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2002 Prius still runs great!

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Ginger29, Feb 6, 2020.

  1. Ginger29

    Ginger29 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2020
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    N/A


    I just wanted to say that I have a 2002 Prius, 102,000 miles, and it seems like it is running better than ever right now. It was a one-owner car when I bought it nearly 5 years ago for $4000 (and she took meticulous care of it). I changed out the timing belt and the auxiliary battery at around 90,000.

    I like the way it looks; it's not like very many other cars on the road. It has not ever not started on me.

    I do the regular oil changes, and I plan to get all the fluids swapped out soon. But otherwise, what kind of planned maintenance should I do?

    I understand the resale value is low because of the uncertain life of the main battery: I get that. I'll have to dump the car at some point. But the annual registration/licensing fee in Washington State is nearly $200: for a car that has little resale value. And it will go up next year due to a new Seattle-area law that puts an additional $75 registration fee on hybrids. I wonder if I am being nostalgic with this car (as I've done before).
     
    #1 Ginger29, Feb 6, 2020
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!

    don't jinx yourself :cool:

    if you don't have a maintenance schedule, log on to toyota owners and input your vin. follow all the prescribed maintenance that you don't know is done. the website will also show any dealer maintenance performed.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 7, 2020
  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    With proper maintenance there's no reason that this car should not serve you for another year or two.
    Even if you have to replace the traction battery, you should look at this replacement cost ($1500?) NOT in terms of what your 2002 is worth but rather what it would cost you to get a suitable replacement.

    It's not an easy spreadsheet to fill out, but the block that is marked: "I Like the car" is a really BIG one.

    One thing is for sure.
    If your state registration is $500, then that's probably cheaper than making a couple of car payments.....and on top of that if they're shanking you for $200 on an 18 year old car then what are they going to shake out of you for a newer car, especially if it's a newer HYBRID car?

    If you get the itch to start kicking tires and getting lied to......wait until May or June.
    Right now is tax refund season and car sellers aren't as hungry as they will be later in the year.


    Good Luck!
     
    #3 ETC(SS), Feb 7, 2020
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Timing belt?
     
    #4 ChapmanF, Feb 7, 2020
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  5. Josey

    Josey Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I was guessing the serpentine/auxiliary belt. You know. Since the Prius has a chain.
     
    #5 Josey, Feb 8, 2020
    davecook89t likes this.
  6. Nelsonprius

    Nelsonprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
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    Location:
    Nelson, BC Canada
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    If you're good with electrical stuff I'd inspect the HV battery connections for corrosion and clean it up, balance charge the modules, and test for weak ones and replace them.
     
    #6 Nelsonprius, Feb 8, 2020
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