Looking at a used 2008 Prius - what should I watch out for?

Step on the brakes hard and listen for any tooting or barking sounds. That would indicate a bad brake actuator letting air in the system. Repair cost is $2,400

 

I have the brake bark and I don't care. I've been in two other 2nd gens w/the brake bark. Big deal. One was pEEf's and the other was usbseawolf2000's.

There's a TSB at http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-.../29211-tsb-br001-07-brake-actuator-noise.html. There's another thread about the bark and even pEEf mentioning it at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...19051-my-brakes-barking-me-8.html#post1224469.

I wouldn't let the bark deter you from that particular Prius.

 

I just helped someone buy a used Toyota Certified Pre-owned Prius and here's the issues we encountered:

1) Headlight condensation occurred after being washed/rain. There is a TSB about this, but in this case it was b/c there was a headlight plug that was not installed or wasn't on tight.
2) HID bulbs dying. The 2006+ Gen 2's switched to a mercury-free bulb which doesn't last as long. Both became intermittent within a couple of weeks and the dealer replaced them.
3) 1 keyfob. For whatever reason, used Prius only come with 1 keyfob (I was told this was policy), so if you want a spare, which I highly recommend, you might want to deal with this now rather than later. Also, the keyfob that we did get had a broken switch for the emergency mechanical key.
4) Lingering smells. Leave the car in the sun with the windows closed and turn on the A/C so any smells that might be hard to detect in the car or A/C have a chance to appear. The dealer should be able to treat the car if this is an issue.
5) Directional tires. If the tires are directional, make sure the direction arrow match the direction the tires roll going forward. The two rear tires were backward on either the purchased Prius or another that we were looking at on the lot.

Other:
6) Tonneu cover. This was missing on some of the Prius on the lot.
7) 12V Battery. If it is the original, there's a chance it may be need to be replaced. When it's dying, weird things happen like losing power while driving or some warning about parking sensors. Here's instructions on how to check it:
http://www.elearnaid.com/12vo1topraub.html

 

most prius have the same problems (i.e. 12V batteries don't last too long, interment HID problems, dirty PCV valve), but from what I've read it would appear that the newer Prius get condensation inside the HID lamp housing that we don't get in the older Prius, so if you can see visible condensation you should get them to lower the price another $800 or so.

Most of what you need to know is in Sticky threads at the top of most gen II forums, such as turning off annoying reverse & seatbelt beeps, and how to read the voltage of the 12V battery Ignition, Accessory & Engine Ready mode. Other stickies you should read include 'what every prius owner should know' and 'what maintenance you need and what you don't', i haven't checked it in ages but there are some stickies in the noob forum you should read as well, administrators have turned these threads into stickies for a reason.

 

thats funny, ryogajyc posted a very similar answer to mine as I was typing my last response.

I am very curious why a dealership would have a policy to give out only 1 key if someone traded it in with two. That's even more stupid than throwing away service records or owners manual from the glove box.

 

People are mentioning HIDs. If the car doesn't have HIDs, the procedure to replace the halogen bulbs is in the owner's manual and IIRC, doesn't involve removal of the front bumper cover.

The procedure to replace HIDs (as on mine) isn't in the owner's manual.

As for "simple", well, it depends. The official procedure from the service manual (I don't think it specifies HIDs or not) is to remove the front bumper cover in order to remove the assembly and replace the bulb. However, it's not necessary unless you can't get your hands in there (it is very tight) or you screw up and have the clip come off (http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...d-tank-trying-replace-passenger-side-hid.html) and have to remove the bumper cover anyway.

is someone very skilled who can do it very quickly w/o removing the bumper.

shows very quick removal of enough of the cover and the headlight assembly. I watched this video along w/a few others to help me out.

By 2008 package 3, I'm guessing you mean NL (http://priuschat.com/forums/knowledge-base-articles-discussion/37636-2g-prius-2004-2009-standard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html)?

 

i think i read someone with the condensation in an 07 removed the headlights to allow them to dry in the house overnight and then applied some silicon sealant to the rubber gaskets when he replaced them and all is fine and dandy.

as a general rule of thumb I like to follow, any bulb in a prius that requires you to wear rubber gloves when handling (i.e. fogs, headlamps) you should buy high quality either Phillips, Sylvania or oem Toyota. bulbs that you can touch with your bare hands (i.e. turn signals, taillights) you can use any brand. thats just my opinion

 

It is a chance for the dealership to make a sale down the road for more keys. I say to anyone buying a car from a dealer to have "delivered with two or more fully functioning keys/fobs" written on the contract.

 

I have a 2010 Prius III that I need to change a headlight assembly (crack somewhere....getting moisture inside).
Do I have to take the bumper cover off to do this change-out, and are there any good DIY helpful hints/videos to do this on a 2010 Prius?
Thanks,