Should I buy this 2001 Prius? Advice needed.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LarryRacies @ Mar 9 2007, 05:14 PM) [snapback]403020[/snapback]</div>

Has he taken it to a mechanic? I would have a Toyota dealer to a pre-buyer inspection. I think they charge $100 for that. There are a lot of things to check on these cars. Like after 6 years does the battery need to be replaced?

I'd love to get a second hand Prius as a second car, but my 1991 Corolla LE is in such amazing condition with only 114k miles on it, I think I'll keep it another 5 years or so. It only gets driven about 50-75 miles a month anyway as a second car.

Dave

 

If you have AAA, you can take it to a Car Clinic (or similar) AAA offers a used car buying service, where a qualified mechanic (usually a local participant) inspects your car and gives you a print out of the findings. You can use the results for your negotiations.

Also make use of Kelly Blue Book based on a quick questionaire I filled out it lists:

Private Party Pricing
Condition Value

Excellent $10,260
Good $9,400
Fair $8,285

Also get a service record that shows regular maintenance, oil/filter change etc. My 2001 is at 118k and its running great!

 

I would want to know about the HV battery reseal, whether the engine control module had been replaced, and/or the power steering and crankshaft position sensor.

Some need new accelerator pedals (or used rebuilt ones from me ).

Some of the above issues pertain to 2001 and not the later two years. IMHO best thing about waiting for a 2002 to come along is the possibility of the optional side air bags.

Based on a few cars with 'issues', I would want to make the purchase of a used Prius conditional on good condition of the transmission fluid.