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Thinking about buying an 08 Touring

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by waffles, Oct 25, 2010.

  1. waffles

    waffles New Member

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    Hello,

    I've been searching for a used Prius and found one I think I'm going to purchase. It's a 2008 Touring, I think it is the NR Package. It has leather, navigation, bluetooth, etc. It has about 34,000 miles on it and about just over 6 months of warranty left. It needs new tires, but otherwise seems in pretty good shape. I'm looking at around $18,000 for it, so somewhere around $19,500 out the door. Another $500 after that for tires unless I can cut a deal with the dealer. The Carfax lists regular oil changes, although it also says the radio was replaced about 15,000 miles.

    Are there problems that are not obvious I should check for? I was looking at the TSB forum and saw the TSB about the noise when using the aux and power jack at the same time. I wouldn't have thought about checking that. Are there lists of problems like this, or can you guys tell me any problems I should be looking for?

    I've looked at the post "Common 2G Problems" in the Maintenance forum, but am primarily looking for problems/quirks with the Prius that I should be looking for before I purchase it.

    Thanks
     
    #1 waffles, Oct 25, 2010
  2. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Sounds like a very nice car with low mileage. Will the dealer not install new tires or do they have 20,000 miles still left on them. If you like the car and the value for your area is good ,go for it. The Prius is a very reliable car. Good luck, H
     
    #2 Hal W, Oct 25, 2010
  3. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Something like only one in 12 or 15 Prii are the Touring Model. That said,
    price seems a tad high, I'd think more like $15-16K with that mileage.

    Posters have reported dealers and private parties offering non-Touring
    cars as Touring. Caveat emptor.

    There are three differences between the Touring model and "regular:"
    (Lots of threads discussing the differences.)
    * A slightly longer rear "spoiler,"
    * Somewhat different suspension that appears by owner's comments to
    give better stability in crosswinds/grooved pavement, and
    * 16", seven spoke wheels which have an unusual OEM tire size:
    195/55 R16. Drivers have reported getting 45-50K miles on the OEM tires.

    There are very few replacement tires in this size. Going slightly
    oversize to 205/50(or 55) R16 opens up many choices.
    FWIW, a new set of the OEM Bridgestone Turanza from a dealer goes
    for about $650.

    Other than that, you should do the obvious; get a CarFax report, and
    ask the seller to provide a full service printout from a dealer. Ask to
    see the original of the title. If there is any suggestion it is a salvaged
    or flood damaged car, run don't walk way.

    At 34K miles, you shouldn't be expecting any maintenance/repair
    surprises. All the big ticket routine maintenance items occur at around
    100K miles.

    However, the HID headlights are prone to burnout/electrical problems
    that can go for ~$500 in replacements from the dealer. It is not that
    difficult to replace them yourself. Use the search tool and "headlight
    replacement" or "burned out" to see the many threads and the DIY fix.

    The 12 V battery has a typical service life of 4 years. Service in
    extended very high or low temps shorten that a little. New batteries go
    for ~$200 installed, ~$165 DIY. There is a better alternative called the
    Yellow Top. Use the search function to read up on it.

    There is also a TSB about squeaking front seats that is a free dealer fix.

    Hope this helps.
     
    #3 Rokeby, Oct 25, 2010
  4. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    The price is OK, but hardly a steal. It does sound like a package #6 touring so its considered top of the line. Try to have the dealer put on a new set of tires and lower the price a bit more and you got yourself a steal.
     
    #4 Azipod, Oct 25, 2010
  5. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Used #6 Tourings at 10k miles were going for $24,000 in (the very expensive) Bay Area only 6 months ago. Your price is good.
     
    #5 macmaster05, Oct 25, 2010
  6. waffles

    waffles New Member

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    Based on the tires, I'm assuming it's mislabeled as a touring model and is actually only a regular. There are only 6 spokes and the tire reads P185/65 R15. There's still some wear left on the tires, but with winter coming I'd rather error on the safe side. I have the car for the night, going in tomorrow afternoon to talk to the dealer. I drove it around and down some rough roads, there is a rattle coming from the plastic piece on the inside of the trunk where the "spoiler" is. I think it's just a matter of snapping it back in place a little, but figured I'd rather let the dealer do it since I don't own the vehicle yet.

    According to the CarFax, the only problem was a radio replaced around 15k miles. Other than that, it had regular oil service.

    I'm going to try and get them to put new tires on, fix the rattle, and come down a little on the price. It's an amazing vehicle. In my area, I think a little lower would be a pretty good price for a NR/6 package.

    Thanks for all the help.
     
    #6 waffles, Oct 26, 2010
  7. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Hey Waffles,

    You REALLY want to check if its a Touring or not? Get behind the car and look under it with a flashlight. If the struts have PINK and RED lines, it is a Touring. If its BLUE and PINK, you have a regular Prius.

    Touring:
    [​IMG]

    Standard:
    [​IMG]
     
    #7 macmaster05, Oct 26, 2010
    2 people like this.
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