Possible new owner of a 2004 Prius. Any suggestions?

Ask how recently they replaced the 12V battery. Replacement is not cheap, but a superior aftermarket version is available at Optima BatteriesOptima Batteries DS46B24R YellowTop Prius Auxiliary Battery

Ask if they have change the transmission (transaxle) fluid. That one is not a deal breaker, but you should do it asap.

Ask if they have had the inverter cooling pump replaced within the past 9 months. It was recalled and is a free fix.

Check the engine water pump and axle seals for leaks.

If you know of a good Toyota shop, plan on taking it there for maintenance and repairs. Dealers are expensive and will try to tell you that only they know how to work on it.

 

I bought my 2004 3 years ago. In the Carfax it listed an accident a year earlier. After having it all this time, there seems to be no ill effect from that accident. I also suggest plugging the VIN number in the Toyota owners web site and see if you can get a list of all maintenance performed on the vehicle.

Mine was bought at a time when gas prices were at a 3 year low, so I got a great deal. The current Kelly Blue book values it at almost $1000 MORE then I paid back then, and I think the fact there was an accident in its history is part of the reason I got it cheap.

Good luck.

 

You might run into http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...bleshooting/33923-mfd-issues-04-05-prius.html. Fortunately, the fix can be quite cheap, see Prius MFD.

Agreed w/seilerts advice.

 

Pay an independent mechanics who knows Prius well to check it out. That's the best and cheap insurance you can get. If you don't have one, go to Toyota dealer, talk with those technicians. Give your business card and ask them to call you. They are generally not allowed to have their own business (one of them told me they will be fired if dealer find out), but I know someone does not mind earn some extra cash outside of 40 hours.

In general, Prius is very dependable. I also have a 04 Prius bought less than 2 years ago at 106K. Now 147K no problem. I replaced spark plugs, changed trans oil, replaced 12V battery, head light bulbs in addition to other regular maintenance such as oil, air filter change. I am confident that my Prius will run another 100K with not much issue. Then I will pick up a 4 years old Prius 2012 and start over again.

 

start saving, the hybrid battery in my 2004 went out at 156,000 miles

 

i was talking with captain muffin the other day. she's been delivering her muffin for 3 1/2 years and has been quite pleased with her purchase, but does have an emergency slush fund.