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Buying Used Prius Agonizing over Details : }

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by daisy555, Aug 11, 2015.

  1. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    To "Daisy" aka Maria, Toyota packaged all these safety features together and called it the Star System. It included ABS, VSC and other features as standard equipment on most models.(You can never say ALL because someone will call your bluff on it).

    I have heard the VSC twice since I've owned mine. First time, I was headed into work when the weather went from rain to sleet to snow in about twenty minutes. My foot was on the floor but the Prius would only go thirty-five mph. My thoughts were there's something wrong with the car.
    I saw cars spinning out in front of me, at one place I saw four of them up against the Jersey wall. The Prius was still going forward and not swaying or slipping what so ever. Some guy in an old Malibu came speeding up to pass me. He did pass and ended up on the wall.

    That was the day I said the car had more common sense than most of the people driving did. As soon as I got traction again, the Prius was able to go back to 55 to 60 mph.

    That day all the safety features wotked. I drove home, roads had dried, and everyone was back up to speed. The only other time I heard the VSC work was going up a rain slick on ramp to the Interstate. I had the power on, turned the wheel and the car started to plow or sever understeer. I backed off the throttle and the VSC applied brakes to bring the Prius back to a steerable vehicle again.

    The technology in any Prius just makes anything else look archaic. Here's hoping you find the right car soon. JTM

    LG G3 T-MOBILE phone ☎
     
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  2. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Sorry...when I was saying "all safety features possible" I was referring specifically to what's included for a 2008/2009 Prius. VSC and anti-theft are the only two optional safety features and I can live without anti-theft. The 2005 would have VSC as well. The blue 2007 is a confirmed package 1.

    My mind is open to the 2005 Prius. I was just thinking about the financial aspect of paying 4-5K for a Prius with aprox 160K miles on it and having to slowly fix everything that goes wrong rather than putting this precious money towards a much newer/less used model. The later most likely being a better investment of my money although I know the words "investment" and "car" do not belong together. Hopefully I'll hear about details on 2005 this week.

    From the examples given about VSC with rain and weather, I think I should hold out for it. The guy who wants to buy my car is willing to wait and there seem to be more cars popping up each week. Definitely feels like I'm getting closer.

    I need to shop around for insurance. When I did this about 6 month ago, I got overwhelmed. I don't qualify for USAA and they all seem to have bad reputations. Plus despite this accident not being my fault, I remember the last time I had accident (not my fault) an insurance co. said it still affects rates. Considered a higher risk. Maybe insurance companies put me in category of being an accident magnet. I'll find out soon enough.
     
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  3. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    The Prius is a different vehicle. It will cost more to fix, but you are also more likely to save you in an accident. That is if you crash into a similar weight vehicle. Two elderly ladies in my old hometown were crashed into head-on with a fairly new Ram Diesel pickup. Indeed, they lost their lives. But, the guy driving the truck was speeding and drunk and high (all three, I know).

    It all comes down to physics. 3000 lbs of Prius versus 6000 lbs of Ram truck, truck wins every time. But, its not a fair comparison in the fact that you can out maneuver, out brake, and do it all on a fourth of the fuel! No you can't tow trailers, or have the ability to help friends move or go four wheeling in the boonies. But, I will bet you'll save enough money to buy yourself a "play" vehicle.

    Sorry for the rant, just be careful you don't sneak up on someone walking, running or riding a bicycle. The Prius is that quiet. Prius versus bicycle, Prius wins but you don't want to. JTM

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  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Package 1 was supposed to be only for fleet sales. I wouldn't expect to find one with low mileage but you did. Go figure.

    STAR Safety System was introduced for MY2010 and is standard on the II through V. It includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist.

    If the 2005 is $4000-$5000 what was the asking price on the 2007 with half the miles?
     
  5. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    I've found three gen 2 pkg 1 private owner. Go figure is right.

    The 2007 is $10k. Dealership had special on similar car with 78k a few weeks ago for $8950. This one was local too but not sure on pkg. At least pkg 1 because it had camera. This was one of the sluggish ones. Woe is me...I'm sure I could talk them down a little being that it's 8/31 but I walked away from test drive not feeling like this is "the one". I know I may think otherwise in a few weeks!

    Don't forget 2005 has more like 160K miles and sitting for a year outside in one of our longest cold winters. Yes...my mind is still open. Not enough info yet on this car to make decision but know I wouldn't pay $4K.
     
    #105 daisy555, Aug 31, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2015
  6. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Noticed a 2009 Prius today that has "corporate" as first owner. This is different from fleet right?

    Corporate owner for 1 year with 15K miles then second owner for five years with additional 50K. It's almost 2 hrs away at a Subaru dealer.

    Added note: Has deposit on it. : ( May have missed the "perfect" car.

    I know....no such thing as "perfect" but it had all my requirements plus 2nd fav color. Old school car salesperson was camera challenged. Young ones take their iPhones out and send photos immediately.
     
    #106 daisy555, Aug 31, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2015
  7. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Could someone help me figure out how to create new listing alert for auto trader. Maybe I'm just fried but I only see option for saving searches.

    Here is where I'm looking for cars:

    dealers
    cars.com
    autotrader.com
    truecar.com
    cargurus.com (just missed a great deal/quick reduction 2009 55K one owner for $8950 because I didn't have search set up)
    carmax.com (overpriced cars from non CARB states)
    ebay
    craigslist (mostly rebuilt titles)

    Any other ideas? Thanks!
     
  8. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Hey Daisy, I'm in Nashua (S. NH) so if you need someone local to this area to take a look, take pictures, ask questions (you supply a list) perhaps I might be able to help you out… (…but remember YMMV and as far as advice is concerned, the advice you receive tends to be worth exactly get what you pay for it!) Feel free to drop me a line if you think I might be of help! - Wil
     
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  9. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Thanks, Wil. Really appreciate you offering to help out! Kicking myself regarding cars I missed today. I see you have what I would consider a nice looking 2009! : )

    How do I contact you if I find something up your way? I was looking in profile area for email info or is "start conversation" the way to communicate? I'm very new obviously! More will show up. I just need to be on top of it. Thanks again!
     
  10. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    OK, here's a conversation I've just started. I'm not sure about how to go about exchanging e-mail addresses or phone #s. One has to be very careful about exchanging personal information such as that!
     
  11. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Yes, I was concerned about that as well. Thanks!
     
  12. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Send the contact info in the conversation.

    Is "corporate" different from "fleet"? I guess it depends on your definitions & expectations. The car could be in a motor pool assigned to any employee as needed--the company's rental fleet. The car could have been provided to an employee as part of their job. This could be a salesman or travelling technician. It could have been a delivery vehicle.

    My opinion: "Corporate" just means it was not sold to an individual. It could be a retail model with any trim level or option package. "Fleet" means the stripped down version (Package 1) sold in quantity possibly with custom paint and equipment.

    A leased vehicle should show up as "corporate" as it is owned by the leasing company.

    I would not automatically reject a car just because it was owned by a company. I would not automatically buy a car just because it had one owner. My decision would be based on the features, condition and price of the car.

    Wil, if your car is low mileage sell it to her & buy a 2016. My 2010 does not meet her criteria.
     
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  13. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    : )
     
  14. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Well, that thought has gone (well, flashed actually) through my mind, but ChuggyPig has clocked just over 100k on the odometer, I'm still very much in love with it, and to be honest, I can't say I'm enamored with the later Prius models and the ChuggyPig is still averaging mid 50s for gas mileage which is great! …and the car is still growing on me, it's a dream to drive! Don't give up, daisy555 - I'm sure there's a 2009 Gen II out there with your name on it! ;)
     
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  15. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    I'm hoping for my very own version of "ChuggyPig" with a few less miles on it. : )

    If my next car (after this one) is a Prius, it will have to be a 2014/2015 with at least pkg 3.

    What I've seen of 2016 model is beyond ugly but that's just my humble opinion.
     
  16. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    So I just searched "valve cover gasket"

    2009 silver (pkg 2) 80K miles $8995 just had gasket replaced. Should I be asking any other questions about this?

    I'm still hurting over missing such a good deal over the weekend and so close by. I guess I was thrown off because it was initially listed by dealer at $12,000 so I overlooked watching for a price decrease. Who would have thought a $3K decrease!
     
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  17. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    What? Look again Gen 4 looks very Prius to me. I want to drive one to feel the independent rear suspension.
     
  18. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    Valve cover gasket is very different from Cylinder head gasket. I have heard of a few getting their valves adjusted.

    Don't panic, the right car will show up at the right time. Don't push it will all work out. JTM
     
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  19. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    I'm actually kind of into cars but don't have terminology down. I probably would like the improved comfort and safety features of 2016 but dislike the look. Slant of rear side windows and the black angled piece between front and rear side windows. Then you walk around to back and see those hideous tail lights. Ouch! ; } Plus hatchback looks more like a trunk. Some lost height maybe? Who knows...maybe it's just as large inside. They would be crazy to make cargo space smaller. It's one of my favorite features besides mpg.
     
  20. daisy555

    daisy555 Senior Member

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    Thanks, JTM! I need constant reminding of this...can't you tell. : }

    If my Vibe didn't need tires and didn't have a buyer sitting patiently, I wouldn't be so anxious.