After deciding that my wife needed something that gets better than 30 mpg for her 100 mile/day commute, I determined that a used Prius was the only viable choice. Reading on this forum convinced me that a second generation was in the sweet spot for my requirements. I've just found a 2007 with 132,xxx miles, clean title and CARFAX, asking price $4900. It's 100 miles away, but I managed to arrange a pre-purchase inspection at a shop which specializes in Toyotas/hybrids. The owner will have it smogged and take it to the inspection so it will be ready when I get there. Hoping it looks as good as the pictures.
I'm counting on it going to 300k. Too optimistic? Highlights of the pre-purchase inspection: Batteries checked ok, traction battery 92% Needs new cabin air filter Engine and inverter coolant systems due for service Spark plugs due for replacement Steering shaft has slight clunk, replacement recommended (of course).
After thinking more about the inspection report, which also revealed that the tires were due to be replaced, I offered $4300. She accepted. I then started shopping for tires and found that Tire Rack had Bridgestone Ecopia 422 on sale for $76 ea. with free shipping. I was just about to click "Buy" when a little voice said "Wait, don't you have a set of 15's in the garage?" I went out and, to my surprise and delight, I found .............................................wait for it............................................... a set of nearly new Bridgestone Ecopia ep422 plus in 195/65-15! I found them for sale on the bulletin board at the local store 2 or 3 years ago. The couple selling them had put them on a Civic, which was totaled a month later. I bought them for $150, intending to put them on one of my Civic wagons, but never needed to. Things are looking up.
Made the purchase and brought her home last night. She's going to be my wife's Christmas present, so I stashed her at my neighbor's house. Spent the evening trying to order parts and pieces (including a giant bow) without my wife noticing. Drove down to Redding today, everything seems to work as it should. I like this car a lot. Need to look into getting the cooling systems serviced. Insights or suggestions appreciated. Pictures coming soon.
Looks like a winner. Good luck with her and in addition to the cooling loops, I’d add the trans axle fluid drain and fill to the list of things to do. Happy holidays .
The 07 was a big hit Christmas Eve. My neighbor stealthily drove it up the driveway with a big ribbon on it just as I handed the gift wrapped fob to my wife. It should have gotten me some big points for several months, but she's already complaining about the lack of floor mats! Anyway, I replaced the sun-baked belt moldings on the driver's side and spark plugs today. To my surpirse, the plugs were easier than on my VW Crewcab. With 133k on them the gaps were right in spec! I promised pics, so here they are. Need to do something about the stock stereo. The lack of a USB port and the limited capacity of a CD are not going to work for long. SWMBO expects a large selection of music requiring no intervention on her part.
