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Used 2009 Prius One - About to purchase - Would you go for it?

Discussion in 'Dealers & Pricing' started by HolyCow, May 15, 2014.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Possibly a gurling sound from the radiator low on fluid or air in system. Another front end accident hint.

    Maybe you should avoid this one

    SM-N900P ?
     
    xraydoug likes this.
  2. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    Oh man, really? I'll take a better look around the engine compartment for signs of repair.

    This is cutting it close. It's very meticulously kept.
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The dealer inspection should answer those questions

    SM-N900P ?
     
  4. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    I can bleed the system, maybe I'll do that.
     
  5. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    Ok, I'll ask. Thanks again!
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Don't do anything to the car, you don't own it yet. The Toyota tech should know the answers to your question

    If the coolant system is faulty at 55k, something is not right
    SM-N900P ?
     
  7. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    Everything is normal according to Toyota, they lubed the hood hinges and said that was fine and that it showed no signs of work being done.

    Price just worked out.

    $12000
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    2000 off. Nice. Make sure you get 2 keys.

    SM-N900P ?
     
  9. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    Both keys are present. Thanks for the help, you found it. Outstanding find, I really owe you one. Btw, according to Toyota it has the original brake pads on it still. Do these really last that long? 5 years, 55,000 miles. Sheesh. They really drove it nicely and it reflects that but that's unbelievable. 6mm front and 3mm rear, where 4mm rear is brand new. C'mon, you can't be serious.
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There are members here that have original pads at 150,000 miles. The brakes on my 08 are still original at 125000 miles but I'm planning to replace them when it cools down a bit, I already bought the parts.

    The power regenerative braking really reduces the brake wear on these cars. Another cost savings on this car....
     
  11. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    That's amazing.
     
  12. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    Honestly, I was not expecting him to agree to my offer at all even though Clear Book does show a market fair purchase price averaging at $12,200. I had my hopes set on $12,800. I had my research folder which has writing all over it and is cruddy looking through all the places it's been recently with 4 different stacks of car research in it. I pulled out the Clear Book quotes, Edmunds and KBB quote, gave my spiel about my problems with the car and the fair purchase price comparison with the website's and thought 12K was fair with the intention of playing the back-and-forth game but he took it. Caught me by surprise and you don't have to tell me twice when it comes to cash like that.

    That's all after I spent about an hour and half doing my own inspection, putting it up on ramps and checking the under carriage, bushings and steering rack etc. etc. and then taking it to Toyota on a busy Saturday, I think he just about had it with me and my inspections.
     
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  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    $12000 is a very good deal on a Prius with only 55,000 miles. I thought you worked as an expert negotiator for a living.
     
  14. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    The guy who bought my CRV was actually who I learned from. Doing your research had a whole new meaning after experiencing a meticulous buyer go through my car the way he did. It paid to have a buyer like that. Before I sold my CRV I wouldn't have been able to do that even if I do know a thing or two about cars.

    And thank you, again. I'm glad that ended on a positive note, it was about time after two weeks. Might not seem like a long time to look for a car and find one but with my schedule it was hectic and seemed more like a month has gone by since I've been borrowing a car.

    I'm dead tired after all that. Have a good night and a good rest of your weekend, mate. Over and out.
     
  15. xraydoug

    xraydoug Active Member

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    not sure about that, bumper out of alignement against the headlight, hood is funky probably from the same accident, I think something pushed up on the bumper hard.:sneaky: That could be the cause of what you see. the headlights are starting to fog from sun exposure must not have kept them waxed. now you notice a different sound from the break system.(n) I vote run away before its to late. I think you would be far better off finding a car with 30k more miles with no issues. and would end up paying less due to likely mechanical issues after you fix those you will still have the body damage. This car doesen't sound like it is in good shape. I would pass
     
  16. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    I found a thread on this website that deals with an issue I think is what I'm referring to.

    Weird sound while braking | PriusChat

    Here's a quote from that thread:

    I think that might be it. So question is now, do I live with that noise or pull out of the deal and lose my $600.00. It's a hefty repair to fix a little noise issue. It's comforting knowing it doesn't affect anything mechanically but it's little stuff like this that make me 2nd guess owning this particular car.


    And another thread dealing with this same issue:

    My Brakes are Barking at Me | PriusChat
     
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I thought the dealer said there is nothing wrong with the car? Since you are not familiar with the sounds of the car, it can be a normal sound.

    That tread you linked, that owner had the car for 3 days, also unfamiliar with the sounds

    SM-N900P ?
     
  18. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would think about buying that car for 11400 if you decide to back out lol

    SM-N900P ?
     
  19. HolyCow

    HolyCow Junior Member

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    Haha, I will keep you posted. I'll do a final check when I go back Wednesday.
     
  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    That actuator pump is not a known part to fail, especially at 55,000 miles. If you asked the dealer about the sound and they checked it and cleared it, there shouldn't be any reason for you to think there's something wrong with it.