NEVER Judge a Book By It's Cover When Buying a Used Car | Mechanic Advice on Inspections

NEVER make this typical mistake when buying a used car. People often look at the paint shine and interior cleanliness and usually assume cars are equally clean mechanically. That's not always the case!
In this video we look at a 2009 Toyota Prius that most people wouldn't look at twice and would completely ignore in their used car hunt. However you should do the same research on used cars regardless of how they look.
This prius although have had a rough life, it was really well taken care of mechanically but not cosmetically. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Judge the used car by looking at areas no one would think to shine up and make look pretty, underneath!
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[@csmlouis]

From a totaled Yaris to a Prius with a second life, this is really something special.

[@briank10101]

Like a Ford Cortina.

[@OutletFlow]

As a San Francisco native, this car was a Bay Area Air Quality dept vehicle ( based on the sticker) or a Municipal Transit dept car ( based on the over head beacon). That being said, this car probably gave me a parking ticket on street cleaning once or twice. 🤣😅

[@rogerb7147]

A sizeable government entity probably has their own service garage. Perhaps they get a vendor price (without sales tax) for parts too, considering all the buying needed. Their costs for major repairs like transmission, battery etc. are relatively low compared to retail. Amed, thank you and your staff for the interest and effort in making these informative videos.

[@salami99]

SFMTA has a huge garage near pacfiic heights district i lived next to it.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

Absolutely

[@steveprice8201]

What a gentleman to donate parts instead of selling, whoever you are I love your style🙏

[@appleforever6664]

Been a subscriber when you were under 3K subs. I’m very proud of how far you have come and quickly.

[@jamesdelong6401]

That! Was VERY COOL of that person who sent you his water pump. 👊💪👍😎🤘👌

[@labourlawact7826]

The Car Care Nut always says goodbye in such a nice way, one almost feels like crying a little bit😢

[@deez3063]

this dude's awesome

[@coffeekhan]

I love the way you tell the story of all the cars you have in your shop. The information we all learn from you is one thing. To be entertained whilst being educated is quite another. You gained a sub!

[@harpomarx7777]

You could easily be talking about my 2003 Corolla with 220,000 miles. Got it for $2,500 and fixed everything it needed. No info screen. No phone interface. Runs like a top and everything works. It's a keeper. Probably put a new engine and transmission in it at some point. Got 42MPG in it once.

[@Kureni]

no need i've seen them with over 500,000 miles everything original - however their odometers stops at 299,999 miles due to odometer glitch

[@markcavandish1295]

Nice!!

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@Harpo Marx if it ain’t broke don’t fix it-if the engine & transmission still work good, transmission shifts good, engine still has strong compression, then it could go 400K miles without any engine or transmission overhauls. I’ve seen those Corollas, 500,000 miles original engine & transmission still running strong. Especially if you’ve done fluid changes regularly, they can last that long no problem. Those 1ZZ-FE engines are strong, it’s just getting broken in, it will last another 200K possibly if you keep up the oil changes. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. See this mistake all too many, people get in a Toyota, they own it for 15 years or so & start replacing engine & transmission that are still mechanically fine, because they were used to doing that in their last crappy American car.

[@passion830217]

@@Kureni It could also be on the other extreme that it may die at any moment, especially if you do have knowledge of the vehicle's maintenance record, thus I would not pay more than $1000 for a 2003 Corolla with 220k miles.

[@thetechlibrarian]

You must not be from Ohio lol the body’s and frames / subframe rot before the engine gives out. It’s enough to make you want to move when you buy a new car, especially a Toyota because you know it’s going to be the salt that takes it out.

[@siderealvision]

Nice gesture paying it forward with that brand new part that the original owner did not need. Kudos also to Car Care Nut for the shout out and for finding a new home for that part. (And for the story behind it all.)

[@mjl9002]

I am looking to buy a used Lexus RX 350 2010-2013 because of financial limitations. So I ran across your videos and I just need to say how much I admire your passion and expertise. Your explanations are clear and crisp and even the video editing etc. is so clean and professional (as is your shop). It gives me pleasure to know there are teachers like you on the internet - so many of them seem so confusing or amateurish. Thank-you, sir - Respect.

[@absolutelynonameslef]

Financial limitations and Lexus are very strange terms when used in conjunction.

[@mjl9002]

@@absolutelynonameslef lol - that's why I'm looking for a 10+ years old Lexus.

[@buckdashe2571]

This comment echos my feelings exactly. (And I too am looking for an RX in that year and price range…great cars!) (Edit: Found one well maintained and in perfect shape with 148K miles, out the door for $13K. Couldn’t be happier.)

[@kerrylewis2581]

This is excellent advice, and I will share a story from the opposite spectrum. My neighbor owns a 2009 Ford Escape. It looks new and has always been kept clean. She tells me she is selling it, so I'm considering making it my own. That was until I heard how it was maintained. Her son comes out once a year for her birthday, changes the oil, and gets an inspection sticker here in New Hampshire. If the inspection fails, he only fixes or replaces what is required. The coolant and transmission fluid may have never been changed, and the engine oil change interval is every ten to twelve thousand miles. Here we have a car that looks great but is probably closer to the automotive grave than we think.

[@vinces8974]

My feeling is if you can get the car cheap enough, it’s easier and cheaper to fix mechanical problems than it is to have a body or interior redone

[@kerrylewis2581]

@@vinces8974 She wanted $7,000 which in my mind was top dollar. Knowing the maintenance history I thought it was only worth $3,000.

[@terrylaw18]

We're in Toronto. Have a friend had a 08 or 09. Escape. Deluxe model too. Had a bit of rust around rear wheel wells bit overall not too bad looking. And he did look after it. One day going over the small curb into his driveway the entire rear subframe on one side broke off with the suspension, wheel and everything attached to it. Making the vehicle unmovable from where it was under its own roll. The comments were thank God it happened where it did. Not out on the road somewhere. In these environments vehicles corrode bad and you can't always tell how bad it is. Needless to say that escape escaped to its grave.

[@BearFish112]

DIY oil change is not bad, when done by an experienced owner. Brake fluid can be tested for water contents and the coolant might be replaced by the same guy, you don’t know that. In such case it can still be a great healthy car. You just need to check all of it as always. Bringing your car once a year to a garage for service is not a warranty in any way.

[@fleetwin1]

Solid advice for sure: "never judge a book by its cover" for sure!

[@josevelez56]

you are the best I have 2003 Lexus ES 300 145000 miles and RX350 158000 miles so far so good i love watching your videos

[@VincentScales]

Love my Camry and have learned so much from you on how to care for it! Keep up the great work 🚗🚙🛻🔧🪛🔩⚙

[@bghoody5665]

Very helpful video. I've seen former police cars at auction and, going by appearance, they can be very off putting especially the interiors which have been mostly removed to make room for police equipment and not replaced when the vehicle was retired. Police cars usually spend a lot of time idling as well, which is why most of the time they'll have an "hours in use" meter.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I bought a 2010 Yaris in 2016 with less than 100k miles for $4k it had bad paint, non working radio and a small leak in the roof. I fixed all except the paint and the mechanicals were in great condition. 80k miles later, it's still running well and if I spent money painting it, I could get $3k for in in today's market.

[@chrismasters4951]

I got a hand me down 2010 Toyota Camry hybrid. Cosmetically it is worn, my father in law put a neat dent in the front bumper, scratches here and there and wear and some stains on the carpet but it’s always started up and has been very reliable.

[@thepokerpilotapp]

Great video as always. You covered ALMOST everything about an oil filter EXCEPT the filter media type. The OEM filters use a cellulose material while the TRD Pro filter uses a synthetic material. Everything I’ve found about that subject suggests the synthetic media filters better while also capturing smaller particles.

[@wesfields9322]

I just want to say you're awesome. I saw that years ago you written instructions for the the cam gears on a corolla. You described it so well as you do in your videos

[@PizzaStew]

Can you please make a video describing how to select a mechanic that performs good pre-purchase inspections? Unfortunately, finding a mechanic that is a car care nut like yourself is hard to do for everyone outside the state of Illinois.

[@mikej8596]

Toyota’s US headquarters were formerly located in California. I think that is part of the reason why you’d see Toyotas used as government fleet vehicles. (Toyota has relocated their US HQ to Texas). I remember visiting CA and I was surprised that local lifeguards were given Tacoma trucks for beach patrol.

[@emmettturner9452]

I was living in San Diego when this car was new and I can tell you that’s not why San Francisco was using a Prius.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Toyota built millions of Corollas and Tacomas in Fremont, California from 1986 -2010

[@emmettturner9452]

@@rightlanehog3151 Toyota Matrix AKA Pontiac Vibe “Corollas” too, but that era was peak Prius/hybrid craze for California. Not only was South Park’s “Smug Alert!” practically a documentary, there were plenty of government incentives like HOV lane access, tax breaks, etc. The Prius was practically the official state car when this 2009 Prius was sold to San Fran or whatever.

[@pontymighton6300]

I remember my first Toyota. It was 2003 2.4 Camry, bought it from auction in 2011. It had scratches and dents all over the body, including giant scratch on the right side, just like this Prius has. But! The engine sounded healthy, car's stance was perfect. Overall, it made an impression of a very healthy car, with 113K miles. I resparayed it, changed some suspension parts, tires, fluids. And drove it for the next 8 years without a SINGLE failure. What a great car it was. Don't judge the book by it's cover, 100% agree.

[@applesauce1680]

I've bought two fleet trucks over the years (after having my mechanic give them his stamp of approval) with over 100k for pennies on the dollar compared to new and got another 200k before they became too expensive to maintain. Cars are another matter, my wife would never let me bring home even the worlds best running beater, I'd be living in my beater truck.

[@coloradoboo1071]

Wow, great video! Great lessons for folks, too! (I did notice rust on your Camry in your last video but I didn't want to say anything...Illinois really needs to do something about that salt they use!!) I, also, have some OEM Toyota parts I will never need so I'll mail them to you for another CCN family member!!

[@coolomino]

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is a powerful idiom! Also good video ✌️

[@arminattari6372]

Thanks for the Video. it would be great if one day you make videos about different types of Rust-proofing treatments and their comparison for those living in snowy and cold areas.

[@rightlanehog3151]

My car just got its 18th annual Krown Rustproofing treatment. Heading into its 18th salty Ontario winter, it remains as solid as the day it left the factory in 2005.

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@@rightlanehog3151 I prefer to wax my car paint & pressure wash the underbody off in wintertime, I just find somebody that has a big garage to let me wash it in when it’s below zero out. Look cleaner yet stay solid with upkeeping. This is on my 2006 Matrix, underbody & frame are still nice & solid, & the wax on the paint repells water & salt really well-Meguiar’s ultimate paste wax. It always mind boggles me how Ontario people don’t wax their cars before each winter. Their cars would last 2X longer. Wax is really good for rustproofing the body of the car. I recommend it to anybody.

[@saleemakhtar87]

Outstanding Vlog, great insight into car buying, Thanks!

[@karlrod4699]

Another lovely video!! I is a pleasure to watch them. Very interesting and informative.

[@BrockOBauma]

I never knew how satisfying the sound of tires on a painted floor is.

[@riceburner4747]

Great analysis on prius. Great 1st car for a young person! Thnx for pointing out rust spots so I can avoid on my gen 4 prius. I drove an old beetle in my 20's & I brush painted w/automotive paint w/retardant so brush marks fade.🤓 Looked great! 👍

[@jmrgon4952]

Very informative video!!! Im learning a lot from you!

[@peterkwok9608]

Safe travels Jason 🙏🙏

[@eurowerks1]

Thank you made it back to Pennsy zero 😊 problems !

[@MA-wo3fb]

Few comments here, have two of those, 2007 ones, you would be surprised at the level of maintenance and detail the county here gives to those cars, 5000 miles oil changes, the have the records too. First one had 40 K miles on it, got it a year ago, mines look a lot better than that one underneath, the paint is just coked by the sun, I'm in Miami-Dade, that's who I got mines from. Second one had 80K, used for another 5K with not even spending a penny on it, now at 85K I just did all the services you recommend, all the fluids have been changed. Both are whitemployees

[@gardenia1738]

Thank you Ahmed for the video and your experience.

[@MrElipso]

Another very interesting video. We learned with them all the time. Thanks!

[@bendercs]

Beautiful shop! Wonderful lighting.

[@streetfightertutorial]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's extremely useful for lots of people especially in the current crazy market.

[@Thankyou_3]

Awesome video AMD, God bless you!

[@gersonhay984]

We love our 2013 Toyota Yaris 5 sp. 3dr. bare bones. 36 miles to a gallon. Always love your videos.watch about everyone one of them.

[@jzfz6871]

For the Yaris water pump part❤

[@bogart5131]

nice.... very informative as usual.... thanks again

[@mathewsmbewe2784]

Thanks this is really helpful indeed

[@dbsantanapr]

This was fascinating! Thanks!

[@TwilightZoneX]

Good learning experience video! and if Jason is bringing it to the Pittsburgh area, maybe I'll see it on the road sometime!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you for your videos!!!

[@sunbeam8866]

Actually, I find this better looking than some of today's vehicles!

[@greyroad]

Thanks for another great & informative video, Mr. Amed. Keep up the good work!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ahmed

[@MR3DDev]

Great contrast to last video which was a beautiful LC500

[@THEH2OMAN]

Had I judged the book by it's cover when I went to test drive a used 2007 4X2 REG CAB 5.7L V8 Tundra for sale a few years ago, I would have missed a steal of a deal. It was mechanically sound, but the exterior was dinged, scratched, and dented - the interior was dirty and worn in places, but not worn out. I wasn't able to put the truck on a lift until after I purchased it, but I did bring a big sheet of thick corrugated cardboard and a flashlight with me and I used these to inspect the truck from below prior to purchase. The important things were taken care of and they were in very good shape... all of the less important things mentioned could be cleaned, repaired, or replaced over time. My RCSB Tundra was a true diamond in the rough.

[@chesshead3943]

Great video, thanks!!!

[@kenardazeez9593]

Hey Car Care Nut.I've followed your channel on and off for a while now and have deemed you to be very informative while giving excellent and very sound advice for the not so knowledgeable car owners out there, who would like nothing better than to keep their cars running good for as long as possible....of course with the minimum of expenses! Also, I must let you know that you are a Super Nice Guy as well! Keep the good work up, and I will be certain to keep looking out for new contents!😎👌👍

[@bambu9431]

If only Car Care Nut could be my mechanic. My auto life would be superb. I enjoy every one of your videos, such good advice and information from a true and highly qualified expert. Such detailed explanations, so well presented and easily understood.

[@chrisx5127]

@@bambu9431 Same

[@armandsant1143]

Amazing legacy from Toyota and awesome observations i just cant wait to get a future camry or even the redesigned Prius in a couple weeks. Apparently theres a redesign coming to us all

[@vinces8974]

My 05 scion XB makes this Prius look like a trailer queen LOL, but after a quarter of a million miles in Pennsylvania It’s still a solid runner

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@bobchallquist4577]

speaking of enging bays, could you show us how to properly clean an enginge bay, thanks for taking time out of your day for the videos love them.

[@josephpetrus3176]

And May the Lord bless you and keep you as well.

[@dreuxlescell3184]

Wicked nice find! Absolutely perfect first car for the Son or Daughter's first and or second year at college!

[@vaajchang]

Thank you for the donation

[@victorbaird8220]

Safe travels and good luck to Jason

[@KevinHernandez-vh9dl]

Your videos are very high quality in content and video resolution too..

[@manuelrivas9141]

Wow great buy for Jason I’d love to stop by and say hello if I have the chance and now this Prius is only gonna get better after Amed do the necessary repair.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Best case scenario for a cheap commuter bought at auction. ❤❤❤

[@labourlawact7826]

I worked for a shop in South Africa. When government cars come in for services or repairs, lots more are done and replaced on the vehicle, than what is really needed. It's all about the money for the repair shops, and the government employees just send them in regardless of the cost. A win win for them, a loss for the taxpayer. Could be a big win for a future owner. ☺

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, I believe the expression 'diamond in the rough' may have been invented for this Prius😉 Happy trails Jason! BTW is that black RAV4 0:31 in the background a V6??

[@TheCarCareNut]

Yes it is a V6

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@TheCarCareNut I hope we get a video about it🤩

[@nikolayhristanov5201]

I hope too. We don't see many old RAV4s in the workshop.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Years ago, I got a hail damaged Chevy Prizm with some broken glass as well, low mileage for a steal. I had the glass replaced and left the hail damage, used it for a few years and sold it for the same price I pain 3 yrs later.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Great video! That free water pump is really terrific! The car is the winner here receiving the new pump...free! I was an Automotive and Construction Equipment Electrician for the L.A. Dept of Water & Power. Great job, saw many types of vehicles & equipment and yes quite often our vehicles were treated badly but maintenance wise they were usually on top of oil changes every 6 months, which were part of the Periodic Maintenance and Inspection or PM program.

[@samuelgraham2251]

Wow! Great car care story. 👍👍👍

[@ericozeta9997]

Great content and the channel keeps growing and getting better and better. In your expert opinion which 4Runner (2022) is the best option to purchase new?

[@adwenb]

Just a side note. Purchased site unseen 2022 Prius XLE brand new in Jan of this year, have 11K on the clock and averaged 58.2 mpg so far. That is even after going through a summer in Phoenix. I live about 20 miles out in the county south of phoenix so it does get driven 60-75 mph quite often. Still have 2020 Sequoia for long trips but enjoying the break at the pump. Keep up the video’s. Arnie Wenbourne Casa Grande, AZ

[@briank10101]

Heat will be the enemy to the HV battery there. Keep it in the shade when parking.

[@RobertKeenanComp-U-Right]

Great Job!

[@MowerModdin]

My Seville hasn't seen the best life in the city, getting a couple scratches here and there on the back and front bumpers. But when you take the valve covers off, you'd think the engine had no miles on it. You would be surprised to hear that it had 92k miles on it. Also has a shockingly low amount of rust for a Minnesota car

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

Good work

[@shaolinman]

Very impressive diamond in the rough find.

[@12345.......]

People look at me like in crazy when I check out a used car, and my first step is pull out my ramps and creeper.

[@m3rdpwr]

My buddy has one that I think is 20 years old. It doesn't owe him a penny, only went through one set of brakes and replacement of the headlight bulbs, tires too obviously. The battery hasn't been any good for the last few years, but it doesn't owe him a penny with the amount of miles he put on it.

[@kaafromoz]

TYVM AMD, yes very true never just think that it is junk from the looks of the paint and interior this is a perfect example so ty for showing us all this. That will serve the young owner very well as yes paint cant be fixed and the small things needed will be fairly reasonable to take care of for the life left in it. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘👍👍❤❤

[@RunThatRC]

You would love my 2010 4runner lived in Phoenix Arizona all its life and garaged.

[@12345.......]

Right!? Az cars rock. My dad's mustang can be cleaned underneath with a damp rag

[@larry8able]

Thanks!

[@sjtube6198]

Thank you for the knowledge I have a 2009 Prius 155k original owner unfortunately I lived up north an it saw many a winter. Still going well Battery is doing exactly as you said charging and un charging not hang on bottom 2 bars. Where or what type of garage should we have do pre buy inspection? Local Toyota dealers not the most honest Thanks too to Erros (sp) for some great camera work giving a true look at underside of 2009 Prius

[@damian-795]

His voice makes me feel calm and excited at the same time

[@dogsense3773]

I have 45 years in the u.s government u.s navy u.s army u.s park service, these cars/ trucks are beat hard and oil changes were not top priority. Also they were over loaded a lot!

[@p6102zrfxe]

I'm so happy to be part of this family. So nice people, so nice video. Thank you.

[@haroldclark4485]

In the 1960's we used to power wash the engines, spray black over the rust (minor of course, CA), appropriate color on headers and a final splash of clear lacquer over the entire chamber. Car lot put the one-owner sign on it and it was out the door. Car detailing was a real art way back when.

[@calokraine5901]

Still is in Japanese market for example

[@bigcrowfly]

Was used as shift change transportation for city bus drivers🚎🚋: multiple drivers/day. Drivers used ride to/from bus depot to smoke & eat before/after shift.

[@jdhern9078]

Great video

[@allautollc1]

What a clean spindle no flaking wow just wow

[@thejunkyardmechanicwilliam7848]

I love this channel

[@bldmyamean8352]

The door handle wasn't necessarily on purpose. It's cause of rings usually.

[@jakeslees122]

Appreciate your vlog! Very informative especially for folks like us who knows very little. Any suggestions on older used highlanders 2002-2008? Best years? Planning on buying one. Thanks God bless!

[@Slenderman63323]

Avoid the 4 cylinder. If it’s a 3.3 V6, make sure the timing belt has been changed.

[@redlackawanna]

I'm from Buffalo and live in San Diego. I moved here in nineteen ninety Yeah, even today I am so fascinated about the twenty year old RUST FREE!!! Cars that is one thing, I don't miss about buffalo!!!! To see those rusted out Cars

[@jk_isf]

Nice! I really wish you showed us the battery, the rear carpet held on with 3 clips pops up really easily to display if it has 3 stickers on casing new battery or 1 sticker original 2009 battery, also the abs actuators are big$$$ on these cars, its behind the inverter and if part# ends with 1, that owner hit the jackpot literally if he got the updates abs actuator and a new original battery both are super expensive.

[@silvermist9644]

For a second, I thought this was my 2009 Prius. I also live in California and own a 2009 Prius in white that used to be owned by the government. Very similar cosmetic wear on mine but not as bad.

[@philip5940]

Scotty Warned us about the wisdom of buying a used Prius. The battery dependability and replacement cost needs to be seriously assessed and family for .same he said for motor/generator. And you pointed out the transmission to us too .

[@jimmulderig743]

Nice video

[@romka5967]

Hello AMD! what is your opinion regarding small cars like Yaris? can you make a video where you talk about their reliability?

[@jonathanjones7952]

Hello Mr Nut, greetings from your fan in England. Have been following you for a year. Liked your videos so much. Falling in love with JP cars. Wish to see you test drive on Toyota Crown Crossover ❤❤❤, also wish Toyota can bring the legendary crown to the UK😊😊

[@pianoplayer2516]

Awesome find. I just bought a California only 2013 Chevrolet Volt super cheap. Cosmetically it's pretty beat up. Mechanically it's very solid and no rust. Only a few minor things I had to fix. 257,000 miles and EV battery still has full capacity. Looks like it was mainly run on gas and rarely plugged in.

[@troy3456789]

Wow, that is super! You really lucked out. How much did you pay for it out the door and after fixes?

[@pianoplayer2516]

@@troy3456789 About 4k so far

[@troy3456789]

@@pianoplayer2516 seems like it is probably worth a lot more than that; especially with fuel prices so high.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Time for an update on best non-OEM scanner for Toyota’s?

[@praveenhegde8107]

The tyres talking to the epoxy floor sounds so alien 😁