Any cause for concern in buying new Prius sitting 4 months outside on dealer lot.

How many miles on it? I wouldn't want a car that has lots of test drive miles.

 

I 2nd that. If not, I don't see any problems, the longer it sits there, I bet that will be a better discount not to mention all the current Toyota problems. Make sure they get all the snow out better yet ask them to professional detail your car before deliver!

 

I knew people here have been overhyping demand, but I had no idea things were that slow. WOW, 4 months, sounds like a Chrysler dealership. And where are those people (here) who told me I was crazy to think I'd ever get a $1000 discount off MSRP? Crickets...

 

Depends on the price. If they give you reasonable discount, why not? Many cars never see a garage from inside in their whole lifetime, so I wouldn't be too scared because of that.

The snow and cold water in general are not corrosive agents to be scared of; it is the salt solution from the roads which causes most damage during the winter time. So if the car just sat outside and was not driven much, I don't see a problem.

And even if it was, I won't be afraid of it, but would use it to negotiate a favorable price .

 

My car: "Other Hybrid"

'Nuff said.

 

While the deal as a whole sounds good, I would have concerns for the
state of the 12v battery. We're talking a maybe $250 out of pocket
expense.

First off, sometimes the battery isn't even fully charged before the car
is sold. This can lead to overly much running of the ICE and reduced
MPGs. It also sets the owner up for a replacement before the typical 4
year service life,

Even if the 12v battery was good when it was put out on the back lot,
unless they took steps to minimize or better yet eliminate the slight
"overhead" draw that the HSD has 24/7, there is a good chance that
the 12v has been discharged to a voltage below 12v or even 11v. In
either case, the battery would be due for renewal, either immediately
or again sooner than the 4 year service life.

The problem is, it will be very difficult to get a battery reading without
giving the dealer techs a chance to coverup any problem. Essentially,
you have to drop by the dealer when the car hasn't been moved or
started overnight (cold soak). With your voltmeter in hand, ask them
to pop the hood, then take readings at the under-hood terminals.

After an overnight cold soak, a good, strong battery should be reading
in the 12.6-12.9v range. A reading between 12.4-12.6 is marginally
OK. Anything lower is evidence of a seriously weakened battery.

At the dealer, new 12v batteries go for $140-$160. Installation is
typically ~$90 -- for 15 minutes work!

So, how assertive you are concerning the condition of the battery
could mean ~$140-$250 out of your pocket. Your call!

Good luck.

 

I won't be too concern about the condition of the car being at outdoor for a few months. As long as the 12V battery got charged up to full capacity, it should be good. However, I'd be more concern why this car has been with the dealer for so long because Pruis should be a hot seller, especially before the recall issue came up after January. If the discount is very very significant, otherwise, I wouldn't take the chance.

 

look for scratches

 

I would try to get invoice for the car since it has been sitting there for 4 months. I am sure the dealer is desperate to get rid of it, considering all the interest he is paying each month. I was able to get invoice on my 2010 V/atp in January before the recall crisis!

 

Unfortunately, these are the exact conditions under which the 12v
battery could be inadvertantly over discharged. This isn't a for sure
thing. It's just that given the generally low understanding about
Prius operating specifics at most dealerships, it can happen despite
their best uninformed and misguided efforts. -- it has to do with
whether or not the 12v battery is "on the line" in each of the three
Power button positions.

OK, but unless you really push hard, it is unlikely that they wiil even
look at the battery, after all, it's brand new. How could there be a
problem?

Also, you might ask that they do a "load test" on the battery. Tell
them you want to see the "ticket" or "ribbon" from the test. Even if
you end up buying a new battery from the dealer, you should tell
them a day or two before you buyit that you will be doing so, and
please ensure that it is fully charged for pick up. Tell them you will
want to get the ticket/ribbon, dated on the pickup date.

Hope this helps.

 

Don't overthink this. It is a new car.
Worst case is a new battery someday: 175 dollars.
Under warranty for couple years anyway.
They sit on the ship for weeks, no one cares.

Get the best deal you can and buy the thing. You will love it.

 

I'll agree with the sentiments to not overthink it, just use it for a bit of leverage in negotiation.

My Honda had a dead battery on the lot, an interior light had been left on, and it needed a jump to allow a test drive. In the end, it lasted the same 8-ish years I get from others in my very-battery-friendly climate. Your climate won't allow that life even on a fresh battery.

The part I should have reamed them for was not disclosing, until delivery paperwork was being signed, that the car was already several weeks into the 12 month / 12kmile warranty. It had been sold previously, and warranty started, but something (financing?) collapsed. (The odo was still in the low double digits.) But in the end that didn't matter either, as I ran the warranty out on miles, not the calendar.

Then I kept it another 22 years.

 

I would ask for good discount. If not go for a newer car.

 

However, I'd be more concern why this car has been with the dealer for so long because Pruis should be a hot seller, especially before the recall issue came up after January. If the discount is very very significant, otherwise, I wouldn't take the chance.

These are my thoughts also. I would look to see if it was wrecked and repaired for instance and would not want it it it was.

 

There should also be a Maintenance mode on the NAV screen that can be used to check 12v battery voltage. Easier to plug in a ScanGauge. Still easier to ask the dealer to check & print for you. Since the brake ECU is being flashed the 12v battery is going to be charged up for 40 minutes. You should get 3 readings.

Look at the voltage readings BEFORE you buy the car. If they are low insist that the 12v battery be swapped out BEFORE you buy the car. I'm sure even a weak battery will be fine for the short term & won't strand you on the way home. However, if (when) that battery fails the replacement will have a 1 year warranty.

Get the VIN & check up on the car at
Toyota Owners Online | Official Toyota Owners Website

Hope everything works out for you.