Took delivery this Monday on a 2005 Driftwood Pearl Prius. So far, we couldn't be happier! It's the fully loaded package (Package 6? I know it's labelled as the BC package in the Knowledge Base for the '05 year -- Navigation, smart key, etc) and runs great. Already had our first "fillup" at 2 bars for a whopping 6.6 gallons @ 249 miles (about 39 MPG -- we're learning!). Some pictures are included at the bottom. I do have one question for folks out there - there is some rusting occuring underneath the driver's front and rear side doors (pics included). Any tips on taking care of that (or, more importantly, if that's covered under Toyota's rust policy?) Car was also in a minor accident by the prior owner that looks like it was a frontal impact, as evidenced by some minor bumper damage. I knew of all of this before purchase, which helped get the price where we wanted it. It didn't hurt that this particular dealer has a lifetime powertrain warranty on all their used vehicles (no labor costs, no deductable, and it even covers items like timing belts and tensioners, which surprised me) for no cost, so I feel a little better about picking up a slightly dinged vehicle. Otherwise, the car is in fantastic shape. It was kept immaculately on the interior by it's previous owner (I cannot find a single scratch inside at all!). It had all the original cargo nets, floor mats, etc... which as I've found seems like a rarity when buying used. It runs like a dream, my wife and I couldn't be happier, and are enjoying all the features this vehicle has. Thanks to all the folks here at Priuschat (and greenhybrid.com as well) in answering my questions, whether I actually asked them, or just found them in my searches. I hope to be posting many more fun stories of our adventures in the Prius in the future. In the meantime, I'll work on my secret handshakes... Rear shot of the Green Gobbler on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Front shot of the Green Gobbler on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Rust under driver's door on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Closeup of Rust under Driver's door on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Front Bumper Ding by License Bracket on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Shop around and look for the best Toyota body shop you can find. Get an estimate (at least three) and then decide from there. I assume that the $'s will come from your own pocket and no insurance is involved. With the way it looks right now, it is still not so bad. However, as for any rust it should be taken care off as soon as possible so you won't end up paying more in the long run. Good Luck.
The rust under the drivers door looks like a dent. You can see slight vertical scratches throug the dent. You can have the dent fixed by a body shop. This will be costly because of the location and access. The cheap way to do it is not fix the dent and remove rust than re-paint entire area. See if you can tell if the door has been repaired or replaced. Enjoy the hybrid experience. Who get's to drive the Prius to work?
Congrats on the new car. Welcome to PC. You only get to learn the secret handshake after 10,000 miles.
Thanks for the information. I will research more into rust removal and possible repaint. My major concern really is just rust-through that spreads to other parts of the car. And my wife gets to drive the prius to work. I'll take mass transit or carpool with her on the days we need to share until we pay down the explorer enough to trade that in for another hybrid (possible a Mariner or some such).
Ah.. I thought I had to divulge that when I got my invite to "the club" ... I need to hold on to some collateral! I'm sure you wouldn't find ANYTHING if you searched around on Flickr under this username..
Thanks.. I happen to agree with your assesment! And I wasn't too worried about being linked up -- I'd use different usernames if I was that paranoid.. my life is out there for all to see, comment, ridicule, and ultimately remember Can't wait to add some Prius pics!
