This comment is a reprint from the MK1 Prius Forum. It highlights the problems with purchasing a NHW10 Generation 1 Prius hybrid.
It seems that there are a few people out there, who cannot get a clear vision of the Early Prius.
Well, I bought Prius #1 4 weeks ago, and it was bought as not working etc, etc, with battery doubts etc.
The car looked neglected by under-educated garages over time when we got it, but I figured with my background, it would at least be worth the price in parts if it failed, and could not be ressurected.
We drove it home, and drove as advised by the vendor. Well, it was flawless right from the start.
It was an excellent buy, we cannot be happier.
Since then, it has done the daily work run for the wife, some 57Km's daily, and four runs across the city, and free-way driving. It spluttered for the first 2 Km's on the first Free-way run, and was obviously over fuelling, or not running hot enough by the "Rotten egg" odour from the rear. it seemed to clear itself out, and never missed a beat. Some 4 weeks plus, it has covered all types of driving, including the last 24hrs, some 758Km's, and amazingly, the fuel tank does not need a top-up. INCREDIBLE!
I have to admit I was a little weary of buying one, but now two of them, but figured the parts alone were worth more than we paid for each one, so what the hell we said. We had always been curious, but the price tag of the recent ones was high, especially if we were left with a "Lemon"
My recommendation... Buy a cheap one, and try it first. If you like the economy and quality, then trade the one in, and go for the newer item.
The wife is not letting go of hers, no matter what, she is seriously in love with it for all reasons.
Recommend not going to the average garage to get it serviced, or it may finish up like Prius #2.
#2 is now at home, running, and gently charging its battery pack. Have to admit, it can be worrying when they don't function normally, but given the 1998 Prius's shining example, I have faith I can resurrect it over time...
Rule #1... a REAL garage who knows what battery and spark plugs to use, and can, in fact change the air filter, rather than say they have.
Not the car, its the people who service them.
My conclusion after first month... I AM going to trade one in for a recent model for certain, the 1998... well, I have to get the key from the wifes hand before I even dare.... after all, after 2000Km's in four weeks, What a car, no way gonna buy a "Normal" gas guzzler after I have tasted such luxury and technology from last century.
Showing posts with label Buying a Prius. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buying a Prius. Show all posts
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Buying a Generation One Toyota Prius
Model : NHW10
Dimensions : 4305L 1595W 1465H
Year Manufactured : 1997 - 2000
Petrol Engine : 33Kw, 1500cc
Electric Motor : 30Kw, 225 Nm torque
Max RPM : 4000, ( 0 - 100 ) 14.5 Secs
Battery : 288 volts, 57 Kg
Fuel Economy : 20 Km/L or 5L/100Kms
For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE. You can easily end up buying a lemon. Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.
2) Check to ensure that the vehicle is fully maintained and serviced.
Spark Plugs : 20,000 Kms if Irridium 100,000 Kms
MAF Sensor : 80,000 Kms
Oxygen Sensors : 120,000 Kms
Service parts wear out and have to be replaced for the vehicle to operate efficiently.
If possible a scan should be done to ensure that the sensors are working correctly.
If you take care to inquire about these two aspect of the vehicle, you can be assured that the vehicle will work for many years. The Battery Clinic assures us that the battery pack can last the life of the vehicle with the occasional battery repair and cell replacement every 2 to 3 years costing about $400.
The Petrol engine is tough and very reliable. It should be able to clock up 500,000 Kms and still show little wear and tear. For one the engine does not work all the time and it red lines at 4000 RPM compared to a normal petrol engine at 8000 - 12,000 RPM. Wear and tear compared to a standard vehicle is less than half.
In New Zealand a fully reconditioned and Power Jockey equipped Generation One Prius sells for more than $5000. These vehicles are sought after because they still have a fuel economy of 20 Kms/litre.
The Electric motor will easily last the life of the vehicle. In 6 years of working with these vehicles I have not seen any motor fail.
Spare parts are available from wreckers and are well priced. Don't fall for those astronomical prices quoted for new parts by Toyota dealers. They are priced not to sell.
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