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2013 Toyota Prius Three — question: Good independent shop for a pre-purchase inspection?

CleanGeek98Community StarterMar 17, 20262013 Toyota Prius ThreeMichigan
Looking at a used car locally and want a genuinely independent PPI, preferably someone familiar with this brand. What do you ask the shop to include besides a basic scan and lift inspection?
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10 replies

NorthBuilder54Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 17, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. Call your insurer in Michigan before you fall in love with the 2013 Toyota Prius. Do that before you talk monthly again. When does it actually happen? If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
CleanGeek98Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
OP here. Still looking, but I'm waiting on inspection notes before I send money on the 2013 Toyota Prius. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
CleanGeek98Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
Quick update: a second 2013 Toyota Prius quote made the first offer look ordinary. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
WrenchGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2013 Toyota Prius and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Michigan. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
WrenchGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2013 Toyota Prius price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. If the VIN lookup is clean I'm still doing PPI.
CleanGeek98Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
Quick update: a second 2013 Toyota Prius quote made the first offer look ordinary. I asked for the buyer’s order in email, not a text.
MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, in Michigan, insurance quotes flipped a 2013 Toyota Prius comparison for me more than the sale price did. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
JDMScoutCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. A written buyer’s order on the 2013 Toyota Prius is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
CleanGeek98Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
I asked about question: good independent shop for a pre-purchase again and they still won't put GAP/add-ons on their own lines. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
OldSchoolDetailer28Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 18, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2013 Toyota Prius so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I'd rather be boring and correct. I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
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