Buying a Prius - What do you think and is this noise normal?

Yes this is normal. It's the coolant pump pumping coolant into the thermos. It does this when the car powers on and off

Some pumps have been replaced due to noise but you are out of warranty for replacement. If Toyota is checking out the car, they can determine if it's too loud or functioning as it should

SM-N900P ?

 

ac shouldn't have any issues at that mileage, there may be a leak. Have the system checked

SM-N900P ?

 

Yes here is a a coolant tank that fills with hot coolant once the car is off, in the hopes that if you drive again soon, the engine can warm up faster.

In my experience I have not heard it while running. in North America, Gen 2 has no modes that you can select. The computer has distinct stages where it's goals change, but you do not control that.

http://drivesmartwi.com/uploads/DSW_Toyota_Prius_Initial_Stages_of_Warm-Up_Wayne_Revised_2_.pdf

 

You are suppose to hear this pump, it's not silent. I wouldnt worry about this pump.

The ac is a different story

SM-N900P ?

 

AC should be super cold in LO. Why are you buying a car with ac issues and a bad thermos? AC repairs on an 07 can be very expensive.

Join toyota.com/owners site its free and you can check the vin of the car on that site and any service performed on the car by a dealer will be listed there.

Don't be surprised if the dealer quoted big b$$$ to fix the AC and the guy traded it in. Getting very common to see buyers buying a used Prius only to find out the car was at the dealer and needed repairs and was traded in on the spot. Car goes to auction and caveat emptor.

And btw, the 07 has no ECO mode. Thats Gen 3.

 

I don't think the Thermos is bad nor do I think the thermos pump is bad.

 

Is that a steady noise whenever the Prius is in ready mode Nate? Or is it just something that happens for a few seconds after the Prius has just been started or shutdown. If it's a steady noise it may be the inverter. They all make some amount of whining noise when running, but for some reason some seem louder than others.

Agreed. Make sure that the aircon is working 100% correctly before you buy it Nate. Aircon is important on the Prius as the cabin air cools the main battery, and it can be a very expensive repair.

 

I have a 2007 prius, and it makes a similar noise (like someone has a dry cough). I also bought a as is Prius a couple of years ago, and I haven't had a problem with the noise. Its probably nothing.