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My first car: 2003 Prius

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by MyFirstCar, Dec 16, 2011.

  1. MyFirstCar

    MyFirstCar New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2011
    4
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    Location:
    VA
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi folks,

    Today I got 2003 Prius car with 98K for $7500! I bought it from Toyota dealer. My first and only question to him was 'tell me is that battery is in good condition and will it last for 150K?!' their answer was Yes,it will! As it's cleanely maintained and taken care of regularly. Actually it had a single owner with clean carfax! now that encouraged me. Also as per nada value: it's cost was:$7215 and i just payed 300 bucks more but I am in need of vehicle now. It's OK!

    I am hoping for good experience with Prius:)
     
    #1 MyFirstCar, Dec 16, 2011
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    45,024
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    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Congrats and welcome to PriusChat!
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Dec 16, 2011
  3. fthorn

    fthorn From gas hog to greenie to gas hog

    Joined:
    May 30, 2008
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    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
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    Enjoy!
     
    #3 fthorn, Dec 16, 2011
  4. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
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    Location:
    Boulder Hybids, Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Congrats on buying a Gen1...they are a great little car and fun to drive. However, there is no way a seller can know for sure the HV battery will last for 150k. Most batteries will last that long, but many Gen1 batteries fail around 100-120k. The good news there are aftermarket vendors that sell rebuilt batteries for a fraction of what the dealer charges for a new one so if you have trouble in the future you have options. The other "big" problem with Gen1s is the transmission/transaxle. I suggest you have it properly serviced ASAP since if it goes bad it is more expensive to fix than the battery....and BTW, most dealers don't properly service Gen1 transmissions (i.e. they don't drop the pan) so find someone willing to do it this way http://priuschat.com/forums/knowledge-base-articles-discussion/83967-gen1-tranny-service-do-now.html
     
    #4 3prongpaul, Dec 16, 2011
    2 people like this.
  5. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
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    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    3Prong,
    I really appreciate the detailed tranny service "how to". I did it on my '01 last week and it was very easy thanks to you. I couldn't believe how much ferrous material was attached to the magnet. I now have peace of mind about the transaxle.
     
    #5 usnavystgc, Dec 16, 2011
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