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Interested in purchasing a 2013 Prius Three

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Yawnn, Feb 2, 2019.

  1. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    Hello,

    Currently shopping for a Prius and came by one I liked. 2013 Prius Three w/62k miles and sunroof/solar roof option for $11.6k. Only damage I seen was a slight scrape on the rear right bumper and a very slight indent on the front right bumper which isn’t really noticeable other than that the car looks very well taken care of. AutoCheck shows clear although CARFAX is a bit more thorough. Seems like all maintenance was performed (they have all service records as well) although auto broker selling the vehicle was unaware of the damage reported since AutoCheck was only ran. Auto broker mentioned after that his client reported— it was a minor passenger side damage. Apparently she was driving in the left lane, and somebody turned right at an intersection, but drifted into her lane, and grazed off of her. No major dents or frame damage, but a lot of scrapes, a little body work, and mostly paint.

    I’ve attached the Prius photos and CARFAX.
     

    Attached Files:

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  2. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    In addition most recent service was an oil change a couple months ago and I saw the timing chain tensioner and seal were replaced due to a leak.
     
  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat (y).

    Looks like a decent ride and deal :).

    Some questions:
    • Any reason for the sale?
    • Did you have someone check it out?
    • What were those results?
    • Have you driven it?
    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
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  4. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    Thanks!

    He’s selling because he upgraded to a newer Prius. Has all the service records in a folder. Looks like it was pretty well taken care of.

    I haven’t had someone check it out.

    Yes I have. It rode fine on the test drive. Didn’t see any issues.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    sounds like a great deal in your area, all the best!
     
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  6. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    Thanks!

    Think it’s still a great deal even with the damage reported on the carfax?
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Apologies.
    When you said the reason he was selling, I thought you talked to him.
    I think youre right, the accident needs more investigation
     
  8. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    I did speak to him. He mentioned the damage was due to a minor passenger side damage. Apparently they were driving in the left lane, and somebody turned right at an intersection, but drifted into their lane and grazed off of them. No major dents or frame damage, but a lot of scrapes, a little body work, and mostly paint.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you are buying from a dealer, but talked to the former owner, that seems reasonable. why would he have reason to lie?
     
  10. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    Oh no I believe their story behind the damage. I was just asking if you think it’s still a good deal despite the damage report.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    If that’s the limit of the damage, and you’re comfortable with everything else, I do.
     
  12. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    If you purchase it...GET The Trani Fluid Replaced........ and add a Catch Can....... And think about not getting a Prius..... they are a pretty neat car till something goes wrong......and if you can't fix it yourself...........OUCH........ and the Inverter will blow.....even with the software update.....
     
    #12 Tim Jones, Feb 6, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2019
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  13. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    Sounds like you haven’t had a good experience with Priuses.
     
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  14. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Trans-axle, (trani probably would be fine if the fluid had been changed) inverter, water pump, hybrid battery. 209,000 miles.
    Was able to do the repairs myself.... inverter was under warranty but a pretty big hassle. Just got 2 more recalls in the mail....
    Water cooled egr system was plugged...not a easy job.... engine needs de carboned.... and a catch can to capture the oil from the PCV valve before it goes into the intake manifold.
    Car running pretty good now but would have been astronomical if done at the dealership...
    I like my car but wouldn't do it again...... I have a Toyota Van with 415,000 and only changed the fluids......
     
    #14 Tim Jones, Feb 6, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2019
  15. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    I see. Although, for the inverter it’s covered under the recall if it fails or the software update doesn’t do the trick.
     
  16. wvs2003

    wvs2003 Junior Member

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    Looks like a reasonable deal considering the mileage and condition. You're getting same model that I did with 62k miles.

    I purchased my prius in bay area for $10,000. It was 2013 prius 3 with solar roof option and 106k miles. It only had one previous owner. And the previous owner took it in to dealership on it's regular maintenance. Previous owner had proof of the regular maintenance at dealership. It also had clean title. It did have minor fender-bender on the side's rear end from a minor hit in parking lot. There is a also a light scratch that spans on one of side. I changed the tires around 112,000 miles, so the tires were getting close to being worn down when I bought it. Otherwise, no major issues with prius. I did take a look at the EGR cooler, and I could still see daylight through it. I still installed OCC to help make my prius last longer.
     
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  17. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    Appreciate your detailed input. Another thing I noticed reading through the carfax is that the throttle body was replaced twice which is kind of odd.
     
  18. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Illegal mod, @Yawnn will fail state inspection.
     
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  19. Yawnn

    Yawnn New Member

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    I ended up purchasing it for $11.3k. Appreciate all your guys input.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats, all the best!(y)