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My 2004 has 43k miles, but I want side airbags

Discussion in 'Dealers & Pricing' started by becreed, Jul 4, 2015.

  1. becreed

    becreed New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Just got a 2004 Prius with 43,500 miles from my grandmother, who at 98 no longer drives (and from 88 to 96 drove very little). I'd really appreciate any advice about what my options are for trading/selling it for a Prius with side airbags (presumably any 2007+, or perhaps a 2004-2006 model where that option was selected?).

    As a reference, Kelly Blue Book lists the following values for my Prius with its mileage and specs in good condition in my area (LA):
    • Trade-in range: 5,718-6,983
    • Trade-in value: 6,351
    • Private party value: 7,276
    • Suggested retail: 9,680
    • Fair purchase price: 9,380
    As an example, KBB lists a 2007 Prius with 103,000 miles at the following similar (some higher, some lower) values:
    • Fair market range: 6,912-9,329
    • Private party value: 6,003
    • Suggested retail: 8,521
    • Fair purchase price: 8,121
    So hypothetically, if I could break even going from a 43k 2004 to a 103k 2007, would it be worth it? Am I even going about this question in the right way? I'm totally new to car ownership/buying/selling/trading (grew up carless in NYC, got my license last year at 26), so any thoughts would be sincerely appreciated and helpful!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat! sorry, but i have no idea. all the best in your quest!(y)
     
  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I think my 2006 Option 3 has it (with the rear cam and MFD display). It was pretty hard to get anything lower than Option 3 in 2006 but not sure about 04 and 05. Your 04 is out of CARB warranty whereas an 2007 under 150k miles and 10-yrs would be covered assuming it is a California car at orig purchase.
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Wow a 2004 with only 43,xxx miles. Sounds like a collector item if it's be serviced and garaged properly.
     
  5. becreed

    becreed New Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    N/A
    Do you think I could sell it for more than KBB's valuation? I don't see any listings online for 04-07 Prii with less than 80,000 miles, and most have 150-300,000! How can I get a proper sense of what someone would pay for my possible "collector item"?

    (And yes indeed, it has been fully serviced and spent the vast majority of its days in a closed garage. Drives like a charm, only blemishes are some paint scratches here and there.)

    Thanks again!
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would market it's attributes and ask for the highest price you're comfortable with, or best offer. since the retail is $9680. maybe start there.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It can possibly fetch the private party price, if the right buyer comes along. This car is due for a hv battery soon. The scratches "here and there" really isn't going to help
     
    #7 JC91006, Jul 5, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2015