Bought 2013 Two 104K, unknown history: what's VIP to-do?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by misstenacity, Jul 12, 2018.

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  1. misstenacity

    misstenacity Junior Member

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    Hi everyone (again). I did make the jump to buy my first ever Prius even as I am still trying to sell my MINI. Prius 2013 Two has 104K and was originally from Arizona (therefore battery warranty is over). Pre-purchase inspection showed no worrisome damage from the CARFAX reported "one accident", and all basic things looked fine (fluids included). No codes, and they said traction battery was at "65% capacity", whatever that means. At 100K I hope that means I've got until at least 200K before I get a new traction battery.

    I have no maintenance records at all, so what should I do RIGHT AWAY? I've done both air filters, so that's easy. Right now the car is showing "maintenance required" since turning 105K and I'm inclined to ignore that but don't want to do so at the car's peril.

    Perhaps what I need is a VERY thorough inspection to find any and all things that might need addressing. Or, should I just drive it, get to know it, and then do the "big" stuff for its 120K maintenance?

    Thanks, y'all.
     
    #1 misstenacity, Jul 12, 2018
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Was this a Toyota dealer purchase?

    Log onto Toyota.com and register at the owners portal. Put in your car's vin number and it'll give you all of it's Toyota Dealer services performed.

    The CARB warranty is a bonus here in CA. Really should have gotten a CA car, it can save you thousands when problems arise
     
    #2 JC91006, Jul 12, 2018
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Here's a laundry list to do, scratch off any you feel the car has already done.

    1. EGR circuit cleaning
    2. Transaxle fluid change
    3. Coolant change (both loops)
    4. Brake inspection and cleaning
    5. Oil Change

    Start with those and monitor if the car burns any oil for the next couple months. At 150K miles, you'll get to do spark plugs and other fun stuff
     
    #3 JC91006, Jul 12, 2018
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  4. misstenacity

    misstenacity Junior Member

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    I did the first part and found some notes on the car. That's a good start. And I can start adding in the stuff I do, manually.

    Yeah, the AZ part was not top of mind when I signed on the dotted lines, so my bad. I'm banking (obviously) that I won't have any issues before 150K when the CARB warranty would have run out. Sounds like that is rare, so I should be fine.
     
    #4 misstenacity, Jul 12, 2018
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You have a 50/50 chance of a battery failure before 150k miles. The hotter the climate, the more they fail.

    I have had 3 cars now that had the hv battery replaced before 150k miles (one car I bought recently, one I've sold)
     
    #5 JC91006, Jul 12, 2018
  6. misstenacity

    misstenacity Junior Member

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    Yikes. This one was in Phoenix before LA. Well, that would suck.
     
    #6 misstenacity, Jul 13, 2018
  7. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    just drive it
     
    #7 tankyuong, Jul 13, 2018
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  8. misstenacity

    misstenacity Junior Member

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    Indeed. About to take it on a 2K+ roadtrip. :)
     
    #8 misstenacity, Jul 13, 2018
  9. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    The "maintenance required" light is a simple counter that comes on 5,000 miles since it was last reset. Toyota recommends rotating the tires every 5K, among other checks. Everyone has their own rules of thumb regarding oil changes, but Toyota says if you last filled with 0W-20 then you can go 10,000 miles until the next. If you didn't use 0W-20, Toyota says change at 5,000 miles. To reset the light, first make sure you are displaying TRIP A before powering down. Then press and hold the Mi/Km button on the dash while powering up. Continue holding the Mi/Km button while a counter completes its travel, then release.
     
    #9 FuelMiser, Jul 13, 2018
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  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It probably would be a good idea to do oil changes at 5000 miles, regardless of the type of oil you use
     
    #10 JC91006, Jul 13, 2018
  11. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    I would second getting the EGR circuit cleaned and replace the PCV valve. I would suggest looking into a battery conditioning program and/or start a battery fund.

    Like the Gen 2, Gen 3 over 100k are known to begin using oil. We can't stress enough to keep an eye on the level and determine the use rate.

    Finally, read the owners manual for maintenance scheduling. I find the PDF online version to be much easier to navigate and search than the one in the glove box.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
    #11 fotomoto, Jul 13, 2018
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  12. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    HAHA!!!...
     
    #12 Grit, Jul 13, 2018
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  13. misstenacity

    misstenacity Junior Member

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    I was just starting to read about the $400 battery conditioning dealio that is sold here. It sounds like some folks like it, and some think the money is better added to the replacement fund. So I'll sit on that for the moment. Obviously need to make a call soon.
     
    #13 misstenacity, Jul 13, 2018
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You probably don't have to worry until the battery is 8 years old. I believe it's about $700 to get the reconditioning package with the auto discharger
     
    #14 JC91006, Jul 13, 2018
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  15. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Ahh, yes. For some reason, I was thinking the OP had purchased a 2010.
     
    #15 fotomoto, Jul 14, 2018
  16. misstenacity

    misstenacity Junior Member

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    Now that you know the car is 5 years old instead of 8.... still yes to the PCV valve and EGR circuit? :)

    And which is better: a 5 year old Prius with 100K, or an 8 year old Prius with 100K? You can tell by my purchase which I jumped on.... *grin*
     
    #16 misstenacity, Jul 14, 2018
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would choose the 8 year old prius that's depreciated more with the same mileage. Use the savings for a new hv battery and maintenance to get it near new again. Then it'll be good for 10 more years

    But that's just me
     
    #17 JC91006, Jul 14, 2018
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