2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius |
| 2005 Toyota Prius (Photo: Toyota) |
The Draw: The 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius was big on space and even bigger on fuel economy. Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system turned out 110 horsepower thanks to the work of both a standard gas engine and electric motor. The hatchback/wagon body configuration turned in generous cargo space, and most last-generation Prius owners rave about exceptional fuel economy, great manoeuvrability, a quiet and comfortable city ride, and plenty of available hi-tech features. Relatively generous on-board storage capacity is also noted.
What to Check: Niggling electronic issues will likely prove more prevalent than major drivetrain-related problems in this machine. Check the stereo system, digital instrument cluster, and navigation systems for proper operation, noting that owners have reported these components quitting sporadically. Look for a fluid leak that may be a sign of imminent failure of the Prius’ inverter coolant pump. Out-of-warranty repair costs could be upwards of $600 should this part fail, though Toyota issued a Technical Service Bulletin to address it. Ask the seller or local Toyota dealer for more information. An inspection by a dealer-trained mechanic trained on Toyota hybrid models is strongly advised.
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| 2009 Toyota Prius (Photo: Toyota) |
