1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2007 Prius - Should I buy?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by sdrocker, Jan 27, 2015.

  1. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hi All,

    I found a 2007 prius that has 109k miles on it and is black. The seller is asking $7000 but would let it go for $6800.

    I checked it out yesterday and it looked good but I saw the maintenance required light was on. We drove (with the seller) to get the oil changed and the guy reset the button and the light went away after doing the oil change.

    I'm finding it is a little weak on acceleration and I hear the engine rev up a bit when it switches from electric to gas. Is that normal? Also it feels weak up hills and on the highway, i just hear the motor kind of revving up a bit.

    Is this a really good deal or should I perhaps pass? I heard there is a power mode which makes the car zippy... but I also heard it is on newer cars.

    I had $6800 in mind and saw a 2007 Tuscon with 175k miles for $3500 (the guy would take $3000) so I was also thinking maybe a prius isn't for me.

    Any advice would be awesome!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i would call it an average deal. it all sounds normal, but you should drive a new one to compare. all the best.(y)
     
  3. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
  4. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    thank you.. ok that is good to know... i just didnt like how it revved up when i tried to go up a hill or on the high way... a new one is outside my spending range and maybe not comparable since ihear the new ones have more power and have the power mode to make them zippier. is that true?
     
  5. css28

    css28 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    1,566
    442
    3
    Location:
    Suburban Detroit
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Zippier, but not zippy :)

    The driving experience is very different but many of us deal with that because of the fuel economy.

    You should familiarize yourself with the potential for needing to replace the traction battery in a few years and how much that may cost.
     
  6. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Oh ok thanks!

    One question I have.. if I got it for $6800 it seems fair.

    Any idea how much i may spend in 5 years of maintenance on that car? I was thinking with the 2007 Hyundai Tuscon that has 175k miles, maybe $3000 to $4000 in maintenance but that could be ultra conservative.

    For the prius, I have no idea... this is assuming it was well maintained up to now... i looked underneath with the car on the lift at the oil change place and didnt see anything bad... the mechanic said it looked pretty good...

    Im just wondering if the prius is a better investment too... i know the acceleration will take a while to get used to. i drive 26 miles each day monday through friday and a little less on weekends
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    what state are you in? prius is the lowest maintenance vehicle on the market.

    the reason you hear the engine wind up is the eCVT transmission. new ones aren't much different, for a heavy fitted driver, prius is designed for low emissions and mpg's. it's not designed to be zippy, and the price you pay when gas is $2. is a lot less than what you would pay when it's $4.
     
    PriusGuy32 likes this.
  8. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,669
    6,485
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    It's like this.

    The Prius is probably going to be the better car.
    You would expect a bunch of people on a Prius forum to say that of course, but trust me.
    I don't own a Prius.
    My company threw me into one in 2010, and let's just say that if you compare my posts now to then you will find that I've changed my stance on hybrids a little (lot.)

    I don't know whether or it's the reliability or the frugality, or I'm just growing out of my little boy racer stage, but I find that the Prius is probably one of the better cars to get to work and back with....however (comma!!!!)
    ...there are things about rolling a Prius that could drive you crazy and let's face it.
    They're not especially fun to drive unless you get into the whole MPG game.

    Rent one for a weekend.
    Priuses take some getting used to, and you may not EVER like the car.
    I won't take you through the long laundry list of my complaints with the car - but maintenance costs aren't one on them.
    You need to find out if you're in a CARB state, because if you are then you will not have to worry about the traction battery for a little bit longer, IIRC.

    Everybody worries about the traction battery, but if you have to replace it the day after you buy the car, it SHOULD only be about a $1500 repair bill if you DIY.
    Any of the other cars that you're looking at could cost you that in transmission work...or A/C repair.

    You're looking at am 8 year old car with about one third of its useful miles depleted.
    Maybe more.....maybe less depending on how YOU maintain cars.

    Good Luck!

    Let us know how it shakes out.

    Oh yeah.....offer $6250 firm and be prepared to walk away for a week or two.
    Betcha my CPO coin they settle for less than $6500. ;)
    Gas is cheap, and not everybody is bright enough to realize that it will be back up to $3 eventually!
     
    Merkey likes this.
  9. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks I am in the southern ca region. its a hard choice... i could maybe get used to the acceleration ... i drive 26 mi per day and about 9500 mi per year.

    not sure if i should jump on the hyundai tucson for now.. im in a jam and need a car right away.. the prius revving up made me concerned but i see that is normal.
     
  10. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    sdrocker, I wouldn't expect the Prius to cost any more to maintain than the Tucson.

    Figuring the Tucson was rated at best 22mpg you are going to save a fortune in gas with the Prius at 50mpg.

    If the Tucson can haul stuff that the Prius can't then buy the Tucson. If you want to hear vrrrrrooom when you tromp on the pedal buy the Tucson.

    We buy the Prius to save money on maintenance and operating costs.

    BTW, Power Mode does not provide more power. It remaps throttle response at the low end.
     
  11. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    thank you! I would jump on the 2007 hyundai tucson but it has 175k miles so im a little worried.. but i might be able to get it for $2600 if i try hard. it looks in good condition and the owner says it runs and drives nice. im about to go lookat it.
     
  12. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,669
    6,485
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Revisesd opinion:
    2007 Prius versus 2007 Hyundai?
    ......and you live in SOCAL?????

    This is a no-brainer.
    Not even close.
     
  13. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks everyone.. so the guy wont take less than $6800. im at a starbucks trying to decide what to do.. i think i should get it right? the only thing that worried me was the sound when it goes from electric to gas.. it revs up a bit.. but im guessing that is normal? it also revs up a big higher to go up a steep hill.. that is normal right?

    For my use., i estimate a $1500 to $2000 battery replacement. I want the car to last 5 years and i drive 9500 miles per year... I would save $850 or so over the tucson per year in gas... so in 5 years thats a bit over $3k in gas saving...

    IS there anything else I should consider? if not im getting the prius.. my other car is a 53 chevy hot rod so im a little worried im losing my manlihood but i plan to sticker it up with band stickers etc.
     
  14. css28

    css28 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    1,566
    442
    3
    Location:
    Suburban Detroit
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    The revving is normal.
    Assuming the car was sold new in California you have an extended warrantee on the main battery, courtesy of CARB.

    Go for it.
     
  15. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanksm supposedly it came from Texas..

    heres the other thing, the guy got a title and was going to use it for a taxi business.. i think its called Uber or something and they said he needs 2008 or newer. i saw the title and it has the sellers name but he didnt sign his on there.

    I called AAA and they said that is still ok and that i can come with the title and they can check the vin to make sure it wasnt stolen... is that legit? if so i am going to buy it for sure.
     
  16. css28

    css28 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    1,566
    442
    3
    Location:
    Suburban Detroit
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Someone else will have to help you with CA title transfer stuff.
    Good luck!
     
  17. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thank you so much! I'm happy to join the community and see there is a lot of support on here.
     
  18. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II

    The guy is being unresponsive as i sit here at a starbucks... he said he had to go find the lock for the wheel but its been a couple hours...

    I found another prius with 163000 miles for $7000 but they would take $6500.... is that an ok deal still? it has leather interior and was super well maintained according to the owner...
     
  19. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
  20. sdrocker

    sdrocker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2015
    166
    8
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The gray one is $6500 with 163,000 miles. clean title and is a 2007. hmmmm... not as good of a deal as the 2007 with 109k it seems. but this one has leather interior.. hmm