Divorce Vehicle - Need Tips

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hybrid Hobo, Jun 5, 2018.

  1. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Couple of maintenance ideas...

    When you replace the tires on a 10+ year old Prius, install new TPMS sensors at the same time. They cost about $30 from Amazon, $60+ from a dealer. Installation is free or close to it when combined with mounting new tires. If you wait till the TPMS batteries die one at a time, it's $30+ installation plus the sensor. I brought my Amazon purchased sensors to my tire installer and he put them in included with the tire installation. He mentioned that my $30 price for each sensor was less than his wholesale price.

    Get a Mini VCI / Techstream so you can diagnose problems yourself. My friend with the 2002 Prius had the triangle of death show up, so he took it to the dealer. Cost of plugging in the dealer Techstream was $150. Major problem detected: leaky gas cap. You could purchase a Mini VCI + a 32bit laptop running Windows XP + a new gas cap for less than the dealer diagnostic fee.

    Sometimes that triangle of death indicates a bad traction battery. Sometimes it indicates a bad gas cap. Asking the dealer which it is is about $150.
     
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Focus on cosmetics! Get a hail-wrecked car. It's been totaled, it'll never have full value again, yet with new glass it'll be perfectly useful. I don't know how often those come up in the auctions but that's a great loss case- it would probably come with orig. keys and all.
     
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  3. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Thanks a bunch! That was a wealth of information that obviously took some time to write, and I'm very appreciative!

    Fortunately, most places in the NE (including NJ) don't get below 10 degrees very often. So, if I had to make due without a heater, I can easily do so, as I actually enjoy the colder weather anyways. But the heat is my kryptonite. Don't like it or humidity. And it would be almost impossible for me to sleep well in a vehicle without a/c during the summer months. What I was CLOSE to doing was getting a small teardrop camper that has an a/c unit installed. You can get these brand new for about $3,000. But the problem with that is, my current car isn't the most reliable, and pushing it even more than necessary to haul an 800lb. trailer around is a recipe for disaster. Additionally...

    Lugging ANY type of trailer around - no matter how small - is a pain the the butt, and really limits where you can stay. Further, the a/c unit would obviously work only when plugged in to shore power, which means I'd have to stay at a campground...and they are EXPENSIVE. All of which is to say...this is how/why I have arrived at the Prius option.

    Do they have Gen 2's and higher for the years 2006 to 2010? I'm asking because those are probably the years which I am most able to afford.
     
  4. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Appreciate the info! Life is short, gotta take a gamble every once in a while. If the car blows to smithereens I can always buy a skateboard :D
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    and getting shorter all the time.:cool:
     
  6. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    I understand completely why some would be wary of recommending them in my situation, so no worries. Not sure what Honda you're referring to, but, yes, I have looked at alternative hybrid vehicles. The problem with that though is, most other brands of hybrid vehicles are newer to the market, and it's extremely tough to find an older, used model. Since the Prius' have been around for many years, it's a lot easier to find low priced ones around, which is all I can afford.
     
  7. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Apparently, we think a lot alike, Leadfoot. I could care less what a car looks like, provided it gets me from point a to point b. This is excellent advice, and now I have another option at my disposal. Thanks!
     
  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    When I was a starving student I bought a fluorescent pink van. I needed a cheap box to move stuff in; I found a professional clown ready to retire from the kid birthday circuit. There's always a deal to be made out there...
     
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  9. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone on this forum. I've been a member of many different forums over the years, for a variety of topics, and this is probably one of the most welcoming bunches I've ever seen. I know this isn't a camping chat, so I greatly appreciate everyone's patience in reading about this unusual situation of mine.

    I'd also like to clarify what I'm expecting out of my vehicle. Since I'll be buying an earlier make with high mileage, I certainly don't expect the car to last 6, 8 or 10 years. That's unrealistic. I just need it to last 2 or 3 years so I can go on my adventures and get back on my feet. So, here's where my thinking is at...

    Suppose I spent $4,000 on a Prius and it went dead after two years. This isn't actually too bad, as my home's "rent" would've only factored out to about $170 per month ($170 X 24 months). Not many places where you can live for $170 per month! If the car lasts longer, even better. Of course...

    The big issue is what happens if the car CANNOT make it to 2 years, and this is the big worry. My luck, the battery would need to be replaced 5 months down the road (or some other major issue), and that would present a real conundrum. So...

    The million dollar question is, can I find a halfway decent Prius that can last 2 or 3 years with my only maintenance upkeep being minor things like oil changes, brake pads, etc.?
     
  10. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    That's about the funniest thing I've ever heard! Thanks for the laugh, but it's actually really good advice.

    P.S. - I'm in NJ, but I'm an avid metal detectorist and have hunted in PA many times. You are blessed with a LOT of history up there! And it isn't paved over like Northern NJ.
     
  11. dubit

    dubit Senior Member

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    Spent a lot of years at a Toyota dealership. Can this happen - yes.

    Chances of success = 25/30%
    Chance of success if High Voltage battery was replaced with a TOYOTA (not rebuilt/reman battery) = 70%

    I mentioned this before and I'll say it again. If your budget is tight, beware a used Prius more than 7 years old. If you do buy it anyways, and I have a feeling you will. Be prepared to buy that skateboard to get around, and part out your Prius here on Prius Chat or Craigslist for some cash.
     
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  12. dubit

    dubit Senior Member

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  13. kikik

    kikik Junior Member

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    If you're only spending $190 a month for rent, can't you save $300-$500 per month for 4-6 months thinking as if you're paying rent. For the new battery. If you replace the battery I'm pretty sure Prius will run for another 8-10 years prob even more I've seen many prius over 200k miles. Also it will sell better and possibly higher if it already has a new battery when you do sell it in 2-3 years. Maybe try to buy one that the previous owner already replaced the battery? Might be a little more expensive but you'll have a peace of mind that you won't have to replace it for quite a while?
     
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  14. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Unfortunately, due to my budget, I cannot get around having to buy an earlier make. But if I follow what you're saying, if I can get one where the battery was recently replaced with a NEW part, then the odds are strongly on my side, yes?

    That's excellent advice, and was actually contrary to my prior thinking. I spotted a few used Prius' on Craigslist which mentioned the battery being replaced, and I instantly wrote those ads off as they seemed to me like opening a can of worms.

    But according to your logic (which makes sense), the seller basically spent THEIR money prepping the car for me :)

    Hope I can find those ads again!
     
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  15. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    Heck, if I have the luxury of spending only $170 per month on "rent", I can potentially save a bundle. So, to answer your question, yes, that is a very good plan.
     
  16. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    It is sage advice from someone who has been around a LONG time and has weathered some times of being "down and broke".
    Take it or leave it but don't complain when you get advice that goes against your chosen path.

    I think your plan is unwise. Simple as that.
     
  17. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    In my personal opinion, I think you might be missing a LOT here.
    For instance, that $1000 potential cost could much better be spent on other things.
    And if you have $1000 available......in addition to enough to buy a car......I don't think you are "destitute" in the first place.

    Oh....and in another post you mentioned "going on my adventures and getting back on my feet".
    I think you have that list backwards and I think you need to re-order your priorities.

    Maybe a warped sense of logic got you INTO your present situation in the first place ??
    I quit.
     
    #57 sam spade 2, Jun 7, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2018
  18. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    If I was a bit sharp-tongued with you earlier, maybe I was off base. But the tone of your reply came across as snarky & condescending. Just being honest. However, since I didn't like it, I should've simply said nothing and ignored it, so THAT part is my fault.

    I don't know where you come from, but in my world, a person with only a few thousand bucks to their name is considered broke, or "destitute". If you don't agree with that label though, how would you define my situation? Well off? Wealthy? Rolling in dough?

    As to your point about me not having my priorities straight, not only is it an insensitive thing to say, it is also an ASSumption you are making, when you don't even know me.

    I've worked hard my entire adult life, have helped raise a child, and have been a responsible member of society, to the best of my ability. If I choose to go out on the open road to clear my head, travel and meet other people after going through some very dark times, is that so bad? And who are you to judge or question my actions?

    Your feedback is appreciated, but it's obvious that we are worlds apart in our viewpoints and you have a bone to pick with my plans. So, I think we should leave it be right here.

    Thanks for offering your two cents.
     
    #58 Hybrid Hobo, Jun 7, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2018
  19. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I don't think that is really true.

    There is a HUGE number of people in the US who have NOTHING at the end of each month OR are in the hole.
    World wide, there is a HUGE number of people who always have NOTHING.

    If it IS true, then your whole story smacks of a "poor millennial " who has had everything given to him his whole life and now has hit a rough spot and doesn't know how to properly deal with a little adversity.

    But you are right. That is just a wild guess on my part.
    All "we" have to go on is what YOU tell us.
     
  20. Starship_Enterprius

    Starship_Enterprius Active Member

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    Don't mind the negativity, most people have never considered living in a car that's why all the knee jerk reactions. True, there may be other options that can be had for less than owning / running this car. But the idea of living in a car (mobility, freedom, no commitments, adventure, bare minimum living) just appeals to some people who likes to lead an alternative lifestyle. Car camping after all, is the luxurious version of back packing.

    So...since you are already considering getting a car, why not just go ahead and get a more reliable used Prius with which you can earn extra money doing rideshares or car wrap advertisement etc. Look to parents or friends/relatives who may be willing to lend you some money with the promise to pay them back in a couple of months or so. You can gross more than $5,000 in 2 or 3 months doing part time ridesharing so this is not an empty promise. Plus there are intercity rideshares (at least here in Ontario Canada) which can defray your travels. And since rideshares require less than 10 yo cars, it just means a better ride for you.

    As for the car, go for a PriusV with the moon roof/solar roof package. The extra space will make your decision more livable. The moon roof and the solar fans (and a slightly open window) will allow you to stay inside without running AC except for the extreme weather. Plus who knows, you might figure out a way to charge your cell phone from your solar in the boondocks.

    Happy trails. Hope to see you on the road somewhere remote and peaceful.
     
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