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Test drive 2008 Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by nickygavin, Mar 28, 2011.

  1. nickygavin

    nickygavin New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2011
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    Location:
    Rockford, IL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi all, Im about to go and test drive a 2008 Prius with 13,300 miles! Asking 18K at a Toyota dealership. Is there anything I should be looking for, asking about.... does this sound like a fair deal considering the milage? I drive 80 miles to work twice a week - 50% interstate, 50% Chicago stop and go... We like to keep a car until it dies... Would really appreciate your advice/comments.
     
    #1 nickygavin, Mar 28, 2011
  2. twittel

    twittel Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Mt. Pleasant, SC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Check out the car and update the forum with your findings. A 3 year old Prius with only 13K miles sounds a bit low-miled, but hey, you never know. It's definitely worth checking out. Maybe it's a service rental, but that would be okay. I'll assume this is a Toyota Pre-owned Certified used car. As far as the $18K, it's a bit high, but certainly a starting point for negotiating a great deal.

    Driving a Prius for your type of commute is perfect. Keep us updated with details. There's plenty of useful information here.

    Welcome to PriusChat.
     
    #2 twittel, Mar 28, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  3. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    At that mileage not much should be wrong with it. Drive it on the highway, make sure it doesn't vibrate or pull to one side make sure nothing rattles. At that mileage I think you can get an extended warranty up to 125kmi. that covers almost the whole car. Tell them to throw that in to make the deal. Then you'll have no worries for at least 125kmi. I know some will argue that it's a waste of money, but with a used car it's a different story especially if they throw it in to make the deal.
     
    #3 paprius4030, Mar 28, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  4. nickygavin

    nickygavin New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2011
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    Location:
    Rockford, IL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi guys - thanks so much for your input.... Im happy to say that my hubby and I are now proud owners of a 2008 Prius with (yes) 13,543 miles and not a scratch or mark on her (I swear it practically still has the new car smell - or that could be their spray LOL).

    They had it at 20K, marked it down to 18K, got it for 17k!!! So I think that was a very fair if not good deal considering the milage/condition. It drives perfectly - so now just need to learn how to do it with style :)

    I was able to call the orginal owner - eldery widow who just didn't drive much but replaced her car every three years as her husband appartently advised her to do...

    So here's to another 10+ years of driving pleasure....

    Nicky
     
    #4 nickygavin, Mar 30, 2011
  5. twittel

    twittel Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2010
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    Location:
    Mt. Pleasant, SC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Congrats on your new Prius. I'm sure you'll be more than pleased with the high MPGs, great technology and low-emissions. Be sure to read the owner's manual and search the threads for great tips, advice and how-to's.
     
    #5 twittel, Mar 31, 2011
  6. olerox

    olerox Junior Member

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    Location:
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi Nicky, So the 2008 Prius said "grab me, take me home"... At 13K miles it is like a new car, its hardly seen a gas pump yet. I'm sure you'll love it for (maybe even more than) 10 years. : )

    Its cool you got to talk with the previous owner and get the 411 on how gently the car was treated and why the low mileage.
     
    #6 olerox, Apr 1, 2011
  7. snowmentality

    snowmentality New Member

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    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Congrats! I think you paid a very reasonable price for a good car. We test-drove an '09 with more miles on it, that the Toyota dealership here was asking $20k for.

    I'm jealous -- still waiting to bring my '06 home! :) Did you post some pics in the pics thread?
     
    #7 snowmentality, Apr 6, 2011
  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    To ensure trouble-free operation, check the 12V lead acid battery. You can do it inside the car on the screen. Follow the instructions here.
     
    #8 usbseawolf2000, Apr 6, 2011
  9. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    Location:
    Severna Park, MD
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Congrats on your new ride, and welcome! :)
     
    #9 J5A, Apr 6, 2011
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