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Where do you find a mechanic to inspect a used Prius before purchase?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by RebL, Apr 26, 2021.

  1. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    This is very helpful information, and makes me lean toward getting the inspection done at a dealership.
    According to the current owner, the original one was her father-in-law, who died of COVID; her mother-in-law does not drive. Current owner lives in MA, and for unknown reasons brought it back here rather than try to sell in FL. Carfax is clean (I bought it, not supplied by the owner). The servicing was done in Ocala, so hopefully there was less risk of flood damage than if it were on the coasts. Not no risk, of course: Ocala closes roads due to excessive flooding
    Current owner is a 70 year old who works for a social service agency......but Bernie Madoff looked good until he got caught.

    I'm buying this car for my daughter, who will be driving from Durham to LA (2500 miles) this June, then back to Atlanta (2180 miles) next June.
     
  2. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    Thanks!
     
  3. JohnPrius3005

    JohnPrius3005 Active Member

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    Hi Rebecca, That's a little bit of a tough one. Have you considered other options - like her flying both ways? Will she have trusted companion(s)? I wouldn't hesitate to take these trips in my ok Prius, by myself. But I know cars a little bit, I can afford to rent a Hertz car if mine breaks down, and I've done it before. On the other hand if you get this car now and she drives it frequently, by June she should have pretty good idea if its ok. If she was my daughter I'd be sure to have a solid back up plan for cross country trips like this. And no work done on the car immediately before it leaves!! It takes a finite time to discover any discrepancies overlooked or created by mistake by mechanics even with the best intentions and professionalism. We try to take the mechanic with us in the plane they've just fixed when we go for a test flight ;-)

    You're wise to be skeptical about the seller. Ask him all your questions directly. Why does he think it's worth $13k? Why didn't he sell it in Florida? The best thing about it is the 40k miles. I like that a lot.

    Let me know if I can help you in any way.
     
    RebL likes this.
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Have you looked on kelly blue book and find out the the average value is?
     
    Prodigyplace and JohnPrius3005 like this.
  5. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    We ended up using Acton Toyota to inspect the car. They said it was a peach.(as in “great” not as in “sweet on the outside and the pits underneath”).

    Now exploring having a catshield installed especially if the car will be residing in SoCal

    Thanks everyone for your input!
     
    bisco likes this.
  6. RebL

    RebL Junior Member

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    She’s living out there for 12 months and will need her car possibly 7days/ week. Plus moving an apartmentfull of stuff, including a bike (ditching the furniture and has a fridge waiting out there). So could fly out and ship the car. Might have to do that on the way back anyway
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    acton toyota is one of the most reputable and knowledgeable dealers in the northeast
     
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  8. JohnPrius3005

    JohnPrius3005 Active Member

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    Hi Rebecca, Great on the Acton Toyota check out! I suggest your daughter ask around and see if she can rent/borrow a garage. It's a long shot but not completely impossible. If she's scheduled to drive across country alone and you want any help please let me know. If you want you can email me direct at [email protected] My girlfriend just cast a couple of big movies in Boston so its not impossible there is someone she knows who needs to get to LA..