Our F'n Red Prius has went to the great salvage disposal auction in Clayton (Prius version of the graveyard) after being totaled after an off roadway excursion and getting intimate with a median cable barrier. The chassis only had 299,2?? miles on it and two brand new rear hubs. Had it not taken out the A pillar and windshield I could have salvaged it. Now in our vehicle search we have narrowed the field to a Gen IV or scandal era VW TDI. I'm getting great input on the VW side, but am just now working on the gotcha stuff on the Prius. What I am looking for is for things like the EGR / headgasket issues on the Gen III. The one thing I do ask on point is, are heated seats an available option? Thanks,
I owned, in succession, 2009 JSW, 2009 Jetta, 2012 Passat, 2014 Passat, all "clean diesels." I LOVED the cars, but seriously, the anxiety level of owning one of these German hyper-engineered cars was just too much. Yes, for sure, the driving experience of a Prius is BORING, but seriously, I will never go back to a VW TDI. The Gen 4 Prius is a much more satisfying driving experience than the previous gens, but it's still rather vanilla. As for "gotcha" issues, VW TDI vs. Prius, in my opinion, there's...just...no...comparison.
Here is a link to what she is settled on to look at first. She is going to get it tomorrow and bring it home for the weekend. Comments or concerns? Used 2016 Toyota Prius 5dr HB Three Touring (Natl) for Sale in Sanford NC 27332 Cheatham & Cheatham Associates
It has a spare tire an 17” wheels. I have heard that can make for a harsher ride. In 2016 many safety features that became standard starting in 2017 were only in option packages. If you plug the VIN into the Toyota Owners site you can verify the options and any dealer service. You may want to verify all recalls were performed too.
I've owned both the 15" and 17" tires. The 17s make a much harsher ride, but sharper steering response. I guess I'm OCD and paranoid, but I wouldn't buy a car as complex as a hybrid from anyone but a dealership, assuming it's a dealership with a good service department.
Well that restriction removes the majority of Toyota dealers. I drive 150 miles to deal with a Gen 1 Prius owning salesman. I made that drive twice for the harness inspection recall because my local dealer service department could not even perform the free tire rotation and inspection correctly.
Since the car is in Sanford NC, you have access to one of the best independent hybrid car repair facilities in the US - Taylor Automotive : Automotive Service and Maintenance in Sanford, NC JeffD
Have you ever driven one of the previous gens? Were they the ReInvolt vendors? I went through their website, interesting info and videos.
Yes Mendel, The original owner, Dave Taylor started the battery rebuild business as "ReInVolt" (I bought and installed a ReInVolt battery in my 2004 Prius). He sold ReInVolt to Dorman and later sold his auto repair business in Sanford to the current owners. JeffD
That ended up being the one that we are buying, provided that I don't find anything on the way back to Sanford in the morning.
Not sure about @pianewman, but we've had three gen 2, one gen 3 (PiP), and two gen 4 (Prius & Prime). Gen 4 is vastly nicer than previous generations in terms of comfort and handling. Considerably more fuel efficient, too.
I tried for 14 years to own a Prius. Nope. Driving dynamics just weren't for me. Gen4 solved most of my gripes: more linear gas pedal, better braking, handling...
I have had good experiences with the Sanford Toyota dealer, Fred Anderson. The service and parts people are good. No experience buying a recent or used car from them.
