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Cerified Used Car question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by googrx, Jan 3, 2012.

  1. googrx

    googrx New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2011
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    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Anyone have any ideas of this advantage?

    I am thinking of shelling out more dough than ever after purchased a used "certified" Prius.
    Cost so far vs savings:

    Cost
    1.) Oil change $40 vs conventional $30
    2.) Toyota coolant $60
    3.) One new tire $115
    4.) New aux. battery $200 (installation fees not included)

    Saving ( I have driven near 5K miles)
    if my car average 45 mpg, vs modern car 20 mpg, then saving of 25 mpg
    5k miles/20miles * gallons * $3.00/gallon = $750
    5k miles/45miles * gallons * $3.00/gallon = $334 (which is the Fit mpg)
    net saving of $416
    if my car average 50 mpg, saving of 30 mpg
    5k miles/50miles * gallons * $3.00/gallon = $300, saving of $450.

    Of course you have to think ahead. A main battery replacement when it reach 150K miles will cause $5000 per Toyota standard. That is about 70k miles left for me, which cost about $0.07 a miles for me or $357 so far. So I net a negative $326 (upkeep cost) or a saving of $59 on fuel and a whole bunch of headaches.:(

    FYI, I lived in a former oil rich state, xenophobic kind of mind people and I am afraid. Which is why I garage the machine from public eyes.
     
    #1 googrx, Jan 3, 2012
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i think so.
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 3, 2012
  3. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
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    Certified by whom, a Toyota dealer? If so why aren't they paying for some of this?
     
    #3 richard schumacher, Jan 3, 2012
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
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    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    At 150,000 miles the traction battery is just coming off warranty. Very few fail that early. Keeping $5000 handy in a repair (or replacement) fund is a good idea.

    Why pay $40 for a $30 oil change? If you are changing to syn then you should also extend the oil change interval. I thought the Gen2 OCI was unrealistic as my 3.5L Intrigue was scheduled for 7500 miles & the ICE ran all the time.
     
    #4 JimN, Jan 3, 2012
  5. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2010
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    Location:
    Santa Fe, NM
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    No, it is not that expensive. Anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on what you get.

    No, your car does not need a $40 synthetic oil change.

    No, your car does not need 3 gallons of coolant at the 80K mile mark -- necessary at 100K.

    Yes, you should spend $36 + tax and labor, to have your transaxle fluid (ATF WS) changed.
     
    #5 seilerts, Jan 4, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
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    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    #6 cwerdna, Jan 4, 2012
  7. gasmiser1

    gasmiser1 EV Wantabee

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2010
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    Location:
    Cambria, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    N/A
    We bought our 2006 Prius "Certified Used" from a Toyota dealer. They wanted $19,950 for it in 2009 with 61,000 miles. I grinded them to $16,000 which was private party pricing per Edmunds and KBB at the time.

    Plus, they took my 2001 Honda Insight Gen1 with 287,000 for trade value of $3,000!

    So, Never pay asking price at a dealer.
     
    #7 gasmiser1, Jan 4, 2012
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