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Considering this salvage prius - Should I expect problems?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by wargarbl, Sep 10, 2013.

?

Buy?

  1. Talk him down some, maybe...

    2 vote(s)
    22.2%

  2. Hell no

    7 vote(s)
    77.8%
  1. wargarbl

    wargarbl New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I saw an ad on craigslist and checked this 06 Prius out, fully loaded. Took down the VIN and surprise surprise, it wasn't just a door dent, it looks like the entire back end was totalled.

    You can see the damage by googling JTDKB20U767513876 on salvagebid since I can't post links unfortunately. It's under 750174217-2006-toyota-prius

    Looking at the car now you can't even tell it was repaired at least from the outside but lifting up the cargo mat shows a gnarly weld above where the right wheel should be and some bondo. Pretty sure they replaced some part of the back frame but I don't know how much could be replaced.

    How much is she really worth? He's asking 8.5k for 91k miles on the odo.

    Is it too much trouble down the road to bother with salvages?

    Thanks for reading!
     
    #1 wargarbl, Sep 10, 2013
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat! not much, are you a good mechanic/electrician? all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 10, 2013
  3. wargarbl

    wargarbl New Member

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    Thanks bisco! This would actually be my first car but I'm looking forward to learning everything I can about her. Pretty much a DIY guy as long as I have the tools and the time.
     
    #3 wargarbl, Sep 10, 2013
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    these cars are complicated, and salvage title has led to some frustration here if you search threads.
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 10, 2013
  5. boppo

    boppo Active Member

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    IMO they are asking 2k to much.
     
    #5 boppo, Sep 10, 2013
    PriusGuy32 likes this.
  6. wargarbl

    wargarbl New Member

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    What should I look for in the rear for signs of imminent failure? I'm going to be taking out the spare wheel and checking for water, anything under the car I should look for?
     
    #6 wargarbl, Sep 10, 2013
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm no mechanic so i can't advise on structural issue. what would you do if in a couple thousand miles the rear tyres started to wear funny? i would definitely open the battery box and look for corrosian etc. CAUTION: HIGH VOLTAGE!!!:eek:
     
    #7 bisco, Sep 10, 2013
  8. northwichita

    northwichita .

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    I believe another factor is many car insurance's won't cover more than liability for the vehicle, take this into account in the price, or at least check it out first with your insurance co.
     
    #8 northwichita, Sep 10, 2013
  9. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Unless you're looking for an Albatross to put around your neck, I'd avoid it.
     
    #9 The Electric Me, Sep 11, 2013
  10. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I am no mechanic or body man, but looking at this picture I cannot see why anyone would want to buy this car even if it looks okay today. There was quite a bit of visible damage. There is always more that is unseen. To me it is a problem waiting to happen. I would look elsewhere.

    Damage.jpg
     
    #10 dorunron, Sep 11, 2013
  11. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I dont like it either.
     
    #11 usnavystgc, Sep 11, 2013
  12. brownsnoutuk

    brownsnoutuk Active Member

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    price is too high
     
    #12 brownsnoutuk, Sep 11, 2013
  13. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    If you're mechanically inclined and could fix or at least spot any future issues, it might be an ok car. I wouldn't pay more than $6k for it, though. I wonder how much work it needed to just be driveable, I might have to get me one (pre-fix) in a couple years, pound out the dents and have a nice beater.
     
    #13 vskid3, Sep 11, 2013
  14. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    If you could get it for $4k and bank some money for potential future problems based on the mileage/age and most importantly - collision that salvaged it - then I would do it. Otherwise, heeeeeeelllll no. Run, dont walk.
     
    #14 PriusGuy32, Sep 11, 2013
  15. scotrinaf

    scotrinaf Junior Member

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    Both of my 2008 Prius had damage, one on the rear end, the other in the driver's side doors, neither one has been negatively affected best I can tell (Other than very minor cosmetic imperfections)
     
    #15 scotrinaf, Sep 13, 2013
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