Buying Used Prius Agonizing over Details : }

Hi Jim,

Thanks for checking in. The 2008 63K blue didn't visibly look too bad but steering wheel had some play, acceleration felt sluggish and the smart key wasn't working well. May have been fob battery but he couldn't resolve it while I was there. Every 2008 I've tested has felt sluggish??

The 2009 94K white looked great except for a 4 inch dent in hood that at least hadn't cracked into paint. Steering wheel felt so much better BUT there was something wrong with suspension on right side of car. A VW dealer that said they thoroughly inspected car before listing. Sounded like I was riding on a bumpy road. Way too familiar from an old car I had years ago. How could they miss such a thing. So they are looking into problem today and getting back to me but I don't feel comfortable with it.

I'm patiently (not really) waiting to here about another 2009 with 65K. Even found a reliable independent mechanic near car location. Mechanic said they can inspect a Prius thoroughly. Do you typically get a car checked out by a Toyota dealer? Reliable T service departments are hard to find where I live. What would a dealer service dept be doing that a independent can't do. How to they check hybrid system or maybe they don't?

Yay! I found a somewhat local mechanic who isn't afraid of working on a Prius and only has one customer with battery issue. Unfortunately his shop is a bit of a mess. I remember because my Mum used to take her SAAB to him when I was in college. LONG time ago. Mess only concerns me because I think messy environment means messy work but he's good. I was getting discouraged because I only have two local guys I trust and they were the ones who said no way to buying Prius. I guess I can still bring a Prius to them for repairs but was hoping they didn't dislike the car.

I stopped another person in parking lot (crazy car woman that I've turned into) who has the exact car I looked at last night. She LOVES her Prius and no problems. Husband wants to get another one. Maybe if I keep asking, someone will offer to sell me their's. : )

I must say testing a Prius immediately after driving a Jetta is not a good idea. : ) Insurance check is in the mail. Anyone know how to stall insurance co for the weekend. I've told them I'm looking into another place to repair car which will take a couple of days. Most likely will be driving my damaged Vibe tomorrow unless I can stall them. Then I'll be more limited as to where I can look.

Thanks!

 

A diesel Jetta could be a good choice if you don't need the hatch. Collect waste vegetable oil and make your own biodiesel.

Actually receiving insurance check in the mail does not mean I've settled per Division of Consumer Affairs in CT. In CT it's standard procedure for insurance company to cut check and then as (if) repairs are being done, supplemental damages/charges are submitted to insurance for approval and payment. That's how it's been anywhere I've lived. If I had gone along with repair shop, they would have started repairs before ins company had finished processing claim. Unethical as far as I'm concerned. Would have been very interesting if they were repairing a car that ended up being deemed a total loss. So even if I was getting car repaired, I wouldn't let this shop touch it. Insurance rep knows I'll be either bringing car to another shop within next couple of days or returning rental until I've made decision within a few weeks. They would then provide rental for the required days if repaired. Ok...sorry....way off topic.

Some day maybe a diesel VW with option of biodiesel. Not many used around this area. If money wasn't an issue, the Subaru Hybrid Crosstrek looks like fun but that's a topic for some other time.

I would never buy used car without inspection. Yes, local mechanic would check codes, engine, body frame, under body, fluids etc including condition of brakes and test drive. Costing about an hour of labor. Toyota dealer told me they would put car through their basic (certain number of points) inspection for $140. They told me they wouldn't be able to check condition of hybrid battery?? I would prefer Toyota dealer looking at every detail since they are hopefully trained on these cars. Isn't it their goal to find things wrong so I'll buy one from them instead. : } Sounds a bit jaded and paranoid but I've been told it's a legitimate concern especially with reputation around here.

I'm amazed you autocross with a Prius. Seriously sounds like fun!

Pressure is slightly off. I now have better idea what I can spend and Vibe is supposedly ok to drive. "Just don't idle in the heat at drawbridge for too long." : )

 

Wow 103 MPH...! I was struggling to get the past two test drives above 65. Figured this car would keep me from getting a speeding ticket ever. Probably need some hybrid driving lessons and patience.

The Prius with potential suspension problems didn't make it to highway. They were supposed to call me today after looking into problem but I didn't expect them to repair. They know I wouldn't buy unless I could test drive with problem resolved so maybe they let it go. The sound and vibration was way too much. Distracted from getting a feel for how car handled. Sorry this response was meant for JimN's post. Forgive me for confusing my responses.

Nice to see how attached you guys are to your cars. I was that way with my old SAAB. : ) Looking forward to my next car no matter how long it takes.

 

Finally found what looks like definitive answer regarding warranty on 2009 Prius.

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/T-MMS-09PriusWI/pdf/2009_Prius_OWI_lr.pdf

I see why there has been some confusion. Not sure why Toyota rep didn't direct me to this online info. Manuals are online for all years!

What I'm understanding is:

No matter what state 2009 Prius is purchased in, the "hybrid system" has 8yr/100,000 mile warranty.

If your Prius is equipped with a CA Certified Emissions Control System (verification found on sticker under hood) you get additional length of time on hybrid battery and "emissions system" but not the "hybrid system". (PA and WA with CA Certified Emissions have shorter warranty on "emissions system" for some reason).

This means 10yr/150,000 miles on hybrid battery and 15yrs/150,000 miles on performance and defect of "emissions system". Clarifying this with such detail may seem silly but the extra years on entire hybrid system would have been a little longer coverage for me. Doesn't mean I won't buy Prius and doesn't mean hybrid system will fail as many of you have proven with your high miles and years of experience.

Please verify my translation of warranty for any typos and if you've found any amended info or conflicting personal experience please post.

Obviously these cars are very reliable but I didn't want anyone to mistakingly think they have complete "hybrid system" coverage for 10 yr/150,000 miles.

This is the kind of research that happens when one finally gets to take a very long nap during the day and then can't sleep at night. : )

 

Sorry no photos to share yet. ; } I'm learning more and more with each car I inquire about and test. There aren't many because most are sold or tossed to auction before I get to them.

Very important info for anyone looking at a 2008/2009 Prius and are hoping for the longer CARB state warranty of 10/150K on hybrid battery.

If looking at a 2008 Prius in CT and other states that put CARB law into effect for 2008, you must buy a 2008 that was actually purchased in 2008 (technically first date of use per Toyota). For example a 2008 model originally purchased in CT on 11/12/07 would only have hybrid battery warranty thru 11/12/15 (8/100K). If this car had been originally purchased in CT on 1/1/2008, the battery warranty would be thru 1/1/2018. I could be paying the same price for either of these cars and losing out on 2 yrs of hybrid battery protection.

Some states didn't put CARB law into effect until 2009 which would mean buying a 2009 with original purchase date in 2009.

My details and discoveries are probably cracking some of you up and annoying others. It's ok....I'll learn to deal with it....hopefully.

: )

 

I agree about it being a little funny. I'm waiting to get second verification from local service dept "manager". Figure they should know for sure....right?

 

Nope.....not kidding. Calling Toyota has been a huge exercise in patience. I usually have to talk them through where to look for info I need. One rep told me service dept at Toyota dealership is actually the place to get most accurate, up to date vin specific info. Service dept can look up any recall and warranty services done as well as confirm remaining time left for battery warranty.

Makes sense to me because Toyota service dept is doing this every day. Every time a vehicle needs repairs they have to enter vin # and verify warranty etc.

 

I hadn't noticed the "Toyota Owners" portion of website. Thanks!

Found out my Vibe horn doesn't work since accident (yes, I had to use it this weekend!) which means my settlement could have been a bit higher. $50 maybe? If I address this they'll just tell me they'll make supplemental payment when repair is being done. Since I'm not getting repairs done I lose out at this point. I haven't cashed check yet but can't imagine fighting for this would be worth the effort despite needing every penny. CT law states I can cash check and doesn't mean I've accepted settlement.

I finally drove a well taken care of Prius. What a difference! It was a 2007 and felt like it was fresh out of the factory. 68K miles Didn't have time to get it on highway. Locally owned but no vehicle stability control. Shouldn't I have all the safety features possible since I'm a bit skittish on winter roads. I now know I need a 2008/2009 package 2 or above.

Amazes me how different this car looks depending on exterior and interior colors. I know this is not the most important feature for someone in my circumstances but the seaside blue with dark gray interior did not feel like my kind of car. Dark interior would be great for my concerns about keeping car looking clean. Don't get me wrong, if this car had VSC I would have put an offer in. Next I will hear VSC has it's disadvantages. : )

Really appreciate the much needed support!

 

There will be an online celebration party when "Daisy" aka Maria finds her Prius!!! I'll surely keep you posted!

 

Having trouble accepting I can't afford a newer car. I've looked into concept of buying a new, lower cost economy car with warranty. Even if I had a few thousand more $s, I can't imagine spending that kind of money on a car I don't like.

I've looked into leasing. Putting down bigger deposit to get low enough monthly payment sounds great but I would lose equity if I couldn't buy car at the end of contract. My brain is too fried in the moment to calculate how much I would be actually be paying for this car including interest. Plus insurance on a 2015 Prius would be out of my budget. I pay almost $100 a month through State Farm for 2008 Vibe. Excellent credit, no accidents and full coverage because I only recently paid off car loan.

The 2005 Prius pkg #6 (friend's estate) had 123K miles on it 3 yrs ago per Toyota service. No warranty repairs done. Given it had 2 more years of use and then sat for a year, I'm thinking this car would be a huge risk and money drain unless it was handed over to me. Even then I'm probably looking at a new hybrid battery which doesn't seem like a good investment for a Prius with such high miles. She did take very good care of it and LOVED it. Her son is getting it serviced including new 12v battery then getting back to me with results and what might make sense. Thank you to the person who encouraged me to contact him. At least I'll know either way.

Hoping I might hear from one of the many dealers who possibly sold new Prii this weekend with maybe a well taken care of 2009 trade in. : } Local dealer is sending out letters this week to 2008/2009 owners. He knows he'll make a quick $1000 at least. Not holding my breath....yet!