Need help with pre-purchase inspection of Used prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by priria, Nov 11, 2010.

  1. priria

    priria New Member

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    Hello, All:

    I currently own a 2005 Prius but am buying a used 2010 on ebay. I live out of state, so I've put down a deposit that is dependent on the result on an inspection.

    Does anyone know of an honest, experienced and reliable mechanic in Charlotte, NC who can inspect the car for me in person? I'm especially concerned to make sure that the airbags are intact, as I will be carrying a new infant and young teens. (Heard a lot of scare stories about them being removed and/or replaced with shoddy substitutes.)

    Or, would it be advisable to have it inspected at the local Toyota Dealer?

    Thank you in advance for your opinion - I only have until tomorrow to put down a deposit. Ria
     
    #1 priria, Nov 11, 2010
  2. ETC(SS)

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

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    Welcome to PRIUSChat!!

    I'd lean towards having it inspected by a Toyota dealer since they will (or should) have records of any maintenance that was done, or not done by geuuuinne Toyota Factory Certified Technicians. They should---do not confuse this with WOULD, also be more familiar with this car than an independent repair shop. If they're willing to share in this data, it might reveal a long laundry list of repairs that were undertaken by the Prius's previous owner, causing said owner to give the car up.
    I'm "presuming" that you've availed yourself of the Carfax report for this car---NOT to be confused with the data that eBay provides. With apologies to eBay, if I were going to plunk down $20,000 or so on a PRIUS, I'd get my own report...just sayin...
    A pickup truck is one thing...this car is quite another.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!
    (let us know how it all shakes out!)
     
    #2 ETC(SS), Nov 11, 2010
  3. bagwell

    bagwell Active Member

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    +1 on the Toyota PPI.
     
    #3 bagwell, Nov 11, 2010
  4. priria

    priria New Member

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    thank you so much! I have contacted the Charlotte dealer and made an appt.

    I'm very excited - - - picking up the car at the end of next week, then driving it back 1300 miles back home - should be a lot of fun! : )
     
    #4 priria, Nov 11, 2010
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