Test driving a used Prius in cold weather?

Once the car warms up after driving it for 5-10 minutes, it should drive as normal. There will likely be more squeaks and rattles from cold interior plastic components. If the car is at a dealer, ask to test drive a new one to compare as there should be negligible differences.

 

40's mpg range

 

The problem of warming up my prius has bother me this winter. My prius engine turns itself off when I would have expected the engine to idle to warm up. Do I need to shift to B to force it on? Also, the A/C comes on automatically this winter even when I am not defrosting the front or back. I know the car is smarter than me but the A/C take power.

 

I would see what the present tank MPG is, should be hi 40's low 50's. In my experience in this weather a run from Springfield to Boston should be in the low 50's if you keep it to 6o mph. I would not worry about the rest, its still covered by warranty. Check for any collision damage, uneven tire wear, the usual. sounds like a good find. What's the asking price?

 

Turning on your heater full blast will force your engine on

 

That's reasonable, for only 20,000 miles, considering a new one is around $25,000.....Drive it home on the owners plates and return them tomorrow.....

 

I Have a 2006 and a 2012....The colder it is the less MPG...But as tedjohnson said...It is reasonable to to be in low 50's...even for a boring ride to Springfield...Good luck!

 

They put a set of tires on a Prius that was driven less than 7,000 miles a year after only 3 years ? That does seem odd. New Prii don't come with winter tires.

 

Changing the tires with only 7000 miles may seem odd...but I know people who bought Prius's and that was the first thing they did! It's a light car and the Traction Control can be a pain every time you hit a bump. So a lot of people jump to change to their favorite kind of tire for ride, comfort and control....just saying..

 

Prius is a light car? At 3100# I think its awful heavy, But the new tires are maybe winter tires that the owner traded it in with. Maybe he has the summers too. Be interested in how it went driving it back to Boston....

 

Proceed with caution to ensure you clear title for the car.

 

My 2010 prius 2 didn't need new tires until over 45 K. Has that car been in an accident? Is that why there are new tires on it? Hope you checked it for vibrations and tracking at highway speed. Changing over to new tires at 20K makes me suspicious, too.

 

I have the 2010 Canadian model with Premium Package equivalent to the III in US. It was purchased new and is now 38 months old. I never had problem starting the vehicle in our cold winter even though it is parked outside on my driveway. It was -4F yesterday and it fired up right the way like the first day. The original tires (all seasons) worn out at 72000 km and I had it replaced 3 months ago at Costco. The only problem I ever had (if you can call it one) is the squeaky noise coming from the center console near the arm rest. It only happens in winter due to the contraction of plastic. However, the noise was not heard this winter. The other thing to watch out is to check the plastic cover that covers the bottom of the engine. The trap door right under the oil filter may be gone (it is a common problem and Toyota has a TSB on this). There is no replacement part for the door only but to replace the whole piece of the under-engine cover. This part is very expensive at almost $200 plus labor. (There are threads regarding this issue in the forum.) The retractable trunk cover should be checked to make sure the spring rolling mechanism works. Check the spare tire to make sure it is in good condition. Make sure the tire jack and tool kit are in the trunk. Make sure the 1" thick owner's manual is in the glove compartment. The owner's manual details the function of the switches and is a must have. It is expensive to replace too. There is also a one page (tri-fold) Information Guide which highlights the features and operation instructions. Two remote keys and a valet key should come with the car. Remote key replacement is $300+ at the dealer's service department. A key code should come with the key set for future duplication purpose. There should be a tow hook near the spare tire which you may find it useful if your car needs to be towed out of the snow bank. Happy shopping.

 

Run like hell.

From the dealer and this title issue, definitely. But I'd also suggest you reconsider buying a 2010. Mine is a rattle trap and I wish I'd never bought it, and there are so many rattle threads on this forum I know it isn't just me. That said, yours may be fine; just, buyer beware.