2008 Prius question

Looks like a very good dealer service history. Had the plugs and ICE water pump replaced recently. Looks like the tires were put on at 61k in 2011 meaning that they're nearly 40k miles on them. Something to probably factor in to the negotiation. maybe slap on new tires for the final price or something. They've had the car for some time, originally asking 12.3k a few months ago. I'd say that if you're set on it, try to get them to give you new tires or a heavy discount on new ones.

 

the previous owner was a heavy driver. got another set of tires at 33k in 2010. so the car was mostly highway driven, given the number of miles over a 12 month period.

 

i just purchased an 05 with 101k miles with a similar service history. looks like yours was dealer maintained all the way. the previous owner allowed the dealer to clean the TB/plate/mass flow sensor and other more "extraneous" services. looks like it never had brake service or tranaxle fluid service. I'd also check if the drive belt was replaced since I don't see it int he records. By all accounts, the belt is due for service. Brake pad depth i would check and fluid condition as well. Usually, ATF fluid service is never performed by dealers. It's a simple drain and fill if you get the car. I did my first at 101k and have done 2 since. No issues with the car at 109k miles. Only upside for mine was the HV battery was replaced 1k miles before I got the car from the dealer under warranty. Also, the PCV valve wasn't replaced, nor the thermostat, nor the 12 V battery. of those I'd try to get the 12V battery tested and if necessary replaced at the dealer's cost. they can cost a bit and have a limited lifespan due to battery characteristics. it was previously recharged by the dealer a few yrs ago.

 

I'd say its "easier" on the HV battery from my experience since the ICE (gas engine) is always running on the highway. May want to get the suspension components like struts/tie rods/bushings checked. My car's previous owner lived on top of a decent hill so he had a good ascent and descent for his daily commute. I'd say that wasn't the best for a HV battery and likely contributed to why it was replaced at 100k. On my hwy commute of 65 miles one way I get around 51-54 mpg on regular gas in CA. I'm running with a bit higher psi (44 psi x4) on new Michelin Energy Saver A/S's and have replaced the plugs, fluids and practically all the preventative maintenance. Due to the Atkinson engine, buildup is more likely to occur with more ICE running so many will clean their throttle plate and MAF sensor more often. The engine is a Toyota aka practically indestructible.

 

nice plus is that its been using a synthetic blend for its engine oil. i'd check the cabin air filter since i didn't notice it being replaced either.

 

Correction: Low Rolling Resistance tires sometimes make a 1-3% difference in mileage. Best mileage is achieved by routes, speed, weather and use of hypermiling pulse and glide technique.

 

general PC member consensus is that Michelin Energy Saver A/S's are the best mpg tire for prius. that was the main point. also, I've read extensively on the tire thread about Primacy MXV4's and other touring tires vs the Energy Saver's that would equate to 3-8% difference. other factors do contribute more but if one wants to maximize mpg, Energy Saver A/S's are the way to go. if comparing between other LRR than the difference would be obviously smaller.

 

Not so fast newbie! Prius owners choose their tires for different reasons such as a quietness, safety ratings, shorter stopping, rain or snow grip, and smooth ride. These are things that a LRR tire can not provide quite as well. It's a trade off. Tire Rack has charts with lot of unscientific opinions. Consumer Reports is only the real place to go for this kind of stuff. Sudden, 8% MPG improvement from a tire alone, has been occasionally and gleefully reported between new tires and worn out tires, but in long term driving histories, it's only turned out be an iffy 1-2%. We should, however, suggest the buyer check the tires for tread depth/wear.

 

tell me about it, i had a '79 rusty rabbit.

 

congrats, all the best!