Prius for Sale... Unused for Years

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Frontporch, Aug 10, 2020.

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  1. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    Came across a 2008 prius for sale. Car looks like its in nice condition, but... even though it has 250K miles, it has not been driven for about 3 years. Seller says it needs the throttle valve cleaned to be drivable.

    My questions are what can I expect from the hybrid and standard battery after sitting so long and are there any other gotchas that might come from sitting for this length of time. Not sure if it was sidelined due to drivability issues. Also says it burns oil. ugh... just saw that as I was typing this.

    Interested in people's opinions.

    Thanks
     
    #1 Frontporch, Aug 10, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Both the 12v and the HV battery will be quite dead.

    After supplying 12v to the vehicle, please scan and post the OBD2 codes (DTCs) in this thread of additional guidance.
     
    #2 SFO, Aug 10, 2020
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  3. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    After 3 years of idleness, it is a virtual certainty that both the 12V and HV battery are dead and unrecoverable. Plan to spend a couple of thousand to get it back on the road, and the problem with that is, you can't be certain what other problems it has until you've already sunk that much into it.
     
    #3 davecook89t, Aug 10, 2020
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  4. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Just plan to walk away.
     
    #4 AzusaPrius, Aug 10, 2020
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  5. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    I know its easy to dismiss this vehicle, but the seller did say that it started right up and ran well. I am curious if starting the motor is a sign of life for the hybrid battery. I know the smaller battery is required for all the electronics in the car, but I was under the impression that he traction battery cranks the motor. Thanks for weighing in on this. I asked about check engine lights and he said he would get back to me when he is around the car again.
     
    #5 Frontporch, Aug 10, 2020
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  6. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    Ok, if he's been starting the vehicle regularly, that's a little different. I took "not been driven for 3 years" to mean it had been sitting for that long. If it will still start, the HV battery is not totally depleted. It may be worth taking a look, if the price is right.
     
    #6 davecook89t, Aug 10, 2020
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  7. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Yes the 12v battery turns on the ECUs, which then allow the HV battery to turn over/start the engine (assuming it will start and not just spin).

    Have you already pulled a carfax, or ran the VIN for free at : Welcome to Toyota Owners
     
    #7 SFO, Aug 10, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2020
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is he giving it away?
     
    #8 bisco, Aug 10, 2020
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  9. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    How much is the seller asking? If it was cheap enough I’d definitely take it for a spin, and maybe buy it.
     
    #9 Aaron Vitolins, Aug 10, 2020
  10. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    Asking $1200. I don’t think he will get that but who knows. If it stays on the market a while I may check it out. Giving away is an interesting thought. I think all cars have a reasonable parts value. I guess 400-500 of you take a little time and put in some effort

    the oil burning is an issue. I read that you can use additives and have a shot at cleaning up carbon on the piston rings. Any truth to that?
     
    #10 Frontporch, Aug 10, 2020
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  11. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    It’s also silver with all options but leather and looks like it was well kept and not banged up on the outside. Asked for a vin and will check the Toyota owners site
     
    #11 Frontporch, Aug 10, 2020
  12. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    If this is true then there is still life in the traction battery. This is the important big-ticket item. The 12 volt battery is trivial to replace, the traction battery not so much.

    Absolutely.

    Correct.
     
    #12 kenmce, Aug 10, 2020
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the cat alone is worth $7-800. from what i've read
     
    #13 bisco, Aug 10, 2020
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  14. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    I’d give him $1000. That’s definitely fair! Especially with the leather interior
     
    #14 Aaron Vitolins, Aug 10, 2020
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  15. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    He said it had everything but leather, and the owner didn't say whether it was showing any trouble lights. Suppose it shows no codes whatsoever. Then I think $1,200 would be a steal.
     
    #15 davecook89t, Aug 10, 2020
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Hopefully not a willing participant :whistle:.

    Not sure how big of a deal it is out on the East coast, but big business out in the best coast:cool:.

    Thankfully they busted part of the ring out this way(y).
     
    #16 Raytheeagle, Aug 10, 2020
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  17. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    Things turned around fast here! Looks like edmunds value is around 2500$. I am surprised it is that high

    what about the oil burning? Is there a chance it can be fixed short of surgery or a new engine

    also needs a windshield which is no big deal
     
    #17 Frontporch, Aug 10, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2020
  18. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    With 250k miles, it is unlikely you will be able to cure it completely of its oil burning habit. That may or may not be a problem, depending on how much it actually burns. Our Gen 2 with 287k miles burns about a quart every 1,500 miles or so, but we just live with it and are still happy the car continues to do what we ask. Using a higher viscosity oil will certainly slow the oil burning somewhat, but that would mean you are also giving up some MPG.
     
    #18 davecook89t, Aug 11, 2020
  19. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    And so it begins.....
     
    #19 edthefox5, Aug 11, 2020
  20. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    Ed. A reference to the oil burning issue or resuscitating a Prius?

    I currently have a 2007 with about 210k miles and no oil burning. It had been hit by a deer and has some interior door rust. Other than an overactive traction Control and failing rubber weatherstripping it has almost no issues and requires low maintenance it also has leather which I don’t like. Considering a lateral move to this car to something a little better looking

    I did have a corolla that burned oil pretty badly with low miles and I didn’t see any suggestions on how to fix it. Read about someone helping a 3rd gen Prius that I think are more susceptible. They used additives Sea foam and similar
     
    #20 Frontporch, Aug 11, 2020
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