2003 versus 2005 Prius

rkimages · 01-02-2008, 02:32 PM

I am trying to decide between a 2003 Prius, which is around $10,000 and 2005 Prius, which is around $15,000. The 2003 would be purchased from a individual and the 2005 from a dealer. They both have about 70,000 miles.
Is the 2005 model considerably better and worth the extra money? If so how?

If I buy the 2003 Prius from the individual, how can I get a warranty?

Thank you.

aaf709 · 01-02-2008, 03:14 PM

Well, for one thing, the 2005 is a Gen II, while the 2003 is a Gen I.

The 2005 has a split rear window, while the 2003 is solid in the lower part.

Out of curiosity, what options does each have?

**Tideland Prius** · 01-02-2008, 03:21 PM

2003

Pros:

sedan (if that's what you want)
privacy of a trunk
ridiculously small turning radius
spacious interior for its exterior size
airy dashboard
side airbags were available as in GPS

Cons:

it's using an older THS system
has an older battery technology
no folding rear seats
hybrid powertrain close to end of warranty (in terms of years)

2005

Pros:

hatchback design
fold-flat rear seats
more powerful and more economical
spacious
newer technology (smart key, bluetooth, backup camera etc)
Stability control and side/side curtain airbags are available
newer HSD system
Touring edition with upgraded suspension and tyres

Cons:

larger car (if that matters)
larger turning radius
more common
hatchback design (if you hate hatchbacks)

FBear · 01-02-2008, 03:36 PM

70k is allot of mileage for the 2005. It's even high for a 2003. That being said, the 2005 if it is in excellent condition should be about $17K the 2003 as a private party sale if it is in good condition is worth about $11k. In either case I would have the cars checked out before agreeing to either. My preference would be the 2005 as it is a Gen II and has a much nicer ride and has more room in both the trunk and cabin. I would also look further you might do better with a lower mileage vehicle for slightly more money.

01-02-2008, 02:32 PM	#1
rkimages Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	2003 versus 2005 Prius I am trying to decide between a 2003 Prius, which is around $10,000 and 2005 Prius, which is around $15,000. The 2003 would be purchased from a individual and the 2005 from a dealer. They both have about 70,000 miles. Is the 2005 model considerably better and worth the extra money? If so how? If I buy the 2003 Prius from the individual, how can I get a warranty? Thank you.

01-02-2008, 03:14 PM	#2
aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,823 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2003 versus 2005 Prius Well, for one thing, the 2005 is a Gen II, while the 2003 is a Gen I. The 2005 has a split rear window, while the 2003 is solid in the lower part. Out of curiosity, what options does each have?

01-02-2008, 03:21 PM	#3
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,370 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 10	Re: 2003 versus 2005 Prius 2003 Pros: sedan (if that's what you want) privacy of a trunk ridiculously small turning radius spacious interior for its exterior size airy dashboard side airbags were available as in GPS Cons: it's using an older THS system has an older battery technology no folding rear seats hybrid powertrain close to end of warranty (in terms of years) 2005 Pros: hatchback design fold-flat rear seats more powerful and more economical spacious newer technology (smart key, bluetooth, backup camera etc) Stability control and side/side curtain airbags are available newer HSD system Touring edition with upgraded suspension and tyres Cons: larger car (if that matters) larger turning radius more common hatchback design (if you hate hatchbacks) __________________ 2005 Tideland Pearl Premium Package as of 25th Oct 2004 VVT-i Emblem, Sport Pedals, OEM All-Weather Mats, Cargo Mat, EV Mod, JDM Prius Interior Footwell Lighting, DICE iPod Integration Kit, LED licence plate lights, Phillips X-Treme Power H4 2008 smart fortwo passion coupé as of 28th Apr 2008 Fogs, dash pods, leather, rubber mats, Brabus handbrake, LED licence plate lights & dome lamp

01-02-2008, 03:36 PM	#4
FBear Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maplewood, NJ Posts: 269 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2003 versus 2005 Prius 70k is allot of mileage for the 2005. It's even high for a 2003. That being said, the 2005 if it is in excellent condition should be about $17K the 2003 as a private party sale if it is in good condition is worth about $11k. In either case I would have the cars checked out before agreeing to either. My preference would be the 2005 as it is a Gen II and has a much nicer ride and has more room in both the trunk and cabin. I would also look further you might do better with a lower mileage vehicle for slightly more money.