Too low mileage to be healthy?

[blackjackdavey]

Is very low mileage/useage over a hybrid's life likely to throw up any problems? Strange question, I know, but I came across a 1998 Toyota Prius for sale here in the UK with less than 10,000 miles under its wheels.

On paper, it seems like a rare opportunity but maybe the sheltered life it has led could lead to problems further down the road with battery life/condition etc; any thoughts?

Apologies in advance if this is considered too far off-subject; I'll withdraw the question if it is.

[b1shmu63]

Just check it over thoroughly as you would any other 10 year old car. A battery can be replaced or rebuilt but as an example, a rusty body is serious. If its clean you may have discovered a treasure.

[Dgate]

If its a 98 its more than likely a "gray import" which might present problems with servicing or obtaining parts or insurance.
Check with your local Toyota dealer although the Prius may not be as suseptable to this as other makes as its a one model car.
Also be aware of the rd tax bracket as it won't qualify for the lowest rate being pre 2001.
As for the low miles if genuine, could prove a rare find.
My eight year old Insight is in the low thirty thousand category with no ill effects and I have a mint 20 year old Citroen 2CV thats recorded 57.000 miles which runs as new!
Just check out the car as b1shmu63 suggested and I would expect it to be like new. Is the history available? was it used solely in town or did it sit a lot with longer infrequent trips adding to the mileage.Was it kept garaged?
is there a service history? Some low mile owners still have servicing done based on time not miles.

DGate

[blackjackdavey]

Thanks, both - all normal precautionary considerations will be observed, plus a couple that you raised. . .

[atlaw4u]

I purchased a 2000 Insight recently with just 6,000 miles from the original owner's estate. The original owner was an elderly gentleman and had many cars including a toyota prius. All the cars were low mileage as he did not drive very often. I changed all the fluids when I received it and the car has been a joy since day 1.

[bagwell]

Originally Posted by atlaw4u

I purchased a 2000 Insight recently with just 6,000 miles from the original owner's estate. The original owner was an elderly gentleman and had many cars including a toyota prius. All the cars were low mileage as he did not drive very often. I changed all the fluids when I received it and the car has been a joy since day 1.

curious -- what'd ya pay for it?

[atlaw4u]

Bagwell, the car was in Wyoming and I purchasesd it the first hour that it was posted on Auto Trader's website. I just happened to be in the market. I took a risk purchasing it from out of state but there isn't much of a hybrid market in Casper Wyoming so I was able to pick it up and have it transported back to Texas for a little less than retail. Also, the seller was nice enough to take it to a local Honda dealership to have it checked out for me.

The car has been wonderful and I am averaging 80+ mpg to and from work with 2 commutes above 100 and several above 90mpg. I'm hoping to drive this car for another 10 years.