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Found a 2001 Prius for $500 187k, good buy?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by LikeAPrius, Feb 6, 2019.

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  1. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    The gen 1 has been completely transferred to my cousin now. Title and all. Whatever happens to it it’s her problem now. I seriously am not understanding why you guys think I sold her the car. I brought the car home I did a basic inspection and change what I thought needed change added some gas and bam the gen 1 worked. She came over saw the car thought it was the cutest thing ever and took it home. Gave my uncle the title and they added it their insurance. Again - it’s no longer my problem. I told them whatever problems that arise from it is their and theirs alone. And besides her birthday is in a few months which they promised her they would get her a brand new car so I don’t think they’re thinking of staying with it for any more than that. It’s been a few days now and as has even been taken to the beach and which in total was a 376 mile trip and isn’t showing problems.


    Prius 2005 with parking lot damage or whatever it has - I still haven’t properly inspected the car period. Maybe the damage doesn’t look as bad as the picture maybe it’s worse. Seller has all maintenance records at hand and refub battery receipts which apparently came with 3 year warranty.
     
    #61 LikeAPrius, Feb 10, 2019
  2. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    As to why I am buying another Prius


    Why not? I bought that gen 1 as a project car and I didn’t even bother to “tinker” with it


    I’ve only ever worked with non hybrids cars and I want to gain new experience with one and the Prius gen 2 offers great support here and in buying used parts
     
    #62 LikeAPrius, Feb 10, 2019
  3. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Your thread(s) make me ask this question.
    What's the nature of a "project"?

    You've bought a new Prius, so none of these queries are about trying to get a vehicle you want or need immediately as a daily driver. It seems to me, what you are looking for is a project.
    So I think where any confusion comes in, is that IMO with most of the vehicles you are looking at, the question "Is this a good buy?" Is really always No. Prius or almost any vehicles with that high a mileage, and usually being offered for 100's of dollars, are never really a "good buy". You're looking at horses steps away from the glue factory, with hopes of turning them around and heading back to the barn.

    BUT...

    They can be the buy for you.
    You just need to evaluate how much of a project you are willing to invest your time, effort and probably more money into.
    There's really no way over the internet, with just brief descriptions of the selling price, mileage, and projected condition anyone can really guarantee you what you are getting into.

    But if you want a Hybrid project? That's what all your candidates have been so far.
     
    #63 The Electric Me, Feb 11, 2019
  4. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Buying a gen 2 as a car to to let with is great.
    I wouldn't necessarily worry about a good buy.
    Doesn't sound like you are worried about trying to flip it and make money.
    You are using it to learn. Basically the cost of tuition.
    Get it as cheap as you can and go from there.

    In the meantime definitely get some diagnostic tools. You will learn so much more that you can apply to other cars.
     
    #64 ericbecky, Feb 11, 2019
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I agree.
    I just think the OP should change his question from "Is this a good buy?" to "Is this a good project?".
     
    #65 The Electric Me, Feb 11, 2019
  6. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    As I mentioned before

    I am looking to gain new experience working with these specific type of vehicles
     
    #66 LikeAPrius, Feb 11, 2019
  7. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    I am still looking for used Prius but everyone here thinks their 2005 Prius with 200k miles are all worth 5k

    JeeezZz the damn dealers aren’t even charging that much for their used Prius that even come with some warranty
     
    #67 LikeAPrius, Feb 11, 2019
  8. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    If you really just want something to pay with, "wait" for a vehicle priced at or below wholesale auction value...Black Book.
     
    #68 frodoz737, Feb 11, 2019
  9. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    Well theres this guy selling his salvage titled 2007 prius for $600 but hes willing to sell all tires (rims and all with 90% thread) and battery (works as far he knows ) for $350

    should I get the entire thing or just the tires/battery for $350?
     
    #69 LikeAPrius, Feb 12, 2019
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There's a new member parting out his car, wants $750 for his used catalytic converter. So at $600, it's a good gamble
     
    #70 JC91006, Feb 12, 2019
  11. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    #71 LikeAPrius, Feb 12, 2019
  12. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    Dead HV? Bad deal, though I have seen HVs if you want to DIY remaned on eBay for a little over $1,000. You may need to drive another car there to pick it up 100-200 mi if you're lucky. So with DIY I guess you could end up owning it for $2,000. Just remember that everything that can go wrong with a regular car (except the starter/flywheel) can also go wrong with your repaired Prius, as well as the additional small risk of the inverter failing. For $1,000-$2,000 you can probably get a conventional car with under 100,000 miles and a newer model year.
     
    #72 primuspaul, Feb 13, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2019
  13. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    Thank you for the feedback. I ended up buying it for $750 including towing It back home.

    The battery is in good reading and so far it hasn’t given problems. I think the battery wasn’t connecting right with the car so the seller thought it was dead or someone told him. I took it to my friends shop who do other hybrids and they got the car working. According to tjem the issue was the terminal. They weren’t making the proper connection to the computer. They managed to fix it up but they do recommend a new battery but as it is. It’s fine
     
    #73 LikeAPrius, Feb 13, 2019
    bisco likes this.
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats! all the best (y)
     
    #74 bisco, Feb 13, 2019
  15. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    And also I no longer have the car in my possession. I ended up giving the car to my cousin until her parents buy her a new car. She’s really loving it as her new car and feels pride to have it. No one else drives a 2001 Prius here so people at her college are always starting at it for how unique it is.
     
    #75 LikeAPrius, Feb 13, 2019
  16. LikeAPrius

    LikeAPrius Member

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    Update

    I havent bought anything else
     
    #76 LikeAPrius, Feb 21, 2019
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