Which Prius should i buy?

You probably could not get a third generation model 2010 and up on your budget, but you should be able to get a nice second generation model car. I am not familiar with the Canadian Gen. 2 packages to be of any help to you though. Good luck with your search, get what you like and what will make you happy. What is the average price for gasoline in your area?


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I second this question, except that I live in Colorado and would need something reliable enough for delivery work. Are there any known problems with particular years or option packages that I should try to avoid? There have been with previous cars that I've purchased, and asking these questions has saved me a bundle over the years in repair costs. I need to spend my money very smartly to make a Prius work for my current budget. Any advice would be most welcome.

My second highest priority would be safety, as from what I've gathered so far, the optional side airbags in the '04-'06 made a significant difference in safety rating. Any other caveats here?

Also, I'd guess the newer the year, the longer till I'd have to worry about a traction battery change? It seems age is a bigger factor than miles on the odometer unless I'm mistaken.

 

I own a 2005 with 133000 miles. I have had zero major repairs.

That being said, I would suggest looking for a 2006-2009 for the following reasons:

• 
  Less aggressive traction control (this can be very important)
  Dashboard has a different texture and is more scratch resistant
  Improved MFD resolution and reliability
  S idecurtain airbags are more widely available (I would not purchase a car without them for front and rear)

The major key items I look for are: Smart Key System, Airbags, HID headlights (although these are problematic in 2006-2009).

S tufflike navigation and leather don't interest me as they can be added later for cheaper and with much better features.

A late year model 2005 is a good choice too. Only drawback is the aggressive traction control. I love my car and it has served me well. I have a middle level package that included everything except NAV and leather.

 

I thought they all had the smart key system. If not, then what is the alternative some have? I had no idea about that one.

Also, what is the impact of the traction control system on the '05 vs. the'06+? I have a Subaru Legacy that's paid for that I'm most likely planning to keep for winter snow storm driving, but the rest of the year its' 23 MPG is starting to choke me to death with about half my income being dumped into my gas tank at $3.76/gal. The right buy on a Prius right now could wind up being almost a "free" purchase for me assuming prices don't come down over the next couple years.

 

The base models didn't have smart key and to me that is one of the coolest, most convenient options for the Prius. Without it you have to insert the key fob into the dash to start the car.

T raction control in the Prius works to protect the electric motors from overspinning. When it engages, the power is cut completely for a moment. This can be very dangerous if you are pulling out into fast traffic. In some cases the car maybe become stuck and immovable if there is enough ice, snow, deep gravel, etc..

There is a way to manually defeat the traction control. You would have to do search for the instructions though.

 

I though Alberta was like some places that have a law a where you have carry a gun, but Alberta law is that everyone must drive a 4X4 with duallys and Prius are not allowed in Alberta

Besides that I am no help on any Prius besides the new Generation

Also look at used Camery hybrid , it may fall into your price range