Divorce Vehicle - Need Tips

You hit the nail on the head. I'm sure it'll be difficult to adjust to in the beginning, as drastic changes are always tough for most of us to come to terms with, but I'm sure I'll adapt after a while. I've never been without a roof over my head before. Yes, I couch-surfed a bit when I was younger, but that's no biggie compared to this. However...

As I've said before, most of the situations we experience in life can be dealt with positivity or negativity. Negativity will turn ANY situation worse. Everything is what we make of it...period.

The reality is, I have my health, I'm young (43), and can usually find work as I'm decently educated and know a trade or two. Not bragging, but just stating facts on why I don't deserve to be crying in my beer. There are people out there with terminal illnesses, folks struggling with personal addictions, and a million other things. Having to live out of a vehicle for a year or two is NOTHING compared to the mountains others in this world are trying to overcome.

Yes, those camping showers you linked to are awesome. I'll probably wind up purchasing one of those at the start, however, my ultimate goal (when I have surplus funds) is to get a Camp Shower. But the less expensive options you pointed out will work almost as well.

 

Yes, I'm a dude. But now I'm starting to think I only got all of these terrific replies because everyone thought I was a cute chick, and ya'll thought you had a chance to get laid

Your point about the fridge adding another layer of complexity is a good one. I'm going to post a follow-up question on that, below.

Bingo about where to hang out. My plan isn't to stay cooped up in the car all day. I'll either be working, doing some activity outside of the vehicle or maybe some random chores most of the time, so, the Prius will mainly be used at night, in inclement weather situations, etc.

 

Yes, this is an IMPORTANT tool in my arsenal. My main modus operandi will be to join Planet Fitness, where for $20 per month I can use the shower facilities at any of their gyms nationwide. However, if I'm ever too far from one, they're closed or some other reason, there are many truck stops (Sheetz, Pilot, Flying J's) that offer showers for about $8. That's a bit expensive, but it is a GREAT option to have whenever I'm in a pinch.

 

I have heard this before, but only in the minority. The majority seem to think the stress on the battery would be very nil. I have no way of knowing definitively what the actual answer is, but I guess I'll find out.

I know from an environmental standpoint it's terrible to leave the car idling, which I feel guilty about, but as I've stated before, this really is my best option for now, in terms of comfort.

 

I would love to know the answer to this, as well. By far, most of the info I've read online has said that while leaving the Prius (or ANY vehicle) idling is not ideal, the negative effects it has on the car is very tiny, overall.

 

Actually, I AM concerned, which is precisely why I became a member here. Unlike many who simply use their cars for commuting or getting from point A to point B, for the foreseeable future, the vehicle will also be my home.

And you're correct, in doing my research, I've almost had to learn an entirely new language in reference to these hybrid vehicles. It hasn't be easy, as there is literally SO much information (much of it conflicting), that's it's easy to get lost in a sea of confusion. I'm sure I'll "get it" once I purchase the car, but your statement about it being a learning curve is entirely accurate.

 

Wow, that is often, as far as oil changes go! Having never driven a hybrid before, like most, I'm accustomed to changing the oil after every 3 or 4 months on a traditional vehicle. Then again, a tank of gas on a hybrid might last 1 or 2 weeks on minimal/average driving, so I guess it evens out. Hope I can remember this tip, Leadfoot.

 

Thanks for the kind words Yes, as nerve wracking as my situation is, to be sure, I am very much also looking forward to getting the vehicle set up and hitting the road. I'm sure I'll make a million and one mistakes, but hey, everyone else started out just like me at some point.

 

I wanted to write this follow up since Johnny Cakes touched on it, and it's very good info I need to learn...

1. I've heard leaving the car idling during the night (to take advantage of the climate control) isn't anything to fret over, as, at most, it might burn maybe a gallon of gas or so...if that. Further, once I drive the vehicle the next day it'll recharge itself and the power/bars will increase. So, please, can I hear your frank opinions on whether or not I will be afflicting damage to the car by leaving it idling every night during extremely hot/cold seasons?

2. Would the Prius have the ability to run a small refrigerator like a Dometic continuously (all the time) via the 12V cigarette adapter? Or would I need to install an inverter for this? If I CAN run one continuously via the 12V, is there any risk to draining the battery of harming the vehicle?

I've heard many say that the Prius' are basically generators on wheels, but I'm not sure what's doable and what's not.

 

Just tried looking under the used car section here. Seems I missed a goodie. Seller was asking $3,900 WITH a replaced new battery Only thing which makes me feel better was that he was out west somewhere, which would've been a hell of a trip to pick up and drive back east, lol. Man oh man, the vehicles move FAST on here!

 

Excellent, thanks! How exactly would I run a 12v cable? Is it fairly simple? I am NOT technically inclined, lol. What you described is EXACTLY what I'm looking for, a small fridge to keep a container of milk, some sodas, sandwiches, fruit, etc. I like the Dometics, but your borg cube sounds interesting, I'll look it up. To be clear, your borg cube does NOT need the 12v cable, or does it?

 

Spotted 2 private sale Prius' just now online. One is a 2005 for $1,900 and has 230,000 miles, BUT the battery was replaced at 160,000 miles by Toyota. That is an INSANE amount of miles, however, the battery being replaced by Toyota tempers my fear a little. In decent cosmetic condition considering the age.

The second is $3,900 with 150,000 miles, and it too had the battery replaced...at 130,000 miles. But the seller didn't indicate in the ad if the battery replacement was done by Toyota, or if it was a refurb. I'll have to follow up and find out.

Opinions?

 

I contacted the fella selling the Prius for $1,900 and inquired about the battery replacement and a few other things (was it new? do they have the receipt? does the car burn oil? etc.) and got the following reply, which I'm copying from my email...

"The battery was replaced by Riverhead Toyota, I spoke to them yesterday to verify the battery. I paid around $3,500 for a new Toyota battery (installed). I don't think I have a receipt, but Toyota has a record if you want to verify, I only bought it from Toyota because it was warranteed , turns out it was only warranteed for 1 year. The engine runs great and doesn't burn oil. The other issue I had was the HID headlights . I just installed 2 new HID igniters, the lenses are a bit foggy. I got it with 110,000 miles and put on the other mileage, never had any issues beside changing the front hubs. I posted yesterday and have dozens of responses. first $1700 takes it."

The bit about the warranty seems odd. Most people that get a part installed, the FIRST questions they ask are, is it warrantied, and for how long? So, the seller not "realizing" that the warranty was only for 1 year sounds suspect, but I guess anything's possible.

Second, if you've had "dozens of responses" and nobody has bought it yet, should I be alarmed? Sounds like a high pressure technique to me, but again, I may be off base.

My gut is telling me something odd is afoot. That coupled with the super high mileage and low price have me scratching my head.