I am considering buying the above car. Is there anything specific I should ask about watch for in this model year? Thnx! Michelle
It is about due for changing the transmission fluid. Maybe a brake inspection. The cooling fan for the HV battery could be getting clogged up - check if you can hear it running. The air intake is on the passenger side of the rear seat back. There have been a few recalls that you may want to confirm have been completed. The inverter cooling pump is the important one. Take out the front floor mats before you let a dealer check the recalls - I prefer my original ones that they like to replace.
You can take the VIN# and go to the Toyota Owners site and register it. This will allow you to view the WHOLE service history. I'd also suggest a carfax. We really need more information... where do you live? If you are in a CARB state, you get a longer warranty on the hybrid battery. If you are in a very hot climate, the battery doesnt fare as well. So fill us in on the missing details
I live in a non-CARB state, Northern Nevada. We have cold but not to cold winters and Hot but not to Hot summers. The days are hot but cool down in the evening. It is not hot like Vegas. The Dealer gave me the carfaz. No problems...1 previous owner.
They car has lived in Belmont, CA and Reno, NV. I guess previous owners have 2 homes. Thnx for the info on the service record from Toyota. I looks like it has had all recommended maintenance. I am attaching the repair history
I am not sure what some of the maintenance means. If you see anything that stands out can you let me know? I am also attaching the recall data.
The service history looks nice! If you cannot find a similar Pri that is newer or with less miles for the same price, I would go for it. Heed RobH's advice above.
ignore at your own risk. helpful is in the eye of the beholder. i did say 'unlikely', but one should always be prepared.
Michelle, I don't know if it helps but, I have an 06 w/ 110,000 and all is well. As stated earlier, xmission fluid needs changing, spark plugs are coming due for changeout (120,000), coolant loops need to be flushed/drained and refilled, check cabin and engine air filter. These cars are very reliable if taken care of. This car has been dealer serviced every 5000 miles. It has been driven a lot but babied. I would have a hard time not recommending it.
Same with this service history Michelle. Recommend deleting that file and blacking out your name and address but ultimately, its up to you.
Is the Inverter Cooling Pump included in this recall: 2004-2007 Prius Recall - HV Water Pump They call is a Hybrid Electric Water Pump (HV Water Pump). The same?
Yeah, Water Pump Assy refers to the water pump for/on the engine. If they were talking about the inverter pump, it would most likely be listed as the inverter pump or inverter coolant pump. Have you decided which one to go with yet?
We are getting the 2006. It was well taken car of. Signing paper today in fact. Kind of excited to see our gas mileage. Should we get a engine block heater?
Good deal. Good luck w/ the car. I personally would hold off on the engine block heater but, that's up to you. If you could get the dealer to install the EBH as part of the deal, I would take it but, if not I would wait to see how it does for me. From the way you describe your weather, it doesn't seem that necessary. From what I hear, they are a real pain to install. You should easily net about 43 mpg's (depending on driving habits, terrain etc). This can go up as you learn how to drive it. City mpg is the best for the Prius but normal hwy driving nets most around 43 mpg @ 70mph.
We have real winters here. It has been cold like 20's for a week now. It got up to 40 and felt warm. I am asking the dealer.