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Purchase Advice

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by thechadster, Aug 22, 2012.

  1. thechadster

    thechadster Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2012
    5
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have a 2004 black Prius. It is in pretty bad shape as far as the body paint etc. Dents, scratches and black is just a pain to keep clean. It has 125k miles. No engine problems, all the recalls have been completed etc.

    My parents are moving to the east coast and they have a 117k miles 2005 light green that has a salvaged title. It was repaired/re-painted and the body is almost perfect drives fine etc. They have had a few major problems with it and I am trying to figure if it is worth trading them. I would sell my black one and give them the $ and call it even.

    Here are the things that have been fixed/replaced. All repairs have been done by a toyota dealership.

    -Transaxle
    -drive belt
    -coolant valve
    -replaced compressor condensor, high pressure line, possible expansion Valve as well. Replaced A/C compressor condensor high side hose & related o-rings.

    I realize that these are some pretty major things and I know that it will be a difficult sell in the future because of the salvage title. We plan on keeping it as long as possible. I also know that without anyone seeing the car it is hard to make a judgement. I figured I would ask anyway and see if anyone had any advice.

    Are there be any other major parts that would be reason for concern? Would any of the parts replaced above potentially affect another major component?

    Thanks for your help in advance!
     
    #1 thechadster, Aug 22, 2012
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Salvaged title due to what kind of accident?

    How many miles since all the repairs have been made?

    A Prius with a new transaxle could last a really long time, or just have more major severe problems?

    Hard to say not knowing the history of the car...

    Likewise, it'd suck if you traded with your parents and the car they got in a trade needed a new transaxle sooner than later... No Prius owner should have to go thru the costly nightmare of replacing a transaxle more than once...

    Point being, if you switch cars and one of those cars breaks down in an expensive way then the person who owns the broke down one will feel like they made a dumb trade and there's already enough complications between kids and their parents. Why risk adding anymore?

    So I say leave your parents out of your car decisions!

    If you don't like having a black Prius then sell it to someone you don't know and spend a long time finding the perfect replacement Prius that has everything you want...
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2012
  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I too agree with Prius Camper. Your parents are probably trying to help you, but sometimes on cars and such trades, purchases and so forth can back fire on you. I am speaking from personal experience. To keep peace in the family, I would sell the Black Prius and buy a newer one with less miles, say a Gen II like a '09 or something similar. You would be surprised what the Black Prius will bring you in a private sale. Pri are sought out by folks who are tired of spending big bucks on gas, and with prices going higher each day, the Pri will continue to be sought out for a long time to come.

    If your parents say anything to you about your decision, just save face and say something like I thought it was a better deal for all parties involved. That way no one is insulted and everyone is happy afterwards.

    Good luck with your decision!

    Ron
     
    #3 dorunron, Aug 23, 2012
  4. asianstyles

    asianstyles New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2012
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    How bad are the scratches? Can you show us some pics? I bet you could make the paint look a lot better by getting the car detailed. You could probably even do the detail yourself. After it is cleaned up, then you can sell the car.
     
    #4 asianstyles, Aug 23, 2012
  5. thechadster

    thechadster Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2012
    5
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    0
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for all of the responses. I really appreciate it. Either way I'm going to have to detail it. I've done it before so it is time again....
     
    #5 thechadster, Aug 23, 2012
    PriusCamper likes this.
  6. HaroldW

    HaroldW Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2012
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    Location:
    Grand Forks BC Canada
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Would stay clear of a salvage Prius if I were you. Just paint yours or don't worry about the appearance. H
     
    #6 HaroldW, Aug 23, 2012
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