Repair 2006 228,000 Mile Prius or buy used under 150,000 Miles

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Cz275, Jun 17, 2020.

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  1. Cz275

    Cz275 New Member

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    Hi All,
    We just bought a scrap 2006 Prius with 228,000 miles for less than $200 because we thought it was just dead. Turns out it runs and drives, and even holds a charge from what i can tell (Think the HVB is going bad though, might have to be replaced later, big triangle "!" code is on). If no major mechanical issues are wrong with it, and it just needs general maintenance, and can officially hold a charge/batteries aren't totally dead, would it be worth it to fix it up and get whatever life is left out of it as a cheap option to get my foot in the door? It's got cosmetic damage that would need to be fixed (go to a wrecking yard and pull some off to replace). Or should I just spend 4-6k on a used one from before 2009 with less than 150,000 miles on it? Potentially this could get me through the door for less than $500- 1K if I fix it up. But I got quoted 2K for a battery replacement if the battery is totaled (but $2500 isnt bad for a Prius once it's all added up, right?). Obviously none of this matters if we find out it has too much wrong with it, at that point I'd just buy a moderately used one. What do y'all think?
     
    #1 Cz275, Jun 17, 2020
  2. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    For $200, it's a steal no matter what is wrong with it. If you are serious about owning a Prius, whether this one or another, get a copy of Techstream and have all the codes read, then decide.
     
    #2 davecook89t, Jun 17, 2020
    Aaron Vitolins, PriusCamper, SFO and 2 others like this.
  3. Cz275

    Cz275 New Member

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    We have a mechanic friend who can diagnose and reset all the codes so no problem. My thought is even if i have to get the battery replaced, thats still less than $3k for a running car with good gas mileage. I'd like to use up whatever life it has in it.
     
    #3 Cz275, Jun 17, 2020
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    odds are that the difference between 150k and 228k on a gen2 won't have much effect on you're ownership costs.
    while they are built like tanks, they are rarely susceptible to expensive repairs like battery, brake actuator and a/c compressor.
    keep a close eye on the oil level, all the best!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 18, 2020
  5. JerryScript

    JerryScript Junior Member

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    You could follow steps you can find here to diagnose the HV battery, and with any luck only need to replace a couple of modules ($50-$100 each on eBay). Most likely the 12v battery will need replacing ($150-$300 depending on brand). All together, you could have a running car for less than $1k, plus whatever body damage you repair. I wouldn't be able to pass that up myself!

    I would make my decision based on what a full scan tells you.
     
    #5 JerryScript, Jun 18, 2020
  6. Rose02218

    Rose02218 New Member

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    Hey. If you have performed a complete diagnosis and identified any problems that can be fixed, then you just need to weigh whether it is worth it. In any case, as far as I understand, you agree to fight for the life of this car. Keep an eye on the battery, oil and go
     
    #6 Rose02218, Jun 19, 2020
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