Between two options, both at the same price. let me know what you think! Option A: 2008 Base in Beige 68k Miles Needs new bumper - in a minor accident in 2011 No issues/CEL, Battery in great condition Cosmetically in amazing shape aside from the bumper Option B: 2009 Touring in Navy 197k Miles New Brake Actuator, Coolant TriValve, and Hybrid Battery Needs Sparkplugs + Tires by the end of the Year Cosmetically not the nicest, maybe a 7/10? I like the low miles and good battery condition of Option A, but I love the JBL sound system in Option B and the new equipment, what are your thoughts?
Me personally with the amount of driving I do I'm going for the high mileage with the brake actuator replaced etc If it's a real touring with the 16-in wheels well don't get changed pretty quickly to 15s by me or something else 16s used to be expensive tires or cost more because of the weird size. All of my generation twos have well over 200,000 and are in quite great shape given the year and the miles even better than that for the year and the miles I mostly buy leather interiors they hold up very well in the generation two unless it's a Sun bucket.
do you know anything about hybrid cars? both of these are going to be a disaster unless you are a serious diy'er with all the necessary tools
How so? Can you please Elaborate? I'm fairly handy with cars and have done my fair share of work, but nothing about this screams disaster, maybe the need to replace the brake actuator eventually, but nothing else.
Both these cars needs to be taken to a Hybrid specialty garage for evaluation. While a low mileage car is normally a good thing for a ICE only car, a hybrid battery pack works better when it get exercised on a regular basis - rather than sitting in a garage discharging. Option A needs a full work-up on the traction battery condition and bumper removed to make sure there's no hidden damage. Unscrupulous people also likes to back-up the odometer on these cars too. Option B looks like most of the major components that usually fail has already been replaced. The needs spark plugs may actually be a head gasket issue. Just my 2 cents..... Take it or leave it......
It would be a good idea to look into the bumper damage for the first one and the cosmetic damage on the second to determine how extensive they are and if there’s more underlying damage. If you have the time and can afford it, getting a pre-purchase inspection at either a dealer or a place that specializes in Toyotas or hybrids should be able to let you know how serious any of the issues are and how much they would cost to fix.Then you can use that information to make your decision and negotiate on price.
hybrid repair requires special knowledge, tools and access to a service manual. old cars have problems that need repair from time to time. dealers are extremely expensive, and private hybrid specialists are rare. if you are willing to take on the research and education necessary for successful hybrid repair, then it won't likely be a disaster. that includes educating yourself before purchasing. but if you have to depend on others, it can get expensive. hybrid battery, brake actuator, oil burning, clogged and stolen cats, there is a lot to learn.
