So I just bought a used 2007 Prius w/69K miles. It's not Toyota Certified. But it was bought from the dealership circle that originally sold it. The former owner traded it in for a Subaru I believe and they kept it on their used lot rather than give it back to their Toyota store. (I almost bought a certified 2009 from across town but they refused to negotiate on the price at all - and I came with my own financing! But that's another story for another day...lol) It's been a week and a half and the car seems pretty solid. It's getting about 41 MPG all city driving. Without using any overly technical jargon - what are the first things I should do to keep it in good shape, get ahead of any common problems that arrive at this mileage point etc? E.g. I'm sure I will get snow tires before the snow hits. But are there common mechanical issues that pop up around this time? Specific services I should just splurge without waiting? Sorry if a similar post exists already - I checked the threads and found nothing.
Change the oil if unsure about the previous maintenance schedule. Also, if not already done, change the transmission fluid. Toyota recommends 100,000 miles before changing the transmission fluid, but testing has shown that 60,000 miles is better. If the 12V battery is original you may need a new one. Tom
Also check the air cleaner for the ICE and also the climate control filter. I changed my oil to 0-20 synthetic even thou the oil was new, but 5-20. Hal
Air filter and cabin air filters are super easy do-it- yourself items. If I just bought it: • Engine oil & filter • Transaxle oil change for sure. • Brake fluid flush maybe. Not a do- it-yourself item. Brake inspection and cleaning, parking brake adjustment, for sure. These are do-it- yourself items • Toyota multi point inspection. Your dealer should have done this and should have a report • Run Carfax before buying. Your dealer will definitely have this. If he doesn't, he's lying. They aren't stupid. I've learned that one of the most common problems with your model year is that the HID headlight bulbs are very expensive to replace. The bulbs themselves are about $100 each, which isn't too big a deal, but many unscrupulous dealers and garages have charged around $400 labor, falsely claiming that the entire bumper and headlamp assembly must be removed in order to replace the bulbs. As the YouTube video below shows, this isn't true: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er0oEHNUfQs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
These were actually replaced at the time of purchase as part of purchase agreement. I will check into some of the other things you listed. thx! Any other suggestions folks?
A 2007 Package II won't have HIDs. The 12v battery voltage can be checked on the MFD by entering Diagnostic Mode. Inflate the tires to max sidewall for longer life & better fuel economy. Register the VIN at Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More to see the dealer service history & download manuals. Your car is just getting broken in. Enjoy.
