I aspire to own a Prius and only have $6k to buy a car. I found a 2006 Prius for $3500 that needs a new hybrid battery. The CarFax report says no accidents and 13 service reports. I haven't seen what those services were yet. They could not even unlock the car for me the other day because the battery was dead, but said they would be able to do so later today. The used car dealer also said they have a mechanic who can replace the battery for me. I'm thinking that, if they can safely get it started, perhaps I can take it to the Toyota dealership or to Aamco to have it checked out. What would you do/ask if you didn't know hardly anything and were just dipping your toe in for the first time?
I spoke to a shop that specializes in Toyotas and they charge $232 and take 2-3 hours to do a pre-purchase inspection. Is that worth it?
I have been quoted $3200 to have a new hybrid battery installed and $2200 for a refurbished one with a 12 month warranty.
If you've spent any time on this forum, I'm sure you've seen plenty of advice that buying an older hybrid is a gamble. Low mileage is a plus, so I agree that it would be best to know how many miles it has before saying whether it might be worth the inspection fee. Even if it has low mileage and you have a new hybrid battery installed, though, that is no guarantee that it will not need to have the ABS pump replaced (about a $3K repair) or have combination meter repaired (a few hundred dollars or more). Most members would say a good used Corolla or Civic would be a better buy for your $6K.
welcome! since you know nothing about hybrid repair, and only have 6k, i would pass and go for a straight gasser. when your budget is much better, that would be the time to start thinking about a hybrid.
Heat is the No 1 killer of the high voltage battery. Strong A/C is a must in your area during the summer months and knowing how to baby an old hybrid in high temps like the kinds in your area is critical, even with a new battery or even a brand new hybrid or EV car. Cold temps below freezing are No 2. A lot also depends on where you got your battery replacement quote. Not all shops are created equal and even experienced hybrid owners have a difficult time gauging how much to spend and what to get for their hybrids and the older the hybrid is the harder it is to calculate. On the other hand there are still a few current Gen 2 owners that love their Prius and a lot of Gen 3 Prius owners that wished they'd kept their Gen 2 instead of getting their Gen 3s. Used car dealer has always been a no way for me. Especially one that can't even open the door of one of the cars on its lot. Just my opinion. New hybrids are also known for having high repair costs. Older ones need to be planned for repair costs in advance. Even the many of us here at priuschat that do most or all the work on our cars ourselves.
Almost no mechanic can predict an upcoming hybrid problem. An experienced mechanic at a dealer would tell you to have $5k-$7k ready for repairs most independent shops can’t diagnose or repair. They could tell you if normal problems like brakes and suspension are already broke. Both are ripoffs especially the refurb. Refurb means mix and match used cells. If you want a reliable, easy to fix anywhere budget car buy a Corolla, Camry or Civic. New hybrid buyers get the benefits and a warranty and then sell. Think about it before you buy the most complex used car ever made.
Hard pass on this, or any other $6000 Prius unless: You are a mechanic or (better yet) your partner is a mechanic (two heads are better than one) You live within easy walking distance from work, food, and do not have children. You buy a Prius from a place that specializes in Priuses - or at least knows enough about them to get into a Prius even if both batteries are flat-lined. (Note: this may NOT include some Toyota dealerships EVEN THOUGH Priuses have been around for more than 20 years!!!) You own a time machine. I'd go back and buy a bunch of bitcoin rather than try to keep an aging Prius going though, personally - but that's me being me. I'd also send a few cats through the machine FIRST. Other than that? NO! Good Luck.
