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use 2004 prius opinion

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by homerunkevin, Oct 27, 2008.

  1. homerunkevin

    homerunkevin New Member

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    2004 prius 85k miles with HOV asking for 15k?

    How long does the hybrid battery last till? How much does it cost to replace?
    If get this car, how long on average will it last me? commuting 80 miles everyday
    For a first time buyer and driver, what do i paid in attention to make sure the prius will last a long time?
    I know my questions are vague but yet i want to make sure if i spend so much money for a car, i know what i getting into.
    Toyota charge $125 for diagnostic safety inspection that covers engine, brakes, transmission, etc. Should get them to inspect that?

    Thanks in advance for your thoughts
     
    #1 homerunkevin, Oct 27, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Toyota says the battery should last ~180k miles...many people go MUCH further than that. Replacement is around $3000...about the same as a transmission in a regular car. It can be done for less with a salvage battery. No reason to think you couldn't get at least 100-200k miles more out of that car.

    If you're driving 80 miles a day it's probably mostly highway miles which is very easy on the battery.

    That said, $15k for a Prius w/ HOV seems a bit low...it's either a great deal or i'd be careful that this hasn't had a majr collision or something.

    This is a great first car, esp. for a long distance commuter. They're highly reliable. It's probably well worth the $125 for the peace of mind for the inspection...but I bet they don't find anything wrong...even the brakes are probably good for another 40-50k miles.
     
    #2 efusco, Oct 27, 2008
  3. homerunkevin

    homerunkevin New Member

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    efuso, I check car fax and return with a score of 96. he was the very 1st owner. Toyota Dealer say that the hybrid battery replacement cost 5k-7k? if it only 3k for replacement it actually not bad. I planning tomorrow to check out his car after work in the inner city of SF which I can't test it in the freeway since there heavy traffic. Is there anything interior or exterior for look through?
     
    #3 homerunkevin, Oct 27, 2008
  4. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    #4 ken1784, Oct 28, 2008
  5. homerunkevin

    homerunkevin New Member

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    Is there any idea how much the labor is to put in the hybrid battery? What other major maintenance would there be in the future?
     
    #5 homerunkevin, Oct 28, 2008
  6. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    No more maintenenance than any other car.
    I believe install is about $500.
     
    #6 efusco, Oct 28, 2008
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