Hello and good morning, Can anybody help with some information please, this may be and seems as though it shouldn't be - a problem.. but I'm still searching for a prius and I've come across a 2007 second gen, one of the higher packages. It has approx. 23,000 miles on it.. - My question is: Is this too low of miles for how old it is?? Could the low miles indicate potential problems with not having been driven enough? .. is that possible? I've searched the site and can't seem to find any information on this. thanks so much, love the site cheers .. now out to the garden
People on this site have been speculating that the battery's life is about 10 years, it is in fact warrentied for that length of time. Probably the concern with that mileage would be the health of the 12 volt battery, assuming it is still the origional battery. Prius batterys don't do well if they are allowed to run down too often for lack of use, but it is cheaper to buy a 12 volt, than an additional 30 thousand miles. If you have the car checked out by a good Prius mechanic, you probably have found a gem, good luck.
yikes! Thanks so much for the reply. Not sure if I'm doing this right - responding I mean.. The car is a touring, not sure if thats a good idea but the price they're asking is $18,000, toyota certified.. What do you think? still sound like a gem?? opinions are great - isolation is dreadful..
The price seems a little steep for a 2007 but I can understand it with the low miles. In this area you can find Certified 2009's and used 2010's for that price. These are all with 3X the miles on them though. If it were me I'd aim for a Certified 2010, even if it had 70,000 miles on it. Part of that is because I live in the rust belt and the age of the body & chassis is very time dependent (as well as the traction battery as mentioned above). Also a high miles per year car probably has had relatively easy miles, unless it's been used as a taxi or rental car. For the most part these cars don't seem to have much in the way of chassis issues (front end, brakes, etc.) with accumulated miles. If you do go for the 2007 insist on a new 12V battery installed by the dealer. [Edit: Looking back at your greeting (and the time it was posted) I'm going to have to assume that you don't live in a high corrosion zip code.]
18,000 seems high since. A New car from the dealer 2013 with warranty and 2 years free service costs $24,200. Toyota may have some rebates and zero financing around the holidays. What does Kelly blue book says the value is? Official Kelley Blue Book New Car and Used Car Prices and Values
hmmm, blue book says 3,000 more and the question of salt on the road in enviro washington is nil I would think - body looks perfecto.. , not going to finance b/c that would mean paying more! Well, maybe its a good thing then.. wonder if its still there. Sure appreciate all the thoughts - any more are definitely welcome!
There are two possible problems that I can think of: 1) The 12V battery, if original, likely needs to be replaced due to the low usage which means the battery has spent most of its time being semi-discharged, which will shorten battery life. 2) Unless the engine oil and oil filter was replaced at least annually, it is likely that some sludge has built up in the engine. Check the vehicle maintenance records to make sure that periodic engine oil changes occurred.
Interesting, the carfax shows anual maintenance performed but does not necessarily indicate oil change, although done at the toyota dealership. My understanding is they do that either every 5,000 miles or, what is it, yearly? The other thing I just saw is that they have just put in a new "steering shaft repaired or replaced" - what would that be about? No accidents reported.
You may be OK on price. Sounds like a good deal. Steering shaft not sure. My BMW the seal for the shaft had to be replaced. Are you buying from dealer with a warranty? Looks like a good car. May want to have a Mechanic inspect it and give an opinion on sludge Drive the car and make sure I drives good.
Best you get it before it is sold. But for $6,000 more I'd get a brand spanking new one but that's me.
I'd love the solar roof on the new ones but think I'd get a bit clostraphobic (psych nurse but can't spell the word!) with the middle consol, also think I'd get food bits in the buttons since I practically live in it with long waits for the ferry commute to work.. although I do think they drive a bit nicer. Even 18,000 is a lot of money! .. do appreciate the help though - hand holding is a good thing.
If it was me I would not spend $18,000 for a 7 year old used car. Sure it has low miles but at 10 years old stuff starts going wrong and it is expensive. the Traction battery has a 10 year life span that will be replaced in 3 years. For 6 thousand more you get a new car that will give you ten years of worry free motoring. To me it's worth the extra money. Nothing worse than car troubles. Why risk it? Nothing worse than being penny wise but pound foolish.
A new traction battery replacement at the dealer is $4,200. Forget about the other stuff. What about the headaches and stress. Sure there are low cost salvage parts but do you want to go down that rat hole. Step up and get a new car and have a decade of peace of mind.
Ok, so it sounds like what I need to do is: 1. ask the mechanics at the dealer what the "recommended maintenance performed" in actual fact was (since the sales man is a bit slimy and I don't trust him) to make sure that the oil has been changed yearly. And 2. Have them show me the date on the 12v battery - if its the original battery from 07, ask them if they'll replace it. 3. check that the steering shaft was a re-call fix. good information - ta
No that is your responsibility. I suggest doing it. If the dealer tries to upsell you to the flush just tell him the Drain and full. Transaxle failure is expensive and can be avoided by replacing the fluid the first 30,000 miles and every 60,000 miles thereafter. PCV valve which reduces sludge buildup should be done at 60,000 miles.