Hi all, I’m new to the Prius world and would love your advice. I found a 2008 prius for a great price, but the miles are 240k, so on the higher side. Would buying the car with this many miles on it be unwise? It looks as if the sellers took really good care of it. It has a new hybrid battery, new rear brakes, near new tires, a new cabin filter, and a clean title. They also said they have done regular oil changes and maintenance. The sellers bought the car from the original owner who had bought it new. Even if there are small repairs to be made, I feel like for the price it would be worth it. What signs should I look for when checking it out? I know the transaxle is an expensive repair, what can I look for to make sure it is likely okay? Thank you for your time.
Welcome to PriusChat!! Check the recall and maintenance history by running the VIN at http://www.toyota.com/owners You might also want to pull a carfax depending on the above results.
Northwestern Oregon is unlikely to be 'too hilly' or 'too hot' for a used Prius, both conditions tend to overheat the Big battery. I would be more nervous in CO or AZ. Eastern and extreme southwestern OR, are hotter, and you may wish to buy sun shades and learn about B mode. How handy are you mechanically? The major costs in repairing a Prius are because the dealer tends to replace entire sub-systems, rather than individual parts. You tube can be your friend. Finally, how are your finances? Could you stand a $5000 repair if needed? They are rare, but possible at dealer prices. Let me build a list: New Transaxle = $5000 Parts & Labor, to minimize risk, drain and fill the ATF WS every 100,000 miles, used may be $350 for parts. New Inverter = $4000 P&L, to minimize risk, never jumpstart another car. Used may be $250 for parts. A jumpstart pak may be $50 and save you $4000. New big battery = $3000 P&L, to minimize risk, try to keep the battery cool, use B mode on Long descents, (Siskiyou Summit and Cabbage Hill are examples in OR) Just new parts are $1600, a used battery may be $1000. Siskiyou Summit Deadman Pass
A new traction battery is roughly 3k, so you're getting the rest of the car for free. You should make extra certain sure the HV battery is Toyota OEM new.
Not sure why your quoting the trans as a replacement issue as they very rarely fail. If you don't see a legit receipt from a dealer for a new Toyota hybrid battery replacement and shows the bill for around $4000 i extremely doubt it has a new hybrid battery. if your just taking his word for it that's nuts. It probably has a craigslist whack a mole battery repair like we see all the time. Be very careful here as you may get really screwed like so many people see see on this site.So many people late to the party are very interested in a used Prius as it promises great gas mileage. All those savings go out the window when the hybrid battery fails.
welcome! you could get lucky as some here have, but it might be a bad investment. if 3k is all you can afford, have you looked at other econo cars?
The Prius in general is very reliable. But the biggest single dollar cost seems to be a bad transaxle. And they too are very reliable! However Gen 2 does have some recurring issues in Taxis. (the rest of us drive less and sometimes better than taxis) Gen 2 Prius (2004-2009) Transmission Failure, P0AA6, P0A92, P0A7A - Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists Luscious Garage is great should the OP be in the Bay Area, nearer Portland, Atomic Auto. Atomic Auto | Hybrid and EV Maintenance and Repair
Is the new hybrid battery a factory new battery, or a rebuild? Can you repair your own car or have someone who can? Not just oil change and brakes but someone capable of a head gasket change? If the answer is no then I would pass.
