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Just bought an 04 Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by stevemcl, Jan 2, 2016.

  1. stevemcl

    stevemcl Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    8
    1
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Bought it 3 days ago.It has 233,000 miles.Had some exhaust work done today for $50,hopefully that is what triggered the check engine light.My neighbor is bringing his scanner over to check the codes.Im happy with it so far.
     
  2. xx17p

    xx17p New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
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    Location:
    Nashville, Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I am considering the purchase of a 2004 with 120K for approximately $5K. Did you use KBB or Edmunds to estimate the value? This would be a private sale. With 233K miles did you take it for an inspection?
     
  3. stevemcl

    stevemcl Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    8
    1
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Yes I looked at KBB.I got the car for $2750 plus all the fees it was $3300 out the door.I didn't take it for inspection,probably should have.Midas does inspections for $30.I looked underneath while getting an exhaust repair estimate.I drove it for about an hour and everything seemed ok.The Check engine light didn't come on until a couple days later.The passenger side headlight is out of adjustment and the adjuster doesn't work.May just buy an aftermarket assembly.
     
    bisco likes this.
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,525
    8,428
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    You most likely need a catalytic converter
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome! the '04 is a beast and should serve you well. all the best!(y)
     
  6. stevemcl

    stevemcl Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Why do you say that?
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
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    8,428
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The check engine light is emissions related, that's usually that part that fails with high miles. What exhaust work did you do?
     
  8. stevemcl

    stevemcl Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    8
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Had the pipe that goes to the muffler replaced.
     
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,525
    8,428
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    if you read the stored DTC's on the car, it'll tell you if the check engine light was related to the catalytic converter or not.
     
  10. stevemcl

    stevemcl Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    8
    1
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    The code reader did not work for some reason.Just came up as error.I disconnected the battery for 5 mins and CEL went off.Drove it about 15 miles and it stayed off.
     
  11. Peneloprius

    Peneloprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
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    Location:
    parkville, md
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes the 04 Prius was motor trend car of the year that year
     
  12. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
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    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca. 90405
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Yeah well, the AMC Pacer was also a Motor Trend car of the year. I agree that the 04 was well built, but never trust the Moto Trend...
     
  13. pnyglfr

    pnyglfr Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
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    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    My check engine light came on and it was the cat. Got a replacement for $300.


    iPad ?