need some prius advice

erika · 03-08-2008, 10:25 PM

I have been looking for a used Prius, ideally one of the older models since they are both more in my price range and come in the sedan style that I greatly prefer to the hatchback. I have found a 2003 with about 100,000 miles on it for sale for $8,900 - which is more milage than I would ideally like, but given what else I have seen in the New York City area the price seems to be adjusted accordingly. I would be interested in knowing people's general experience with the 2003 model, especially any specific experience with a car with that many miles on it. Also, according to Consumer Reports the 2003 model does not have a great electrical system, so I'd be interested in any specific experience people have had in that area as well. Thanks in advance for the feedback!

rochesteruser · 03-09-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erika

I have been looking for a used Prius, ideally one of the older models since they are both more in my price range and come in the sedan style that I greatly prefer to the hatchback. I have found a 2003 with about 100,000 miles on it for sale for $8,900 - which is more milage than I would ideally like, but given what else I have seen in the New York City area the price seems to be adjusted accordingly. I would be interested in knowing people's general experience with the 2003 model, especially any specific experience with a car with that many miles on it. Also, according to Consumer Reports the 2003 model does not have a great electrical system, so I'd be interested in any specific experience people have had in that area as well. Thanks in advance for the feedback!

I think its too much for the mileage. Go new!

halleyscomet · 03-09-2008, 08:37 AM

The resale prices are so high on used prius and in most cases if you finance you're interest rate will be higher, going new may be a better option. I'm not much of a hatchback gal myself, but I just close the trunk curtain (that's what I call it) and it cover up the trunk area and looks more sedan ish to me... I just got my new prius on Thrusday and feel it's SO worth the INVESTMENT. Take a minute and calculate the savings you will have in gas to see if it could help you offset the payment, that's what we did...

I will be driving a little for work and the mileage reimbursemnt difference between my Jeep Wrangle and Prius will pay for the prius + gas!

livewire · 03-09-2008, 10:38 AM

I have a friend with a 2001 model that has almost 200,000 miles on it with very few replacement parts, so if the car you're looking at is well maintained with receipts, $8-9000 may be a fair price in the City as it will probably still give lots of trouble-free miles. I will have to ask him if he has had any electrical issues with his car.

That said you may want to look for a little bit newer one if you are going to finance as it may end up being cheaper rate-wise. I wasn't sure if I would like the hatchback, but I am a station wagon type of person, so it has worked out well. I can fit huge amounts in the Prius - I only have to rent a pickup truck occasionally for the really big/messy things.

03-08-2008, 10:25 PM	#1
erika Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	need some prius advice I have been looking for a used Prius, ideally one of the older models since they are both more in my price range and come in the sedan style that I greatly prefer to the hatchback. I have found a 2003 with about 100,000 miles on it for sale for $8,900 - which is more milage than I would ideally like, but given what else I have seen in the New York City area the price seems to be adjusted accordingly. I would be interested in knowing people's general experience with the 2003 model, especially any specific experience with a car with that many miles on it. Also, according to Consumer Reports the 2003 model does not have a great electrical system, so I'd be interested in any specific experience people have had in that area as well. Thanks in advance for the feedback!

03-09-2008, 08:37 AM	#3
halleyscomet Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Southwest PA Posts: 36 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: need some prius advice The resale prices are so high on used prius and in most cases if you finance you're interest rate will be higher, going new may be a better option. I'm not much of a hatchback gal myself, but I just close the trunk curtain (that's what I call it) and it cover up the trunk area and looks more sedan ish to me... I just got my new prius on Thrusday and feel it's SO worth the INVESTMENT. Take a minute and calculate the savings you will have in gas to see if it could help you offset the payment, that's what we did... I will be driving a little for work and the mileage reimbursemnt difference between my Jeep Wrangle and Prius will pay for the prius + gas! __________________ ~~Hayley~~ Owner of Elroy, 2008 pkg #6, silver

03-09-2008, 10:38 AM	#4
livewire Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central NH Posts: 14 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: need some prius advice I have a friend with a 2001 model that has almost 200,000 miles on it with very few replacement parts, so if the car you're looking at is well maintained with receipts, $8-9000 may be a fair price in the City as it will probably still give lots of trouble-free miles. I will have to ask him if he has had any electrical issues with his car. That said you may want to look for a little bit newer one if you are going to finance as it may end up being cheaper rate-wise. I wasn't sure if I would like the hatchback, but I am a station wagon type of person, so it has worked out well. I can fit huge amounts in the Prius - I only have to rent a pickup truck occasionally for the really big/messy things. __________________ 2007 Prius (Winter commuter/dump & Lowes buggy) 2006 GTO (Weekend car, likes premium fuels) 2002 BMW K1200RS moto (Summer commuter)