In the market for a used 2005 prius, need some guidances

Sounds like a nice car for someone who wants to DIY fix a Prius battery....I'm not sure you want to mess with it, unless so inclined. However, I notice there is a hybrid shop in Berwyn.
If you go to DormanHybrid.com and search on the Technicians tab you will find Jim's in Berwyn.
Dorman Hybrid Drive Batteries - Technicians

The wording in your note sort of sounds like the owner is letting the Prius sit around, if so the 12v battery could be bad, which would be easy to fix. But sounds like bigger deal. If you can work out for the shop to give you estimate you might decide.

 

You could easily exceed your $5k budget fixing that car. Not only is the battery possibly dead, but the rest of the car has nearly a quarter million miles on it. The engine, tranny, and other parts could need replacement/repair at any time. I would only pay $3500 if the battery ends up being fine, otherwise, $2500 would be my limit. It could be well worth it to save up a little longer and increase your budget to get a car that's in good shape and has a lot of life left in it.

 

look around for a nice $5,000. corolla.

 

where are you?

 

I am also in the market for 2005 Prius. It has about 225,000 miles and the dealer is asking for $3,700 as is. Per their inspection, it has $1500 worth of repair. Here's the carfax report:CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS

Is this worth it? Do I pay that almost $6,000 plus (after everything, taxes etc.) Your input will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Dre

 

Its the original owner that's selling the car? That likely rules out inexperience with the way the Prius works, but I'm not sure what could be going on with the symptoms provided.

You could probably find one with around half the miles for about the same end cost. I would definitely see what else is available in your area.

 

i would suggest avoiding both of these cars.

 

Thanks to both of you for the input. I"ll keep looking..

 

if that's your budget, i would look for a 2008 or 9, prius II with lower mileage.

 

I sure hope you're joking, prius hybrid battery change is not for the faint of heart, you have to be both mechanically and electrically very proficient and well-read on the subject. My body shop which specializes in Toyotas and Lexus won't even touch a hybrid until Toyota sends a guy across the street with a special glove to unhook the hybrid battery system.

touching anything that's orange on your car can lead to instant death.

both my 2004 & 2005 prius are going strong on original battery with under 100K miles, but this guy just a mile from my house is offering prius battery replacement very cheap:
Rebuilt prius HV battery
This seems cheap, almost too cheap, what do you guys think?

 

...what I meant was a very challenging advanced DIY for someone willing to safely tackle a big job.

 

It isn't that bad. I replaced the fans in my Escape Hybrid's battery without a problem. Sure, I wouldn't recommend just anyone doing repairs to their HV battery, but a little research will go a long way.

 

I'm looking at a 2005 with 132k. brand new battery as of last month, clean title.. guy was up front about owning a used car lot but sold it when he got a job with Chrysler, he kept this car and is using it until he sells it & gets a company car. asking $6200. I'm about to start college and need something that will last, I will be putting about 300 miles a week. suggestions?

 

I suggest you get a receipt as proof of the brand new battery, and the receipt should be from Toyota for the battery to have any value to it. And I hope we are talking about the hybrid battery and not the little 12v battery.

Many will use the line of "I'm a car dealer that's why I've only had this car for a month". Look at the records and see what is truthful and what is not

 

Yes it was the hybrid battery. I am waiting for the VIN and to hear back what service records there are..