I have been shopping for a used Prius for the past few weeks. This is by far the most valuable website I've found on my adventures, kudos to you all! I'm exhausted from all the reading and dealership visits, and I could use a hand. Could one of you review this service history, and tell me if there's anything need for caution? It's a Used 2007 Toyota Prius with 106,000 miles for $8,900 at Toyota of Glendale near Los Angeles, CA. VIN: JTDKB20U073291805 Service History from Toyota: 10/3/14 Dealer Bob Smith Toyota 92,440 Repair Order Number: 6057594 CUSTOMER REPORTS THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISPLAYED, REPL WATER PUMP, C0U-REPL HV WATER PUMP, PERFORM INSPECTION, STEERING EXTENSION SHAFT OK,, RENTAL CAR, MUST HAVE DRIVERS LICENSE AND CURRENT 6/15/12 Dealer Toyota of Glendale 52,887 Repair Order Number: 0461845 CHECK FOR OPEN RECALL OR SERVICE ACTIONS ON THIS VEHICLE/VIN 5/7/10 Dealer Toyota of Glendale 25,511 Repair Order Number: 0383982 90L PEDAL MOD FOR TUNDRA AND PRIUS 8/14/07 Dealer Toyota of Glendale 5 Repair Order Number: 0286407 CHECK FOR OPEN RECALL OR SERVICE ACTIONS ON THIS VEHICLE/VIN
The brake pedal was shaved in 2010. last October the water pumps for the engine and inverter were replaced. The car has new pumps so that is two less things to worry about.
Thank you very much, Jim. Any idea why no recent inspection would show up if the Toyota dealer that has the car claims there was a recent inspection?
Is that the full service history, or did you select and paste a few key items? I do not see any oil changes on there. While it is possible the past owner brought the car to the dealer for recalls, and XYZ garage for oil changes, I personally like to see some kind of maintenance regime evidence on the service history. Just my $.02
That is the full service history from the Toyota site. The Carfax report (which is clean) does show a two oil changes and several "recommended maintenance performed" from the same Toyota dealership it's at now. There is a gap from 2010 - 2012 and from 2012 - 2015. Hmm....
Ahhh ok. The reason I am skeptical is that generation of Prius has been known to burn engine oil usually after 90,000 miles if not maintained well, i.e. received on time oil changes. However, if carfax is showing some oil changes, then there is evidence that they at least changed the engine oil sometimes. I would look for evidence of oil changes - or lack thereof- by opening the oil fill cap and looking inside the hole. It should be relatively clean and you should see clean metal. Also look under the cap itself, it should be clean with no carbon or clumps of oil. Pull the dipstick and look for cooked-on varnish, there should be none. Other than that, like another poster said - you already have new water pumps that were replaced under recall, so thats a GOOD chicken scratch for this car. Prius is a very reliable car. Realize that you are at the mileage that some significant maintenance is due, and it doesnt appear (based on the service history) that it was performed yet. These maintenance items include engine coolant exchange, inverter coolant exchange, eCvt transmission fluid change, and spark plugs. See if the dealer will do any/all of those items for the deal, and use that as a determining factor of whether you should buy it or not. Dealers usually charge upwards of $500 for all of that work.
98 seems a little high. Have you looked for a private listing? Craig's list? Dealer service records only show part of a vehicles history. Carfax is a good tool as well, but I've never had my car to the dealer for an oil change...ever and it's always done at 5k and I'm dead bang certain that I'm not using much oil------because I check!! Keep looking! Good Luck!!
It may seem high because its going for $8,900, per the OP. I just visited the Toyota Dealer site that the OP cited, and the Prius is what appears to be a pretty base model. Just FWIW.
Thank you, PriusGuy32. Advice like this is why I love this board. The Prius In Question has a backup camera, and if I'm honest... that's a big draw for me. I'm also looking at a 2012 with 80,000 miles from a private seller with an immaculate oil change/basic service record (every 5k miles) for $12,000. With no backup camera... why the hell did I ever try that stupid camera out?
Thanks, bisco. For some reason, I thought that because this was an actual Toyota dealership, the car would have been vetted properly. What little do I know...
GO with the 2012!! I just added an aftermarket factory backup camera for like $110. The kit is on eBay. I have had both a Gen2 Prius & my current Gen3. You will be much happier with the Gen3 IMO.
The coolant should have been changed with the pumps. I'm inclined to vote for the newer car as well. My 2006 was the best car I ever bought. My 2010 is better. Pay for the lower mileage and longer warranty. You'll get slightly better fuel economy and a car that should need less maintenance.
Thanks, Jim. I'm going to see the 2012 II on Wednesday. If everything turns out ok, I believe I can always add a screen and camera down the road.
I concur that $8900 for the 2007 is too much money. Without booking it but off the top of my head it's probably worth $8k if in excellent condition.
Thanks everyone for your help and input. I ended up purchasing the 2012 w/ 87k miles for $11,500. Inspection at the dealership was mostly fine. Car needs new front tires and the driver's side door panel is loose. And the spoiler is loose. But hey, it DOES have a screen in the HU after all. I should be able to pick it up tomorrow. Can't wait...
