Hi all, I have been looking for a Prius for a little while, and one has come up in the color I want, along with leather seats that I want, at a price I can afford. The vehicle in question is a 2007 with 185,000 miles- it's very straight & clean looking, and the owner claims to have kept good care of it. I will try to verify this with records and such, but I'm wondering if there is any reason to count this one out from the get go- like this was a bad year, or the mileage is too high, or??? The guy will sell it to me for $5,000- what do you guys think? What should I look for or at on this car that is different from a standard engine car? I plan on going to see it asap, so any advice would be helpful- Also, is it recommended to have a mechanic or a Toyota dealership look it over- and what would this cost approximately? Please feel free to refer me to threads where all this is covered. Thanks!
Welcome. New here myself but have already gotten lots of good info and advice. I have the Gen III; which I believe is the one after the one you're looking at. So I don't know the specifics of that one. But judging by the mileage, definitely get complete service records from the owner if they're available. That will help you to decide to go forward. The price SOUNDS good. But with the mileage, you probably want to have about that much in an emergency repair fund. Especially if there's no confirmation that the 12 volt battery (ranging between $175.00 for a yellow top Optima battery self installed to around $300.00+ for Toyota brand battery installed at the Toyota dealership) or the hybrid battery pack have been replaced. Don't know exact cost of hybrid batteries but have been told it can range between about $1,500-$2,500 for the replacement battery and installation. Like everything, that varies depending on if you take it to the dealer or a place specializing in hybrid battery packs. Probably get a rebuilt battery pack in that lower range. Probably close to being due on both those items if they haven't been changed out. Not to scare you off; just things you would want to keep in mind. I took mine to the local Toyota dealership for a thorough check before buying. It was $65.00 for them to check it out; put it on the scanner to check for codes. They checked the major systems; brakes, steering/suspension, etc. They removed the annoying backup beep for FREE Luckily they just found some routine maintenance items; brake fluid flush, all wheel alignment, air filter, etc. Probably best to have it taken someplace before buying. Good luck and feel free to check the site for posts. LOTS of good info from people who've had their Prius longer than me and will be able to give you more details and specifics.
no reason to stay away from a particular year, but at 185,000 miles, you should be prepared to do a lot of service in the near future, either diy, or dealer. either way, it's not likely to be cheap. these cars have expensive parts, and the price can only be mitigated by salvage parts and a good local mechanic or strong diy skills. all the best!
From what I've read so far. The risk of the hybrid battery failing is minimal. I'd be more considered with suspension issues with cars with this many miles. Struts, springs, controls arms and the like perish at this many miles.
In all honesty if all you can afford is $5,000, a Gen II Prius with 185,000 miles on it is not a wise decision...even one with the leather and color you want. Considering Toyota's minimum suggested maintenance and with that many miles/years, all systems and components are looking for help...yes even a Prius. Just my friendly. Mechanic
Go for it. I got a one owner 2005 with 223,000 miles on it. Now it has 265,500 miles. Love it! Its just getting started. Oil, spark plugs, tires 45-52 mpg!
This. If you wouldn't consider a more conventional car with similar miles, don't think that the Prius will magically hold up better. If you'll be relying on a mechanic to make any necessary repairs, you might be better off spending a little more for a car with less miles.
Consider yourself blessed as this is not the norm. Having never had brake, suspension, battery (either), transmission or engine maintenance (or issues) at all without more than oil, spark plugs and tires is very hard to believe. Although there are "a few" members that have bragged of having vehicles with similar results, let the rest of us remember this is forum.
I think that IS common for prii. Sure things do happen but from all the people I've met and read about with gen 2's it seems easy to hit 250,000 with out major failure. The 200,000 club for Prius owners is very large now days too
...not just changing oil, spark plugs and tires...and the Gen II's were not without problems. Don't misunderstand, I own a Prius and as a Mechanic give it very high marks for reliability...deservedly, but my advise in context and as written to the OP stands. While Southpaw1969 is the one who must decide, I believe he be given more than fanboy advice towards the purchase a 185,000 mile vehicle to help with that decision.
Here is the thing- what I'm really wondering is, is the 2007 year known for having more problems than average, and is there really a problem with the batteries. I've heard some myths, and after doing some research, have found that the worry warts the perpetuate these myths never seem to be owners of these cars. I'm going from a 1994 land cruiser with almost 250,000 Miles, and I've hardly had to do anything to it until recently, and even then nothing major. And I've had it since 2003. And it was a salvage title even. I've mostly had Toyotas as has my immediate family, and historically we've had little problems. I just don't have any experience with the Prius so I wanted to ask. The question is, of those of you that have vehicles in this age and mileage range, do any of you have many problems and if so, what? What I really want to know, is there a design flaw with this year that should be avoided. Also, I have a relative that owns a big repair shop I can take it to to get repairs at cost, so I'm not scared of having to have some routine maintenance done or even some part replacements. It might not be convenient to take the car there for inspection because of the location though.
no. we're just cautious with newcomers. although we can't quote you hard numbers, most will go 2 and 300,000 without major problems. we just don't want you to think it's 100%. while you have had good success with your land cruiser, you have to realize that there are some number, however small, who haven't. you don't have to spend that much time here to find someone with an '07, and 100,000 miles, who's battery or transaxle or a/c or brake cylinder went out. all four figure repairs. hopefully, no one here told them they would never have a problem, if they asked here before buying.
I obviously can't expect it to be impossible for anything to go wrong. I'm looking for averages here. If 95% of Prius owners with similar year and mileage have no major problems that's good enough for me. If 35% of those owners report having to do major repairs, then I'll be weary of it. Of course nobody can say for sure there will be no probs- that's obvious. I just want to know if a 2007 with 185k is most likely ready for the junk yard, or most likely ok given its been taken care of. If I pay 5k for it, and then it needs $2500 battery, I'll be in about the same shape had I bought it for $7500 and didn't need a battery, except now I know my battery is good for quite a while. That's all. Of course you guys can't guarantee anything.
Southpaw1969 if I may...as you should know, buying "any" used car is a crap shoot. To quote you; "the owner claims to have kept good care of it. I will try to verify this with records and such". Most all sellers say that. I suggest if it passes your touch, taste and feel test...you "thoroughly verify" this before committing an offer. Go to the link below, register and type in the VIN to see what Toyota maintenance/service/repair has been performed by them and pay for a carfax report which "should" report any insurance covered work performed. As mentioned, also pay to have a Certified Toyota Mechanic check it out. These resources will not give you 100%, but are better indicators than just your gut...or forum opinions. Also, do a thorough search in the Gen II forums and utilize google to educate yourself on specific issues to applicable Gen II models encountered. Patrick Wong will likely be you best resource here on PC regarding the Gen II from a mechanical stand point, so give him a shout as well. Prius is a good product, in fact better than most, but at 185,000 miles in the hands of one or more previous owners/persons and considering the high costs of repairs/parts inherent to the Prius "when needed", extra caution on your part is required. Nobody is preaching to or at you here, we're just trying to help you watch your back. What ever your results...we "all" wish the best. Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More Patrick Wong | PriusChat
That is a good, fair answer. I pretty much plan to do what you're saying. I've had 4 Toyotas personally since I started driving in 1987- and my family has had several more since I was a tween in the early 80's. We have had good luck because we researched- checked records, looked under the hood and all around, and honestly we have very well calibrated BS detectors- so that along with having someone who really knows what they're looking at check it out will be all I need. I just wanted to know if that year is known for having problems and if drivers have had issues at that mileage mark. I like data- not guesses. I'll never forget years ago what my grandma told me when I told her I was getting a used car- she said to NEVER buy a used car, and only buy new- and to NEVER buy a foreign car because the parts are hard to get and expensive. She was going on old fashioned thinking that may have been true in the 1940's, but not so much in 1987. So, all due respect to some here- I don't heed the grandma-esque sounding advice. Maybe I'm a wildMan, but I've had good luck with well used items because I researched them, and carefully looked them over.[/QUOTE]
Steering collar, inverter, water pump, abs, signal generator and of course the big battery beyond warranty come to mind first. Do your search of year model TSBs and Recalls as an indicator and check for compliance...and be advised some are/were time/mileage limited. Good luck and good morning.
