Looking to buy a '05, few questions?

We have two 05s.

The backup camera did not show up until 07 models.

Not sure about a bypass but I think you have regular lights. Our HIDs "pop on" immediately when turned on. They are bright white.

I keep my tires at around 45-48 and have just the right wear (evenly across the entire tire). The tire recommends 44 max. My last tank of all city driving got me 715 miles on 10.5 gal.

Yes I believe I have auto-leveling but cannot be sure.

$16k seems a bit high for a Prius previously in an accident depending on how serious it was. I think the going rate of a pristine Prius 05 with about 35k miles is $18k. I would negotiate $14-15k. If it was a minor accident with cosmetic dmg only then I would get it at $16k.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Justin J. @ Jul 14 2007, 09:57 PM) [snapback]478883[/snapback]</div>

Justin,
I just purchased a 2005 prius with 14137 miles on it for $14K. It was a salvage vehicle involved in a front end collision...went partially under a truck. All the damage is repaired...Mine has Navi, bluetooth,rev camera that shows up in the rearview mirror, Smart key, upgraded jbl speaker sys and 6 disc changer, alloy wheels. The only downside is that I have to get it inspected by the Georgia DMV.....even though it was inspected by the NC DMV for a final repair inspection. Between the time I have to wait to get the inspection and wait for the title to be mailed to me it will be 4 to 6 weeks. Oh well....the cost of buying a salvage and bringing it to a state that charges a church mouse tax when he steals a piece of cheese

I have read many threads on this site about problems with the HID lamps and/or circuit board for the HID's. Meaning that the lamps or the Printed Ckt Board (light computer) failed very prematurely. There are many of these. I can not tell you about how bright as I can not put miles on my car until I get the inspection from GA DMV.
To this date I have not found anyone who successfully took thier HID's and converted to halogens on Prius Chat. My car's lights are auto leveling.

Is the noise in the front left possibly the whirring noise from a inverter coolant pump? I would take a closer look at the CV joints. Does it sound like a noise from the transmission? Is the car giving a code for traction problems? What codes are in the computer?

Most people here that get really great milage(50's) are keeping thier tires inflated near the limit for the tire.
40 front 42 rear or 42/44. I am sure your vehicle has been kept near toyota recommendations for pressure and therefore the wear you speak of. I have read several threads that show people buying new tires(Low Rolling Resistance) near the 40K mile range. Do a search for new tire on this site under forums to see what people are using.

I believe the rev cam was only offered with pkg #5 or higher but that is MHO...I have not researched it yet.

Hope this helps.

D Rock

 

Justin, welcome to the forum!

It's worth $16,545 plus $150 for pre-purchase inspections in a private-party transaction.

We have an '05 and an '06, both with that year's highest option package.

'05 did not have a backup camera option.

The HID's are a little "warm" (yellow-ish), not as "cold/bright" (blue-ish) as I'd expect, but I would not rip them out. Even if they broke, I'd just fix them.

35 psi might be a little high to be causing both-edge tire wear. Then again, my dealer was setting them to 30 at first... a lot of dealers under-inflate everything in response to complaints about rough rides... that's how they got SUV's to take off, after all, by underinflating those big balloon tires til the soccer moms couldn't feel the road.

If you are even a tiny bit unsure about the truthiness of the seller, add to the usual used-car inspection a 4-wheel alignment check with printed report, and of course a carfax report.

 

I have a few questions:

If you get a used Prius (regardless of year) does the battery warranty still apply?
(if the car has under 100,000 miles on it)
Do you have to get a car from a dealer to get that?

Why did all 3 cars on Craig's list have minor rear damage?
Is that coincidence???

How reliable are used Pruis/ Priii??
Are there any years to avoid? (This is a bit out of the '05 discussion but not that much).


Are 2006's really more than new ones? (Says so in the Blue Book!!)
But that's just too nuts.

I know you are all Prius drivers but is there any reason to get a Honda instead? NO this is NOT
a troll, I am asking a real question. I am not here to fight. ;-)

--des

 

I would not buy a Prius that had ever been in an accident more severe than a fender-bender. They are complicated machines, and IMHO there's too much stuff that can go undiagnosed and unrepaired, or get damaged just enough to later become intermittant and difficult to find.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Justin J. @ Jul 17 2007, 08:23 PM) [snapback]480589[/snapback]</div>

I experienced tire wear on my 2005 similar to what you describe - it was due to an alignment issue.
Go to http://john1701a.com/ and download his user guide for precise instructions regarding alignment. I followed this with good results (actually printed the page and gave it to the alignment tech) when I replaced my tires at 30K, now have 46K. So you may want to look at the alignment specs or possibly have it done again if you buy - I am of the belief that alignment is a critical issue with the Prius - both in terms of tire wear and handling.

 

des,

I believe (but do not know) that the factory warranty transfers to the new owner.

The exterior is either plastic or thin metal. Doesn't take much to cause minor damage. Plastic bumper covers don't hold up well on any make. This is not just a Prius problem. My Prius is a chip and scratch magnet. Given what I know today I wouldn't have taken the car off the lot without a 3M or Venture Shield clear bra.

The Prius is very reliable. Taxi fleets report vehicles with 200,000+ miles without major repairs.

There aren't many 2007's in inventory around here. If you want a Prius NOW you may very well pay top dollar for a used one. BTW, you won't find many more used ones either. As you may have noticed we love our cars and tend to part with them for a newer model or due to a collision.

I believe Honda is licensing Toyota's drivetrain. Look at what is available and come to your own conclusions.

 

I heard they were now making more of them for the demand, but there was awhile when the
price of gas went down a few cents and they were really stocked up.
I don't want anything NOW. I don't buy things like that, esp. not cars. I can wait.


Too bad re the bumpers, but I understand that is new design that bumpers absorb damage
and don't just jerk around like those of us with "ye olde cars" are used to. Therefore the
bumpers do get damaged easily (or does that excuse this??).

I was guessing, and I guess was right, that 3 cars on craig's list was a good no.?
But except for one of them, I would not have bought any of them. One was a 91, and I
don't think I want a 91. And one had more substantial rear damage. The other had minor
damage-- like a fender bender, so that wouldn't be out of the question,imo.

It was my understanding that: a. the Honda handles the battery issue differently.
b. that does not quite get as good mileage (generally) c. that is marginally cheaper, depending
on the model of course. d. The Prius gets marginally better reviews.
e. Firefox does not think I spell Honda wrong but thinks there is something odd with the
way I spell Prius, but I digress.


Thanks,

--des

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Jul 18 2007, 09:18 PM) [snapback]481326[/snapback]</div>