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Buying a used Prius as a non-technical girl

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by MissPrius, Jan 5, 2010.

  1. MissPrius

    MissPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2010
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello,

    I used to drive a used 2004 Black Prius with HOV stickers that I loved so I have decided to buy a used Prius for myself.

    I have made my budget (<17k), decided on some specs (Gen II only, HOV hopefully, no blue), and looked at loans. Btw, I drive 50 miles per day for work on the 10 fwy (for anyone that knows Los Angeles which is stop/go).

    I was just hoping all the Prius owners can help answer the following:

    1.) What is the average mileage you would look for? I have heard about 50k, even though I know a lot of priuses can make it to 100K+.

    2.) Besides Craigslist and Autotrader, where else can I find good Prius deals?

    3.) It's Jan 5, 2010 and the HOV stickers expire Jan 1, 2011. What do you think should be the premium that should be charged?

    4.) What questions should I ask from a private seller (beyond the car fax, clean title, ownership, maintenance recrods)?

    5.) I searched these forums to find out the "worth" of the extended 100K mile warranty that some used cars have. What do you think the warranty is worth if the car has around 50K miles?

    Thanks a lot!
     
    #1 MissPrius, Jan 5, 2010
  2. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
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    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    :welcome::welcome:

    I didn't buy my Used Prius from a private seller - I bought it from a Certified Used Toyota Dealership - so I may not know all the answers, but I can help you based on the research I did when I bought mine 3 months ago.

    1. 50K miles is a good benchmark, however is probably on the low average for a $17k car since this is CA we're talking about (where everything is more expensive).

    Definitely go for under 60K miles/60 months, if you can, because that covers the Powertrain warranty (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts and airbags).

    2. eBay motors is also an option. Despite your source, just be sure to quote the car yourself on Kelley Blue Book so you know what kind of deal you're getting.

    3. Back in 2007, some people were willing to pay up to $4000 extra for a Prius with HOV stickers. It definitely has gone down by now and you'll have to bargain for the price. Start low. Personally I wouldn't pay more than $500 for this convenience.

    4. Ask them why they are selling it.

    5. The 7 year/100,000 mile warranty retails for ~$1800 but will likely be prorated based on time/use; this amount can be added to the cost of the vehicle. At 50K miles, that's about half the original time, so it could potentially cost up to ~$900 (if your seller is a miser, haha).

    Good luck!
     
    #2 macmaster05, Jan 5, 2010
  3. ibmindless

    ibmindless Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2007
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    When I drove down the coast last year, I stopped at City Toyota in Daly City (near San Francisco). They had a bunch of nice looking used Priuses on the lot --- turned out they were former rental cars. Generally I would think twice about a rental, but these were low mileage, one year old and looked new. Might be one way to get a decent deal.

    I just checked a link on the LA Times website which connected to cars.com. Arbitrarily, I picked a 50 mile radius of El Monte Airport in which to search for used Priuses. Lots of results, many seemed overpriced, but that's what negotiations are for. Here's the search link:

    Used Cars for Sale: Listings Near 91731 - Cars.com
     
    #3 ibmindless, Jan 6, 2010
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