Advice on 2004 Prius Purchase

copper · 09-13-2007, 01:20 AM

We are thinking of purchasing a used 2004 Prius sold by a private party - the car appears to have been meticulously maintained - it's in great shape, standard package (no special features) but also no major repairs or problems, has new tires and recently had brake computer system replaced due to some kind of fluke (dealership replaced for free). The owners appear to really care about it and have treated it well. It does have kinda high mileage - about 65K, most of it highway. We live in CA and this car has HOV (Clean Air) stickers, which is a major plus as they're no longer available with new cars. Kelly Blue Book has the private party listing for a 2004 Prius at 14-15K but we've read that it's not unreasonable for folks to ask an extra 4K in CA for the sticker "bonus." This car is being listed at 19K...wondering if others think this is a reasonable asking price. Any advice would be welcome!! Thanks.

copper · 09-13-2007, 01:20 AM

We are thinking of purchasing a used 2004 Prius sold by a private party - the car appears to have been meticulously maintained - it's in great shape, standard package (no special features) but also no major repairs or problems, has new tires and recently had brake computer system replaced due to some kind of fluke (dealership replaced for free). The owners appear to really care about it and have treated it well. It does have kinda high mileage - about 65K, most of it highway. We live in CA and this car has HOV (Clean Air) stickers, which is a major plus as they're no longer available with new cars. Kelly Blue Book has the private party listing for a 2004 Prius at 14-15K but we've read that it's not unreasonable for folks to ask an extra 4K in CA for the sticker "bonus." This car is being listed at 19K...wondering if others think this is a reasonable asking price. Any advice would be welcome!! Thanks.

PriusOwner004 · 09-13-2007, 02:19 AM

Hell no. If it was loaded, then yeah, but for base, I don't think so. Sprinkle a couple of more Gs and get a brand new one. Or wait for another used one to come on the market at a more reasonable price. But if you do think that a sticker is worth $4K, then go for it.

PriusOwner004 · 09-13-2007, 02:19 AM

Hell no. If it was loaded, then yeah, but for base, I don't think so. Sprinkle a couple of more Gs and get a brand new one. Or wait for another used one to come on the market at a more reasonable price. But if you do think that a sticker is worth $4K, then go for it.

PacMan · 09-13-2007, 07:54 AM

I second that hell no, dont give them any more than the book value. If you want this particular car, wait untill it doesnt sell for about a month then low ball them. Just because they paid over sticker does NOT mean you have to pay over book value. With that many miles, I wouldnt pay one cent over 14 for it. Check Ebay for comparison.

PacMan · 09-13-2007, 07:54 AM

I second that hell no, dont give them any more than the book value. If you want this particular car, wait untill it doesnt sell for about a month then low ball them. Just because they paid over sticker does NOT mean you have to pay over book value. With that many miles, I wouldnt pay one cent over 14 for it. Check Ebay for comparison.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 09-13-2007, 09:14 AM

I own a 2004. I have the window sticker in my glovebox to show people when I'm at car shows.

In 2004, a brand new base model Prius sold for $19,950.

That's one Heck of a premium for those stickers.
As much as I love my Prius, I'd advise that you take a pass on that one.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 09-13-2007, 09:14 AM

I own a 2004. I have the window sticker in my glovebox to show people when I'm at car shows.

In 2004, a brand new base model Prius sold for $19,950.

That's one Heck of a premium for those stickers.
As much as I love my Prius, I'd advise that you take a pass on that one.

PA Prius · 09-13-2007, 09:29 AM

We bought our '04 used 18 months ago for $16,500. with 41,000 miles (now 75,000), one of the mid-level packages. $19,000 definantly sounds high.

PA P

PA Prius · 09-13-2007, 09:29 AM

We bought our '04 used 18 months ago for $16,500. with 41,000 miles (now 75,000), one of the mid-level packages. $19,000 definantly sounds high.

PA P

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09-13-2007, 01:20 AM	#1
copper Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	We are thinking of purchasing a used 2004 Prius sold by a private party - the car appears to have been meticulously maintained - it's in great shape, standard package (no special features) but also no major repairs or problems, has new tires and recently had brake computer system replaced due to some kind of fluke (dealership replaced for free). The owners appear to really care about it and have treated it well. It does have kinda high mileage - about 65K, most of it highway. We live in CA and this car has HOV (Clean Air) stickers, which is a major plus as they're no longer available with new cars. Kelly Blue Book has the private party listing for a 2004 Prius at 14-15K but we've read that it's not unreasonable for folks to ask an extra 4K in CA for the sticker "bonus." This car is being listed at 19K...wondering if others think this is a reasonable asking price. Any advice would be welcome!! Thanks.

09-13-2007, 02:19 AM	#3
PriusOwner004 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 191 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hell no. If it was loaded, then yeah, but for base, I don't think so. Sprinkle a couple of more Gs and get a brand new one. Or wait for another used one to come on the market at a more reasonable price. But if you do think that a sticker is worth $4K, then go for it.

09-13-2007, 07:54 AM	#5
PacMan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 40 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I second that hell no, dont give them any more than the book value. If you want this particular car, wait untill it doesnt sell for about a month then low ball them. Just because they paid over sticker does NOT mean you have to pay over book value. With that many miles, I wouldnt pay one cent over 14 for it. Check Ebay for comparison.

09-13-2007, 09:14 AM	#7
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,406 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 16	I own a 2004. I have the window sticker in my glovebox to show people when I'm at car shows. In 2004, a brand new base model Prius sold for $19,950. That's one Heck of a premium for those stickers. As much as I love my Prius, I'd advise that you take a pass on that one.

09-13-2007, 09:29 AM	#9
PA Prius Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 265 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	We bought our '04 used 18 months ago for $16,500. with 41,000 miles (now 75,000), one of the mid-level packages. $19,000 definantly sounds high. PA P