What to look for when buying a 2005 Prius with 34,000 miles?

You may want a dealer to check it out. The Prius is very reliable, but when it has a problem it is expensive. Here are some simple checks:

-Make sure you get the extra key as they are very expensive.
-Check to insure that the inverter coolant pump is operating by checking for turbulence in the fluid reservoir.
-Check your aux. battery condition by pushing the start button once with no brake and check battery voltage is at least 12VDC.
-Check inverter voltage by pushing the brake and start button to make the car READY and check the inverter system voltage is approximately 13.8VDC.

 

Absolutely pay a dealer to thoroughly inspect and test the car. So many things can be wrong with any modern car (but especially a Prius) it'll make you ill. Search for a recent thread by wingye to see just how expensive an un-inspected car can prove to be.

 

Waaaaaay too technical. Look for oil stains on the seats and abnormally dirty carpets.



Oh ok...


It might have been in an accident, only a trained eye and a paint thickness meter (that experts use in autobody) can tell.

Here in Canada the insurers exchange VIN history between themselves, so Allstate would know if it was repaired w/significant damage or not.

 

i just bought a 2005 Prius:

So far I am very happy and I have had no issues but if I was buying again I would reset the trip meter on the display and go for a good long test drive (50 to 100 miles of combined city and highway). If everything is working properly and depending on outside temperature, you should get 40 mpg or better.

I have been averaging 42 mpg in winter conditions averaging 0 to 10 C.

As others have posted, make sure it is not a rebuilt salvage vehicle and I would ask to see the maintenance history. If maintenance has been done at Toyota a dealer should be able to get you the history.

These cars are very reliable.