Looking to join the Prius club

The battery warranty is transferable. Crown Toyota replaced the battery on our first Prius under warranty at 9+ years and we were the second owners.

 

I wouldn't buy a car that doesn't work unless your intention is to use it as a project. Either insist the owner of the 2007 gets a new replacement battery from Toyota or go with the 2005 (or a different car).

Regarding options, all 2nd gen Prii have a 7" screen and steering wheel controls. I believe most, if not all, have cruise control. Options include a (highly useful) backup camera, navigation, leather seats, bluetooth, and carpets

 

I'd say it depends on price. I'm new to this platform, but I agree with srellim that the battery will be a warranty item transferable to you. Not all gen2 Prii have leather - only the later ones do. There is a VIN decoder on this site that you can use to check to see if leather was an original option on the 2007 or if the PO installed it.

The 2007 may be the better buy. 2004-05 have a problem with the ODO - when the car hits 299,999 it stops displaying the proper mileage, so you'll need to swap it out for a 2006-09 one. I just found out about that little issue. It's not a big deal and apparently it's a simple swap, just something to consider.

 

On a 2007 there likely is less than a year of warranty–if NE is a CARB state that took 10 Yr/150,000 mi–otherwise it is 8 yr/100,000 mi, in which case the original HV Battery is 2 years out of warranty. So be very weary that the seller is not talking about more than a years warranty on a 3rd party refurbished battery. A refurb is not worth anything in value and neither is a warranty replacement; the whole thing is likely going to be a can of worms which you would well do to steer clear of. If he says it is the original HV battery, then it is probably better for you to ensure a new Toyota OEM HV battery is installed by an authorised Toyota Service Dept which will give you a 3 year warranty (assuming this car qualifies).

 

I don't think NE is a CARB state. In that case, the HV battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles. It doesn't specify, but I think that means which ever comes first. The warranty guide that came with the car will give the definitive answer.
What hybrid warranty coverage do I have on my Toyota?

 

any car ad that says something is broken and I didn't bother to fix it is a big red flag. who knows what else is wrong with it.

 

Maybe this one? Cheap enough to buy the Prolong system with it.
2004 Toyota Prius

 

are you a serious diy'er on a limited budget?

 

Prolong is a battery maintenance "system." The odometer issue I was talking about only affects 2004-2005 models, and only the display of actual miles once the car hits 299,999.

 

The Prolong system reconditions the battery through a series of discharging/recharging. It is something that would need to be done several times a year to see results IIRC. That is why I didn't get this particular Prius. I just don't have the time.