2006 Prius

[Kira]

Real basic questions here.
Local good shop has a customer's 2006 Prius with 56,000 miles for sale.
I imagine the battery pack can go out but I do believe Dorman even has 'em in stock now.
Other than that, the mechanic says they just did a complete service on it including front brakes (rotors-pads)

Before I start reading Prius forums (which I will do) does anyone have any data on such a car be it first hand or other.

 

[SatinSilver]

Yes, there are a few things to look at. Please see below and pay attention to the model years:

http://carspecmn.com/?s=prius

 

[supton]

Rust? I think a coworker had one of that vintage and some head light leveler switch in the rear got rusty... going off memory here. HID lights are expensive. Oil burning? but I wouldn't think at 56k.

I suspect the knockoff Techstream will talk to the car.

Biggest problem will be all your friends making fun of you. I know, because I have a coworker who bought one, and whenever I can needle him about it, I do. He's the complete opposite of the stereotypical Prius owner/driver, so it's all the more fun. [I have nothing against the car, FWIW. Likely will have one someday.]

 

[pandus13]

our own ElJefino had rebuild a battery....
I think is the $750 Prius thread.

For the rest:
-give it a wash, inside and outside
-change wiper blades?
-check tires?
-does this one has the battery compartment vent under the right back seat? maybe check for obstructions/fuzz bunnies, replace fan?

 

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Yes, there are a few things to look at. Please see below and pay attention to the model years:

http://carspecmn.com/?s=prius


SatinSilver,

You are a WEALTH of info!

OP/Kira, I would change the cabin filter and the 12 V auxiliary battery (or at least measure it/check)

 

[The Critic]

No.

It will need a battery soon. The low mileage hybrids are generally the worst ones to buy. Hybrid batteries benefit from regular use or else it will negatively affect their lifespan. A 2006 with 56k was probably an infrequently driven vehicle.

 

[goodtimes]

That's a find with those miles. When driving it, the battery charging can be observed on one screen. It goes to blue bars, then to green. Purple is below blue. All green pretty much means your battery is taking a full charge. Going down long hills it will go to all green, There are no big problems with the battery, nothing to worry about, been extremely reliable. Another stubborn myth. Sounds like a great deal if price is right, hard to find one like that. Title should not show salvaged is the main thing I would worry about. There also is a 12 volt battery that may go bad on a low mileage car like that which isn't used much. Ask them if it was replaced. Getting the brakes done is a plus, although they shouldn't wear out in 56K. Daughter has my 07 I bought new, no discernible changes to traction battery. A friend just sold her 05 to her woman friend with 189K on it, never a problem with it.

 

[edhackett]

The second generation are horrible in the snow. The traction control is hyperactive and cuts all power at any wheel spin.

Ed

 

[PandaBear]

Expect the battery will need a change within 5 years (if you are lucky), and if you want to keep the car for long, buy from Toyota instead of swapping a few cell yourself, or a reman from Dorman (only replace bad cells and balance the rest). That'll probably be around $3k for Toyota rebuild if I remember right.

The "stator" of the electric motor usually go out around 200-250k from what I heard, that's around $1k for parts if I remember right.

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted By: Kira
Real basic questions here.
Local good shop has a customer's 2006 Prius with 56,000 miles for sale.
I imagine the battery pack can go out but I do believe Dorman even has 'em in stock now.
Other than that, the mechanic says they just did a complete service on it including front brakes (rotors-pads)

Before I start reading Prius forums (which I will do) does anyone have any data on such a car be it first hand or other.


Every rose has it's thorns. If the price is right, get it!

You certainly weren't this picky when you purchased your last P2.

Cracked fuel pump housing, control arm bushings, cam seal failure, PCV system, DIM/ radio display failure, turn signal switch, auto loosening sunroof bolts etc. I am sure I am missing something.

 

[Kira]

Ha-Ha, I think you're confusing me with someone else.
You said:
Cracked fuel pump housing....NOT ME EVER IN ANY CAR (now you've jinxed me)
control arm bushings....I replaced those on my previous P2 at very high mileage
cam seal failure....never (see jinx notice above)
PCV system....not on a P2 Volvo. I've done 2 PCV#6 conversions on Saabs
DIM/ radio display failure....the DIM was starting to go (high beam intermittent) on my '02 but that's all.
turn signal switch....not on any car I've owned
auto loosening sunroof bolts....again, no.

I searched for 2 years before buying my current, 2007 P2 in December 2016.
I owned my 2002 for 9 years.