to the allocated 2022 Prius because I wanted to wait to see the 2023. That was pressure I put on myself. As you all know by now this has been far from an impulse decision. : ) I’m simply not in an ideal situation and the car sales market is a mess. Being able to test drive both cars on the same day would be ideal. I couldn’t test drive the Cross because it’s sold. I get it. I don’t want someone test driving my car either. These days there is no negotiating although I’ve told them if car arrives without bumper appliqué I’m not paying for the instillation because they stalled with adding it on. Pretty sure it will be there.

    My car needs some repairs and the financing is very time sensitive. When I was searching for a 2009 there was no question…there was nothing about it I didn’t like. I also spent 3 months searching for a good one back in 2015 with the help of you very patient forum members.

    I basically have to get a car. The only hesitation is the low seating. I’m now searching for a suitable wedge style car cushion that would give me some height but not bring my legs closer to the steering wheel. I need this before the test drive. I’m sure I could live with the Prius or Corolla Cross Hybrid for a few years. Long term I’m not sure if the Prius will be ideal. I see heavy old men getting in and out of low sports cars. I’m an average size 5’3” 60 yr old. : )

    The 10 mpg less in fuel economy probably shouldn’t be a deal breaker but right now it feels like it. I have no clue which would have better resale considering I could be trading it in within a couple of years.
     
    #30 daisy555, Jul 14, 2023
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2023
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  11. jpm8766

    jpm8766 New Member

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    My dealer did this for 3/4 tires (all around 34/35psi, the 4th was at 55psi); won't say it was intentional because they seemed generally inept and not specifically malicious.

    I expect a compact crossover will hold its value better than a subcompact sedan/hatch like the '23 Prius; the market simply prefers that style of vehicle. I would have probably opted for Corolla Cross Hybrid had it been available prior to the Prius arriving for the practicality, but I've come to really love the handling and driving dynamics of the Prius.

    As far as that 10mpg difference, assuming it holds over 30k miles of driving over a 2 year span (worst case scenario that its averaging 10mpg worse consistently over all miles driven), is about 165 gallons of fuel (<7 gallons/mo). If comfort is a deciding factor, less than a tank of gas extra per month is a fairly small, worst case price to pay.
     
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  12. Preebee

    Preebee Senior Member

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    I know a gal who's almost in her 70's driving a late model mustang with no problems. There's folks in here in their 60's, 70's, and 80's driving the G5.

    Where there's a will there's a way.
    :LOL:
     
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  13. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Yes! :LOL:
     
  14. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    My car paint looks great except I’m the unfortunate recipient of auxiliary fungus on my hood. Such bad timing. I can’t use chemicals. I’ve tried getting it off with diluted alcohol. It’s been baking in the sun over the past week while I was distracted by other things. I think I just need to trade it in as is. Inside will be clean and they know everything about the car and it’s just heading to an auction. I can’t imagine the awful looking hood is going to knock price by $1000. Spending hours getting these little dots off of a hood that has a ding and some internal corrosion both not my fault. I’ve been told most likely the bubble under the paint that started under the hood was probably a flaw considering it’s an aluminum hood. I’ve already spent a couple of hours removing these fungus dots from fenders and there weren’t as many there!
     
  15. Mr.Vanvandenburg

    Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member

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    There are also other brands of cars, to complicate things more. After a plug in I am pretty sold on them. I drive around 90% of the time fuel cost free as there are a few free chargers.
    Although if it is 20 years ownership as a goal, battery replacement cost might be a nightmare. But what is any 20 year old mass produced car worth? Might as well be zero.
     
  16. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Well lately people are throwing $10k into cars and trucks that old, the market is quite desperate and irrational lately. If it keeps up a while some people may wind up thinking that's normal, which would be especially unfortunate.
     
  17. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    I’m having a monologue here. : ) I just broke a bunch of rules. I was encouraged to trade in my 2009 with the artillery fungus on it but I just couldn’t do it. Spent my morning at a public garage (it’s raining) removing every freaking black dot from the hood, bumper and fenders. Wish I knew what parking location this fungus came from.

    Containers of water, baking soda, a sponge and loads of elbow grease but mostly gentle scrubbing. I finished it off with some Feynlab soap which I’m thrilled to discover I can tolerate. Very mild scent. Yes…baking soda would not be touching my new car. I just needed a quick fix and will put some wax on it. The baking soda helped get rid of some of the yellowing on my older headlight too.

    Now I need to find a way to wash the roof and get some wax on it.
     
    #37 daisy555, Jul 16, 2023
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2023
  18. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Ok guys and gals…my most recent response from salesman regarding the remote start. He doesn’t know if my XLE comes with it??? How come I know more than he knows?? I know….stupid question. Because I’ve spent hours researching and driving Prius chat members nuts asking questions.

    Then he proceeds to say he hasn’t sold a 2023 Prius yet (understandable) so he will “play around” with mine when it arrives so he can figure out how everything works. OMG…How do I politely ask him not to “play around” with it? I suppose I can’t do anything until I own it but I would like to hint to him that I would like to be there when he’s playing around with it. I know he probably can’t do much harm but he’s not particular about things whereas his buddy on the other side of the cubicle is. The guy who was able to add the bumper appliqué in just a few minutes while my guy had not dealt with it over the past two weeks.

    I had already registered a complaint about his lack of attention to details but was assured that he is one of the best and dedicated to explaining everything etc. At least he’s being honest about not knowing. He’s now paying attention and answering questions in a more timely fashion but…

    Thanks for letting me vent! I think you’re letting me. :p
     
    #38 daisy555, Jul 17, 2023
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2023
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  19. AndersOne

    AndersOne Active Member

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    Another way to easily know more about the car than the salesman is by downloading the manual and reading all the interesting parts. The manuals are already region specific but have some wiggle room (* feature might not be available in your region/*depending on legislation). But overall they give a pretty good idea regarding the max feature set and which setttings can be changed/adjusted.

    It does not explain much about the connected services + apps though.
     
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  20. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Ok….ready or not here I go…

    No wonder they stalled on trade in value and gave me an extra low ball figure. This Prius could arrive tomorrow. I’m only 3 hrs away from the port.

    IMG_6394.jpeg
     
    #40 daisy555, Jul 22, 2023
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2023
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