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So we bought a Gen2 for the kid

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by fotomoto, Mar 18, 2016.

  1. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Unfortunately that day has come for us nervous parents: our oldest child is of driving age. I cast the used car buying net far and wide looking for something safe, reliable, and reasonably cheap and it always kept coming back to a used Prius. Funny how that works.

    We were very fortunate to find a creampuff '06 Base with rear cam with only 44k miles. Yeah, that's not a typo. Literally owned by the proverbial little old lady who only used it around town (I'm sure she went to church on Sundays too :) ). All recalls done, dealership lifetime records, and comes with tinted windows, a new optima yellow top and brand new tires too. (y)

    There is some bad news. The battery threw codes, verified by the dealer, and has had one module replaced by a family member so we are on borrowed time. My plan is to soldier on his final two years of high school, condition the pack with a grid charger, replace any possible future failed modules and eventually replace the entire pack with a new one when he leaves for college (and we kick him out the door HAH!).

    He thinks it's pretty cool.

    IMG_1750.JPG odometer 2006 prius.jpg IMG_1734.JPG IMG_1740.JPG
     
    #1 fotomoto, Mar 18, 2016
    wjtracy, WilDavis and Sergiospl like this.
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Hey congratulations! Looks like a keeper! I would definitely go with the grid-charger solution (I recently started using one on my 2009 Gen II (110,000miles) no problems yet with the Traction-Battery, but I'm doing it just in case! (I recently replaced the 12V Auxiliary-Battery - one sign that it's on its last legs is you might notice the SKS system starting to get flakey - I see from you pics that your car has SKS) - hope this helps - Nice car, love the colour! ;) - Wil
     
    #2 WilDavis, Mar 18, 2016
  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    man that car is clean!
    You should see our 06 after carrying 3 grandkids in the back quite a while now. Baked on Cherrios etc.
    Hey but our HV battery solid! Go figure?
     
    #3 wjtracy, Mar 18, 2016
  4. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    +1 on beyond clean.

    Get Weathertech floor mats and trunk mat fromPriuschat Shoppe.

    Since grandma paid for dealer maintenance, I would hit up the dealer and Toyota Customer Care for a discounted HV Pack. Maybe they'll offer you one for $1500?
     
    #4 exstudent, Mar 18, 2016
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2016
  5. mts22

    mts22 Junior Member

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    Wow! That is one clean car. Congrats on the purchase. I've heard that sometimes a hybrid being underused can cause problems for the battery. Is there any truth to this? Just curious.
     
    #5 mts22, Mar 18, 2016
  6. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    A 2006 model year would likely have been purchased in 2005 or 2006. That would make the battery 11 or 10 years old. Most likely age and heat killed the battery.
     
    #6 exstudent, Mar 18, 2016
  7. The Phoenix

    The Phoenix Member

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    I'm so jealous that car is SUPER clean. I'm considering using a grid charger on my 08 that I just bought with 191,000 on it, and with original traction and 12v battery. Great buy and I think with your game plan, the car will serve you well. I'm looking for a luggage cover....are you planning to use yours? :)
     
    #7 The Phoenix, Mar 19, 2016
  8. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Thx! Yes, I am definitely going to pursue grid charging.

    That's what the dealership told her too. Also over the years, it had been in twice for a dead 12v.

    Sorry, we are going to keep it but I'm sure they pop up on ebay.
     
    #8 fotomoto, Mar 19, 2016
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