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Possibly looking to get a used Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Sparty13, Feb 5, 2010.

  1. Sparty13

    Sparty13 New Member

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    Hello All-

    So I have looked around the forum and there is a LOT of information to go through and since I am new, I have a few questions that I thought you could help me answer. Bottom line: I have to get a new car in May and I want to see if the Prius is the right fit for me. I will give you some information and I also have a few questions.

    1. I will be driving probably 30-45 minutes one way to my work next year, some of it on the highway, some of it in the city.

    2. I have a 2007 Honda Civic right now that I absolutely LOVE, but I really like the idea of a hybrid. How does the Prius compare to this car in terms of options?

    3. I want to buy used because I am going to be a broke grad student.
    - How much should I be expecting to pay for an used Prius (say 2004?, or 2007?)
    - How many miles is average for a used Prius?
    - Are there any normal maintenance that comes along with an older Prius that I might encounter that will totally negate the cost benefits of having this car?
    - What are the problems that I might encounter from a used Prius?

    Sorry my first post is all over the place, as I am just starting my search!

    TIA!!!
     
    #1 Sparty13, Feb 5, 2010
  2. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    :welcome: What can you afford? A 2006 with 45000 miles is ~$18000. 2006-2009 will still have some warranty coverage and have improvements over the 2005 (which will also have some warranty coverage) as well as additional features available. Right now a 2010 can be bought under invoice through the AAA program. A Prius II with no options is $21814.

    A base Prius has a lot of stuff that are options or unavailable on other cars.

    Dealer service history is available by registering the VIN at http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/index.html.

    Your commute will bring out the best in the Prius. Depending on the terrain, climate, & your driving habits your fuel economy could be in the high 40's or 50's.

    Best wishes for finding exactly what you want.
     
    #2 JimN, Feb 6, 2010
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    hello and :welcome: to PriusChat!

    Well I would recommend a 2006 or newer. There are some new additions (like a less aggressive traction control [but still fairly aggressive], better interior, and in 2007, side/side curtain airbags became standard).

    Look up the Toyota scheduled maintenance menu esp. for a higher mileage Prius. It'll be nice if some of the extra stuff was done for you so that you don't have to shoulder the cost for the first year or so of ownership (stuff like engine/inverter coolant service).

    Maintenance costs are similar or less than a regular Toyota sedan. Less because there's no power steering fluid to worry about and brake pads last a long time thanks to regenerative braking (chances are, the Prius you'll buy will be on its factory brake pads).

    Given that you're in Michigan, I would strongly recommend you leave some money in your budget for a good set of winter tyres.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Feb 6, 2010
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    This one's easy: a broke grad student should keep the 2007 Civic.

    A new car is a luxury. Anyone for whom total cost of ownership is a big deal should always continue driving their current car until it falls apart, and then buy a good used one.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Feb 6, 2010
  5. Sparty13

    Sparty13 New Member

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    Sorry, but I didn't ask for your opinion about whether you think I should keep my old car or get a new one. I am leasing my car now and can't afford to keep leasing, in case anyone was wondering. So I don't own my car now anyways. Thanks so much to everyone who answered the original question.

    I am looking to get a used Prius, and I was just wondering if it was worth it to look at older models such as earlier than 2005? I am not looking for luxury or cool features, just cost effectiveness and reliability.
     
    #5 Sparty13, Feb 7, 2010
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It depends. I would buy the one that has decent mileage for its age (not too high but not too low either Make sure it's a package that has VSC and side/side curtain airbags. Aa backup camera may be desirable??

    And most importantly:

    Ensure it's fully inspected by a qualified mechanic (no welding out-of-place or other stuff to hide it from its previous accident).
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Feb 7, 2010
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