2001 Prius 27800 miles

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lovenrockets @ Oct 24 2007, 10:37 AM) [snapback]529703[/snapback]</div>

I drive a 2001 Prius with 85000 miles on it and it runs like a champ. I heard that there is a taxi driver in Canada who drove his classic prius to like 250,000 miles before Toyota offered him a new Prius for his old prius to do lab testing on the battery. From what he said, the battery was still in very good condition. You can try to google "Andrew Grant Classic prius" and see if you get anything. Prius is very reliable. And also you still qualify for 8yr/100,000mi hybrid warranty so you can have your local dealer check out all the hybrid components and get it replaced under warranty if need be.

Check this thread out too...
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=11990

 

First check the record to see if the battery reseal TSB was affected and if it was, make sure it is done.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lovenrockets @ Oct 24 2007, 01:12 PM) [snapback]529760[/snapback]</div>

I remember a repair to fix a corrosion for the HV battery terminal. I can't find TSB for it now. Maybe it wasn't a Technical Service Bulletin. Classic owner may be able to help you out better. Try priusonline.com or yahoo groups.

 

2001- early 2003 HV battery resealing is special service campaign SSC 60G. To be done at no expense with no time or warranty limitation. Your Toyota shop can tell from the VIN if it has been done already on this vehicle.

There are a few other maintenance items to consider if you purchase it, but they are not costly/difficult. Overall I'd rather see you in an 02 or 03 with side air bags, but most 01s are still on the road giving excellent service.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lovenrockets @ Oct 24 2007, 11:37 AM) [snapback]529703[/snapback]</div>

In my experience, battery packs in low-mileage per year hybrids have more of a chance (a chance, not a certainty) of failing early. The pack likes to be exercised.

This car ran less than 5,000 miles per year. If it was garaged rather than left on the street, that's a plus, as ambient temperature variations can also be a contributing factor.

What do I mean by "failing early"? Oh, 60K to 100K miles or so. But remember, I don't have a crystal ball. No one does. I'd buy it and take the chance. Good luck!

 

As far as the any recalls, before I bought my Prius used, I called Toyota and had them look up to see if there was any recalls on it. Apparently mine did not. I can't remember the number but it was some 1-800 number and I'm sure you can google it.

 

Here is the SSC 40G (USA) for your reference:
[attachmentid=12207]

 

There was a 2001 on ebay about a week ago that had 357000 miles on it, the buyer said that it went 310000 before the battery was replaced. If it had been closer to me I would have most likely ended up with it.