Buying Used Prius Agonizing over Details : }

http://iaspub.epa.gov/otaqpub/display_file.jsp?docid=24724&flag=1
^^^ That is an very interesting EPA memo about CARB states but i have no idea what exactly what they are saying.

It seems to say after 2011, CARB-certified vehicles can only be sold in CARB states and contiguous states to CARB states, but that contradicts that Prius are sold in all 50 states.

In any case, that memo goes way beyond what you were asking, funny they sent it.

Keep in mind for Prius CARB warranty, we are talking about Toyota rules not EPA rules. Although EPA would dictate CARB states, Toyota has warranty policies somewhat unique (I assume legal but I've wondered).

 

I would add that almost any Prius is going to last a long, long time.I am at 156k miles and still have the original HV battery. I changed my 12 volt battery after almost ten years. Yes any car will need service. But, I will predict that most Prii will last as long as you don't trash it. Mine has been the best and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

What I have saved in fuel would more than pay for a New HV battery.If it drives well, starts and has no warning lamps ON then its probably good to go. Have the HV battery checked by a Toyota dealer. If it needs it, they. Should be able to tell you. Good Luck and don't panic. Prius is one of the best vehicles ever.

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...I think the one sentence says the automaker may choose to make 50-states cars that are certified for both California and Federal. So that's what Prius is: certified for anywhere sales.

 

Well the Prius does not have a serpentine belt it has one built the turn the engines water pump. As for why didn't sell lot of people out there get scared when a car has over 100,000 miles on it.
At a minimum, the dealer is telling you what has been replaced. Yes, I can see replacing the rear shock absorbers. But, that also tells you that they have carried lots of weight in the rear of the Prius. More more weight equals more wear. How does it drive? Will they allow you to do an extended test drive? Will they allow you to take it to a different mechanic to have it checked out? Sounds like a good car to me, but this is also diagnosis by wire. Please keep us informed. JTM

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Nobody replaces shocks so that is strange, but possibly the owner was trying to make the car respond to his liking

 

We have a 2008 Prius. Bought new, had to wait 2 mos for it. Since then, I've had regular maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, filters, etc.) done on it. There were also a couple recalls that were remedied. It's 200 miles short of 100,000. When the original battery died, I replaced it. Just put the second set of tires on it. That is really all that's been done other than drive it. Very reliable!!!!! I expect to get 200,000 from this car. I've also read the forums about the hybrid battery replacements. Mine still have another year warranty, but if/when they need replaced, I plan on going for a new bank from Toyota. If you go with "revamped" battery banks, let's face it, you're still getting used batteries with a limited lifespan. I don't need that hassle. Good luck on your decision!! Oh, and I'm from central Illinois. Not hilly, not overly hot, not overly cold. Just lots of beans and corn!

 

The pumps are routine for Prius the Gen2 water pump was a leaker. But I kept mine and the leak stopped and now I have almost 150k miles on orig water pump. There was another (inverter) pump replaced under recall. If the owner had extended warranty the water pump was covered to that's why maybe they did it. I did not have extended warranty so I did not jump to replace it.

 

If you mean the inverter water pump, I am on my second one. And at 140k miles, Toyota replaced the engine water pump. So, where is this car from? Heat seems to be the biggest killer of batteries. Keep it cool and seemingly they last longer.
Now it's up to you. You will not make a bad choice with a Gen II or Gen III. Or go lease a new one, they have some great deals going on right now. It's up to you!

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I like the fact that I don't have to deal with keys. I like my auto dimming mirror (though I modified mine with a piece of tape and a needle, to make it darker sooner).
My headlamps are HID. This is Godsend at night, anything else seems dim.
I love the quiet operation on the highway. It fits my lifestyle very well. Is it for everyone? No, some folks have big families, some haul trailers or have other activities that require a different vehicle. As a commuter car, it does great. Think about how many cars and trucks you see on the streets and highways with just the driver? I have hauled ten bags of mulch. Another time I hauled a single bed mattress and box spring (yes, the hatch door was open). I have helped both of my girls moving to and from college. Prius is truly an amazing vehicle.
Oh, did I mention it does very well on gasoline?

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Rust on suspension seems to happen pretty fast on Toyota Prius. I raised ours (low mileage 2010, garage stored) and was surprised at how fast the structure and bolts were rusting.

 

Another consideration if you haven't already done so. Have you looked at the private sales on this forum?

Prius Cars For Sale | PriusChat

Here's a car that might be to your liking and to roughly your specs/price point:

2009 Prius 80k miles Excellent Condition - $8900. Boston, MA | PriusChat

However, this post is a few months old now, so it may have sold already. But worth checking out at least if it's still available.

 

The lower-optioned cars have their advantages. Some prefer the sound of the standard audio system to the higher-up, JBL system. The HID headlamps are less reliable than non-HID (I find the standard headlamps to illuminate very nicely) the tires on the Touring are more expensive and less fuel efficient and the suspension is less compliant.

That may have just been a typ-o up there, but Touring: 16", 7-spoke wheels. Non-touring: 15", 6-spoke wheels.

The external belt on the 2nd gen would be considered serpentine, even though it only drives a water pump, since it contacts pulleys on both sides of the belt.

To check for leaking engine water pump on 2nd gen, look down the passenger side of the engine for the large, black pulley near the bottom. Look inside and around the back of the pulley for pink and white, crusty material that indicates a leaking pump.

 

The last photo appears to be a bird bath.
Has the car you are considering purchasing been rustproofed? I purchased mine new and went to Ziebart. It shows no signs of rust after eleven going on twelve years of Indiana salt and molasses mixture on our highways
All cars will rust, and the bottom of the car rarely gets washed. The struts and shocks in the photos look original to me. Will the dealer give you any warranty other than the normal hybrid warranty? That would be a plus. What other options does this vehicle have? In the words of John 1701a, just drive it. Don't worry, just do the routine maintenance and drive on. Somewhere on the Tapatalk site, there is a gentleman that uses a Prius with 600000 miles or about 1000000 kilometers with the original high voltage battery. Now that says a lot about quality and engineering, doesn't it?

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