Opinions on gamble!!

1988? The Prius wasn't on the road in 1988. Do you mean 1998? Even then, it was only on the road in Japan. Whatever....to answer your question: I wouldn't buy a (earlier model) DOA Prius because the parts needed to get it running are, 1. likely very expensive, and, 2. probably very hard to come by. The person offering this for sale is probably not doing so out of the kindness of his or her heart. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

 

If you're able to get your hands on it, give it a jump start. If it powers on, then it's just a dead 12V.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ May 7 2007, 06:21 PM) [snapback]437159[/snapback]</div>

I agree but won't put money on the problem being the 12 volt battery. That would be the easiest and cheapest thing to replace. Figure the value of the car to be fair market value for a running car less parts and labor for a traction battery. Start looking around to see how easy they are to find.

 

I say go for it. like someone else posted the parts on an older prius are expensive. You can probably make more selling the parts on ebay then what you paid for it.

 

Hi jjwoolf,

My experience with situations like this, is that they are typically a ploy to hide the real problem. The auctioneer could easily jump up the 12 V battery, show that the electronics light up, and increase the value of the car imensly. Why is he not doing this - its certainly in his and his clients best interest?

The 1st generation Prius battery is very much more expensive than the present generation cars. I have heard $4K US, versus the $2.4 K US for the Gen II Prius Hybrid battery.

If there is transmission problems, you might need a new motor coil etc. Let alone a new Inverter!

Until they jump the 12 V for everybody to see, and download any codes for you to investigate, I say stay-away.

 

I agree with donee, Especially a dealer he would try to jump it himself to make a few more dollars, I would think.

So I would pass unless at the auction they try to jump this or the day before normally you can preview the cars and then try to jump it yourself and connect a cod reader and check the codes it throws.

Then on the other hand check your local newspaper and see if there is a demand for used parts and ebay as mentioned prior . You may have so,ething but be cautious.

Now if they throw in a Moa along with the car I'd take it

since your from New Zeland you will know what a moa is or should I say was.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jjwoolf @ May 7 2007, 10:41 PM) [snapback]437331[/snapback]</div>

Hi jjwoolf, I am about 40 miles North east of Columbia.

Good luck with the jumper cables