Old Prius, bad decision?

[chn]

I've just been made redundant and need to cut back.

Out goes the Range Rover and I'm looking for a cheap economical car to run. I've seen a few imported Prius about (from Japan) and a few UK provided models, but with me wanting to spend very little due to the current situation and climate, I'm looking at 99-2002 models.

I've read some sites saying that a battery has never failed, and read other with all sorts of horror stories, costing 1000's.

Has anyone bought a Prius with over 100k on the clock and run it without any major problems? Has anyone purchased a japanese import? If so, can you please give me a run down of your experiences so far.

Many thanks

[patsparks]

The very early Japanese Prius had a lesser battery, it is best to get the later Prius which would have been a UK released model. I think the external sign to look for is a rear spoiler, the early series 1 had no spoiler.

If you are purely concerned with up front and fuel cost then a Corolla migh be a better choice, at least in the short term.

[richard schumacher]

Consider the situation very carefully. If the Range Rover is paid for you would probably spend *more* money by replacing it instead of simply keeping it. You will probably be driving much less until you find another job, true? In which case the poor fuel economy of the RR becomes much less significant.

If you are paying a note for it and can eliminate the debt entirely by trading it for something, that would be worthwhile. I agree with Pat, a more recent used Corolla or the like would probably cost less overall than an old Prius.

[chn]

Good points made above, and I'll take note of them all.

Here in the UK we also have to take Road Tax into consideration, for your average Corolla I'd be forking out the equivalent of approximately $400 straight away for the privilege of driving the car on our roads. The Prius would be about $70 for the year as hybrids are at a reduced rate.

The RR is paid for and you're right, I won't be driving it back and forth every day as I won't have a job. If...no be positive, when I get a new job I could potentially be travelling further afield than I am now (I currently commute by cycle), so long term plans are to get shot of the RR anyway.

My main concern is the potential problems with an older Prius and the battery etc. I want a car with low road tax, good efficiency, and clean.

[efusco]

Well...I suspect you could sell the RR and buy a 1st Gen Prius and still end up cash ahead...at least here in the US a RR in good condition will still get a pretty penny. A 1st gen Prius can be had quite cheaply.

I would, personally, opt for a UK 1st gen over a Japanese import ('99-'01) b/c of the improvements made in that later version and the simplicity of finding repair information, parts, etc.

The battery life in a vehicle that age depends upon many things...I would buy the lowest mileage you can and then expect the worst (imminent HV battery failure). But even if it does you should be able to find a salvage battery for a pretty low cost to replace it with and still be able to get some good long life from it.

[chn]

Originally Posted by efusco

Well...I suspect you could sell the RR and buy a 1st Gen Prius and still end up cash ahead...at least here in the US a RR in good condition will still get a pretty penny. A 1st gen Prius can be had quite cheaply.

I would, personally, opt for a UK 1st gen over a Japanese import ('99-'01) b/c of the improvements made in that later version and the simplicity of finding repair information, parts, etc.

The battery life in a vehicle that age depends upon many things...I would buy the lowest mileage you can and then expect the worst (imminent HV battery failure). But even if it does you should be able to find a salvage battery for a pretty low cost to replace it with and still be able to get some good long life from it.

I think I could sell the RR and get a Prius with no loss of money, but that would be me selling it privately. I've been looking at part exchanging it until now, but I'll have a lot of time on my hands now so there's no excuse not to sell it myself and get a better deal.

I'm not sure what the salvage situation is like in the UK as the Prius is still quite a rare car over here I think. I think the lowest mileage possible is probably the safest option.

Cheers

[ikklesmiler]

Hi

I have just bought a Pruis with high mileage... i have a 53plate (2004 model) and its got 90K on the clock, runs perfect though and today checked my consumption as i have used half a tank of petrol and it says 224miles... that is fantastic for me!! I had a corsa before and got 250 miles out of a full tank if i were lucky!! So I am very inpressed!!
Also as you say, the road tax is a big bonus here!!
Have a look around, look on autotrader website and be prepared to travel to get a decent Prius, we had to drive 100 miles to get ours!!

I love my Prius, I have only had her a week but I take every opportunity to drive her as its such a lovely car!!

Good luck with your search.

Ann Marie

[chn]

Originally Posted by ikklesmiler

Hi

I have just bought a Pruis with high mileage... i have a 53plate (2004 model) and its got 90K on the clock, runs perfect though and today checked my consumption as i have used half a tank of petrol and it says 224miles... that is fantastic for me!! I had a corsa before and got 250 miles out of a full tank if i were lucky!! So I am very inpressed!!
Also as you say, the road tax is a big bonus here!!
Have a look around, look on autotrader website and be prepared to travel to get a decent Prius, we had to drive 100 miles to get ours!!

I love my Prius, I have only had her a week but I take every opportunity to drive her as its such a lovely car!!

Good luck with your search.

Ann Marie

Cheers Ann Marie, its good to hear from someone whose taken the plunge with a high mileage Prius. 224 miles on 22 litres is pretty damn good (average of 46 mpg).