I am a proud owner of a Gen 3 but I just got an opportunity to get a gen 2 2007 with only 14k miles on it for an amazing price. This isn't some lucky craigslist find, it's from a friends aunt who is moving out of town. The problem is, it hasn't been driven for the last 2 years and the car does not start. I'm assuming that the 12v battery just needs a jump start but I'm quite concerned about the traction battery on the Prius. What do you guys think?
Don't try to start it! It'll kill the traction battery. You should have that traction battery charged and balanced BEFORE you attempt to start it. If you're in Los Angeles, I can help you with that or you can buy a charger from hybrid automotive.
Yes good advice JC! That's really cool, a 10 year old hybrid cars that's basically brand new! Keep us updated!!
Thank you for the advice. I just checked the site and there are so many chargers. Which one do you recommend? I am also in Los Angeles! Are you a supplier or do you offer a service/product? Will do! I've only had my use gen 3 for 6 months and I've already put over 14k miles on it haha. I'm assuming this is referring to JC suggestion? Is recharging the traction battery from scratch the only way to do it?
For recharging the traction battery, we generally recommend the Prolong Charger from Hybrid Automotive. If you get the discharge-ready harness, you can get a discharger in the future to recondition the battery. If you get a Gen 3 harness, the charger & discharger will work with your 2012 too. @jeff652 is the company owner and very helpful here. @Raytheeagle may have some additional suggestions.
I'm in the Los Angeles area, I can help you charge the battery if you don't want to buy the equipment. But since the car has been sitting for so long, it may need some work done before the car is ready for the road. For example 1. change oil 2. change transaxle fluid 3. change gas if it's bad 4. make sure brakes are functioning 5. tires might need to be changed
Did I read it right?! 14K miles on an '07? Wow! Take care of it properly to get it ready for the road and enjoy!
Brakes might be seriously rusted up, rotors and/or drums. OTOH, Southern California, maybe not. Tires too, might be flatspotted from sitting so long. A little dismaying about what protracted idle time might do to hybrid battery. Our 2010 when new, was 15 months past manufacture date. But maybe more stable when new? No problems, over seven years on.
Sounds like a great find. Some good recommendations so far, my only question is "has it been garaged for those 2 years?" Good luck, and you've certainly come to the right place for great advice!
Best before first startup is: 1. Replace 12V 2. Recondition HV battery 3. Change motor oil 4. Change gas, or at least fill it up with 5 gallons of premium (old gas looses octane rating over time, so premium will help balance this) Transaxel and other fluids should be in good enough shape to start the car. Tires will probably be flat-spotted and will likely need replacement. Do some intentional controlled breaking around the neighborhood before getting it into traffic. The rotors and pads will definitely have some corrosion that will take at least a few good brake cycles to get off.
The local dealer here still has 3 brand new 2015s sitting on their lot. That would be an interesting data point for comparison . When we were shopping for a new car for the wife in July they had a 15 HiHy there and I inquired about it. Being 3 model years old didn’t deter them from starting at MSRP. Let’s just say we kept looking.
I have a nearly new 2015 for sale. In about 10 years, it should have close to 20k miles. I don't have a chance to drive it Asking MSRP
How many Prii are in your stable? Seems like it grows frequently . At least that one isn’t a project.
No more for now, out of room and CA registration just went up. 8 and counting. I'm ready to sell some....
I might look you up when you are ready to part with the 2015. Just clicked 170 k miles on our 2010 and going strong so it’ll be awhile .
