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Hopeful Prius Owner looking for advise!

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Jaggie, Feb 3, 2017.

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  1. Jaggie

    Jaggie New Member

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    Alright! So I am a motorcyclist, and super newbie to cars. I decided that if I get a car I would buy an EV or a Hybrid! I ruled out EVs cause of the inconveniences it can cause being the Primary mode of transport, and so I decided to go in for a Hybrid. From there, it was easy to fall in love with the Prius! Seems like my <3 and Soul are lost to Priuses now. Thinking of buying a used 06 Prius with ~175k miles on it, at $5.5k.

    Questions:

    1. Is the Prius a good first car to be getting? I hear that there maybe acceleration problems and so on...
    2. Is the above deal a good one in the Seattle, WA area? Or is the miles too high?
    3. Any good places in and around the Seattle area to get a good check done before I make the purchase?

    Looking forward to replies from the Pros!

    Oh also I need to convince my GF that Prius is an amazing car to drive. Tips on how to do that will be welcomed too :) :D
     
    #1 Jaggie, Feb 3, 2017
  2. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    Assuming it looks clean and it has been well taken care of, the only concern I would have is the life left in the traction battery. If it's the origional, there could be a 2K-3.5K replacement needed soon.

    We have an '08 with 143K, and I would be suprised if we could get $5 for it. However it is still a reliable car.
     
    #2 bat4255, Feb 3, 2017
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  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    In terms of hybrid, yeah why not get the standard in hybrid technology ;). The Gen 2s (2004-2009) have been fairly reliable (they're the ones that took off in the taxi business with taxi drivers getting 300,000-450,000 on a battery before replacement). Our 2005 died at 153k so that 2006 is doing well. Budget $3,000 for replacement of a new one (less if you go refurbished or salvage). Yes it may not be necessary but it's nice to have. Plus, then you essentially get a new car again for $8.5k.

    Acceleration? Well the Prius is not a fast car (and def. not compared to a motorcycle) but it's adequate. 0-60 in about 10.5-11 secs. Not bad considering it only has 110hp and weighs 2,925 lbs. (At the wheel I think it's closer to 97hp and 109lb-ft... the dyno runs ranged from 92-100hp and 103-115lb-ft).

    The 1.5 litre engine has been around since the late 90s (on cars like the Echo/Yaris) and it's been fairly bulletproof. There are some engines that are using engine oil so they may need to be topped up between service intervals.

    Check the 12V battery. It's smaller than your standard car's 12V battery so it's more susceptible to draining. Ask the dealer how long the car's been sitting there and whether it's been driven regularly or at least the battery has been tended to, otherwise, ask for a new 12V. If it's a private seller, then ask when it was last changed. the specialized size of the 12V battery means they cost more than regular car batteries.

    Try to avoid the model with HIDs. They have been problematic.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Feb 3, 2017
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  4. Superior Monkey

    Superior Monkey New Member

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    That price is maybe a bit high, mostly due to the mileage. I took a quick look at ebay motors, completed sales. Here's some ones that went for less than $5500:
    07, 180k. 07, 150K. 09, 110k. 06, 110k. 07, 120k. 07, 150k.

    I would go one of two ways with this. If you really can't afford much more than the 5.5k you mentioned, find a somewhat cheaper used one. Then put aside money for the battery replacement. Alternatively, if you can push your budget a bit higher, you can get a Gen3 (2010) model for less than 10k, and get a better car that isn't likely to need as much repair nearly as soon.

    Edit: As far as using the car, where the Prius really shines is mid-speed roads and longer distances. 40mph with periodic traffic lights? Great car for that. 75mph highway? Good but not so exciting. And sitting mostly still blasting the heater or aircon is going to kill your fuel mileage. It's still pretty efficient, but short trips with lots of climate control aren't going to let the car's benefits really show.
     
    #4 Superior Monkey, Feb 5, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2017
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  5. Jaggie

    Jaggie New Member

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    Thanks for the replies folks! I guess I will look for either a cheaper model and / or a Gen 3 for about 8k ish! <3 this forum! Will keep you posted about my amazing Prius! *fingers crossed*
     
    #5 Jaggie, Feb 6, 2017
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  6. Jaggie

    Jaggie New Member

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    Just FYI, I'm not a "Hopeful" Prius Owner anymore, I AM ONE! :)

    Proud owner of Used Prius '06 as mentioned above (after negotiating for the price to $4.5k)! It Feels Amazing! Thank you all! I AM SUPER EXCITED. <3

    Any tips and advice to a new owner will be much appreciated!


    PS: My GF Loves the Prius too! Win-win :D
     
    #6 Jaggie, Feb 13, 2017
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats! all the best.(y) check in from time to time with your fabulous experience.:)
     
    #7 bisco, Feb 13, 2017
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  8. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Congratulations!!! Happy for you. There is a BOATLOAD of great info over on Gen 2 Prius Main Forum | PriusChat, which you are probably already perusing. ;)
     
    #8 jerrymildred, Feb 13, 2017
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  9. Jaggie

    Jaggie New Member

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    Thanks! I'm going through every bit of this forum already! Will take the Prius out for long spin this weekend! ;) :)
     
    #9 Jaggie, Feb 14, 2017
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  10. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    What color did you get?
     
    #10 Chodronish, Feb 25, 2017
  11. Jaggie

    Jaggie New Member

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    Red! My Fave color! I call him my Optimus Prime! :)

    Sorry about the weird pics, will upload better ones later.

    [P.S.: It was quite an exercise to remove the license plates as the screws in the front were rusted. I tried WD40 and let it soak but it didnt work. Finally, I removed the entire front license frame from the bumper, ordered another universal license frame from Amazon for ~$10, screwed the frame onto Optimus and then the new plates onto the holder and there we go! :) ]
     

    Attached Files:

    #11 Jaggie, Feb 27, 2017
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    #12 bisco, Feb 27, 2017
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Barcelona Red! Congrats!
     
    #13 Tideland Prius, Feb 27, 2017
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  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Cool! I always liked that red better than the burgundy type red I had on my '05. Especially if your clear coat isn't blistering off like mine was. LOL!
     
    #14 jerrymildred, Feb 27, 2017
  15. ETC(SS)

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

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    Congratulations and Welcome Aboard!!!
     
    #15 ETC(SS), Feb 27, 2017
  16. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    Nice, and yes, congratulations!
     
    #16 Chodronish, Feb 27, 2017
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