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Immobilization system light flashes while driving

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Kinare, Mar 24, 2008.

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  1. Kinare

    Kinare New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    From the Craigslist ad:

    This was sold as a Toyota certified so it comes with extended power train warranty until 100,000 miles that is fully transferable.

    CLEAN TITLE

    Vehicle Highlights

    Mileage: 72,000
    Engine: 4-Cyl. 1.5L Hybrid
    Transmission: Automatic
    Drivetrain: FWD

    Selected Equipment

    Air Conditioning Cruise Control Traction Control
    Power Steering AM/FM Stereo Rear Spoiler
    Power Windows Single Compact Disc Alloy Wheels
    Power Door Locks Dual Front Air Bags
    Tilt Wheel ABS (4-Wheel)

    Optional
    Toyota Premium Sound System
    ------------
    EDIT: Carfax cut and paste here

    06/18/2004 NICB Vehicle manufactured
    and shipped to original dealer
    06/22/2004 Dealer Inventory
    Oregon Vehicle sold

    06/22/2004 Oregon
    Motor Vehicle Dept.
    Gresham, OR Registered as
    personal vehicle

    06/22/2004 2 Oregon
    Motor Vehicle Dept.
    Gresham, OR
    Title #0419765121 Odometer reading reported

    07/15/2004 Oregon
    Motor Vehicle Dept.
    Gresham, OR
    Title #0419765121 Title issued or updated
    First owner reported
    Loan or lien reported

    05/31/2007 57,524 Toyota Certified Dealer
    Portland, OR Offered for sale as a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle
    Seasi

    06/18/2007 59,586 Oregon
    Motor Vehicle Dept.
    Portland, OR
    Title #0719266576 Odometer reading reported

    07/11/2007 Oregon
    Motor Vehicle Dept.
    Portland, OR
    Title #0719266576 Title issued or updated
    New owner reported
    Loan or lien reported

    03/05/2008 72,123 Auto Auction Sold at auction
    in Pacific Northwest Region
    Listed as
    a fleet vehicle
     
    #21 Kinare, Mar 25, 2008
  2. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Well, by nature I'm a mean, introverted, Type-A a**hole, so I have no problem walking away from a salescreature. I'm not suggesting you're an easy mark, I'm just really trying to warn you of some potentially serious caveats that I and others on this thread have tried to cover

    Again: why was this "Toyota certified used extended warranty" Prius offered up through auction? They're not planning on losing money so they've probably built at least $1,000 margin into the sale. Something smells

    The biggest red flag - to me anyway - was this sudden uneasiness about your suggestion to take the car to a Toyota dealership. You drive there, tell them it's a used car you're trying out, and you want them to thoroughly inspect everything. In particular:

    1. Look for signs of crash damage, especially hastily/poorly/improperly repaired

    2. Any evidence of odo tampering (Difficult but not impossible on a Prius)

    3. As Patrick stated, do all the build VIN's match up?

    When you ask a dealership to perform such an inspection, you are under NO OBLIGATION to have any work done there. Even go ahead and have them put it in writing: you are NOT authorizing any work to be performed

    This may turn out to be one hell of a bargain. Then again, if there are issues with the e-cvt or inverter, you could be looking at +$5,000. Buyer beware
     
    #22 jayman, Mar 25, 2008
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
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    Thanks for giving us more info. The fact that the car is covered by the Toyota used vehicle certification powertrain warranty should relieve much of the uncertainty. However as you probably know, this warranty does not cover items like the MFD, air conditioner, stereo, immobilization system, etc.

    Note that the car was purchased by a second owner in July 2007 then was disposed of in March 2008. Not a very long ownership period - I wonder why.

    Since the car was registered only in Oregon, I leave it to you to determine whether Oregon law allows major accidents and salvage condition to be hidden or not. Do you care whether the car was in an accident? If so, an inspection by a qualified mechanic of your choice would be advisable.

    I can see that you are getting tired of the car shopping process. However, you've probably heard the saying "act in haste, repent in leisure". In any event, good luck with your decision.
     
    #23 Patrick Wong, Mar 25, 2008
  4. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I feel your pain, I hate the whole car buying experience. Its really frustrating too that because they are in short supply its really hard to get any kind of a deal on a Prius. Being under time pressure is also not working in your favor. This may still be a good deal, but you definitely want it checked by a dealer. If its under warranty, they should take care of whatever is wrong with it (as long as they don't find any accident damage/poorly done repairs) you just may need to pay for the inspection. If you limit your vehicle search to people who are honest and want to give you a good deal, you may find yourself walking a lot :rolleyes:

    If you find yourself having to start over you might try this guy:
    Autobeyours Salvage and Rebuildable Prius cars

    There are a lot of pros and cons to buying a rebuilt salvage vehicle, but it may be one of the only ways to get a lowish mileage newer Prius in that price range. For me I'd almost rather drive a car I know has been in an accident and repaired correctly, than one with an unknown history. The biggest down sides are going to be no factory warranty (although Steve does stand behind his work) and you can't get a regular car loan. Several folks on this list have visited Steve's shop and/or bought cars from him, and been very impressed with his operation.

    Good luck!
    Rob
     
    #24 miscrms, Mar 25, 2008
  5. Kinare

    Kinare New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    The first vehicle inspection I paid for looked for that type of thing and it came away completely clean.

    Good news, he took the car to a Toyota dealer (the one I requested initially and they rejected) and had the problem fixed. The key was programmed wrong or some such, and he said he has the receipt ready for my inspection.

    I really have no clue. Possibly a trade in?
     
    #25 Kinare, Mar 25, 2008
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Since the odometer is at 72K it doesn't surprise me that the car went to auction instead of being sold by a Toyota dealer. That mileage is high for a four-year-old car.

    Now that the problem has been fixed, if you see no other problems, then it sounds like you are good to go.

    Congratulations!
     
    #26 Patrick Wong, Mar 25, 2008
  7. Kinare

    Kinare New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Yeah it was sorta high miles, and he also had a certified used inspection to boot. Passed with flying colors. Pics are forthcoming when it gets light. (I'll post somewhere else).

    Thanks for your help guys!
     
    #27 Kinare, Mar 26, 2008
  8. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Ah, yes, the pleasures of buying used... but it sounds like you made it all work out OK. Congrats and enjoy!
     
    #28 richard schumacher, Mar 26, 2008
  9. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    cool!
     
    #29 miscrms, Mar 26, 2008
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