Looking for used hybrid cars - Toyota Prius
Why has the Toyota Prius enjoyed such success, when most other hybrid cars struggle to find buyers?
While gasoline prices are escalating, the used hybrid cars market is also getting hotter rapidly. If you would do a quick check on eBay Motors, you’ll see that bidders are snatching up the Toyota Prius very quickly despite that this world’s best-selling hybrid is made up of complicated systems. Historically, those who are mechanically-savvy manage to carry out vehicle maintenance and repair themselves by simply following the instructions in a detailed manual. Will they be put off from maintaining and repairing their own hybrid vehicles by the modern, high-tech computer processing power of huybrids?
The Toyota Prius - a hybrid car, has a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with DOHC. When you coast or apply the brakes, the gas engine shuts off momentarily and the motor acts as a generator for the battery, recharging the engine. When you need extra power to pass the highway, both the battery and gas kick in.
The Toyota Prius is one of the first mass-produced hybrid cars and arguably the most popular, with over 750,000 sold worldwide. It’s combination of petrol and electric power has found favour with motorists keen to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions without sacrificing too much comfort or performance. Indeed, in America, the Prius is seen as an icon of ‘green’ credentials and for this reason is favoured by movie stars (even if they do own other gas-guzzling vehicles). In the UK one strong attraction of the Prius is it’s exemption from the London congestion charge.
When it comes to maintenance and servicing, Toyota Prius owners should not be put off by the apparent complexity of the car. It has service intervals similar to other modern petrol-engined cars and the battery pack doesn’t require servicing - indeed it is never likely to need replacing, with Toyota offering an 8-year warranty on the hybrid system. This means that DIY maintenance by Prius owners is perfectly feasible and can be another cost saving measure. One purchase is essential, however – the new Haynes Manual for the Toyota Prius covering all the models from 2001 to 2008.
Hybrid battery pack replacements are very rare (and usually Toyota will cover part of it if out of warranty), so it is not something to worry about. However, the 12v accessory battery (which is just like on any other automobile, just that it’s little smaller in the Prius since it’s not used to start the gasoline engine) is more likely to need replacing, depending on its age or the treatment by the previous owner (such as allowing it to drain overnight by leaving a map or head light on overnight, or leaving the car undriven for several weeks, and then not promptly/properly recharging the flattened 12v).
The price of a used car or truck is heavily dependent upon its condition and mileage - two factors that are often completely independent of vehicle make and model. Ultimately, consumers should choose the model and vehicle condition suitable for their individual lifestyles, budgets, and needs. The best way to shop for a vehicle is to make a budget; draw up a list of what you are looking for in a car or truck, and then become as informed as possible about all of your options.
Past Toyota Prius Models
The original Prius debuted in the North American market in 2001. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable. But this in no way means that it is to be avoided. For a consumer interested in a used hybrid vehicle, this first-gen Toyota Prius could be a smart choice.
Though less advanced than the one in the current model, the older Prius’s powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.
Selecting a used Prius based on year shouldn’t be too difficult. Models built for 2002 and 2003 had additional optional features, such as a navigation system, side airbags and cruise control. Most first-generation owners seem quite happy with their cars and overall reliability has been very good.
Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota’s original hybrid car is a strong candidate for shoppers interested in used hybrid cars.
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