Used Prius is it a buy?

AlphaTeam · 06-13-2009, 12:10 PM

Hey it has been a while.
A friend is looking at cars and came across a 2002 Prius with 123,000 for $6000. I don't know a whole lot about Gen I since I have a Gen II. What are the repairs like on something that old? I don't know yet what maintenance has been done to it. He is a college student and doesn't need big repair bills if now is the time stuff starts to fail all of a sudden.

spitinuri · 06-13-2009, 09:04 PM

Just a thought... You could come across a 2004 with less mileage for about 2-3 grand more. As I understand the older (pre 2004) models had more frequent battery issues.

tochatihu · 06-13-2009, 09:24 PM

Without a comprehensive history, and a couple of other checks, is is not possible to assess any particular Prius. The opinion of several knowledgeable posters here is that NHW11 are suitable for people who want to be involved in repairs or modifications if they become necessary. I'm not really in that group, but much more info would be required before I'd vote yes.

Several other Toyota and Honda models of the same age could make fine 'college cars' for a lower price.

Sandy · 06-13-2009, 09:35 PM

I bought a 04 58K miles Mint out the door for 10K so I would say no...

06-13-2009, 12:10 PM	#1
AlphaTeam Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Earth Posts: 640 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Used Prius is it a buy? Hey it has been a while. A friend is looking at cars and came across a 2002 Prius with 123,000 for $6000. I don't know a whole lot about Gen I since I have a Gen II. What are the repairs like on something that old? I don't know yet what maintenance has been done to it. He is a college student and doesn't need big repair bills if now is the time stuff starts to fail all of a sudden.

06-13-2009, 09:04 PM	#2
spitinuri Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 274 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Friends: 2	Re: Used Prius is it a buy? Just a thought... You could come across a 2004 with less mileage for about 2-3 grand more. As I understand the older (pre 2004) models had more frequent battery issues.

06-13-2009, 09:24 PM	#3
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 2,568 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: Pioneer #1 Thanks: 2 Thanked 85 Times in 70 Posts Friends: 15	Re: Used Prius is it a buy? Without a comprehensive history, and a couple of other checks, is is not possible to assess any particular Prius. The opinion of several knowledgeable posters here is that NHW11 are suitable for people who want to be involved in repairs or modifications if they become necessary. I'm not really in that group, but much more info would be required before I'd vote yes. Several other Toyota and Honda models of the same age could make fine 'college cars' for a lower price.

06-13-2009, 09:35 PM	#4
Sandy Hippi Chick Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ocala,Fl Posts: 860 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 83 Thanked 53 Times in 43 Posts Friends: 11	Re: Used Prius is it a buy? I bought a 04 58K miles Mint out the door for 10K so I would say no...