Should I buy a 2007 Prius 119k or a 2007 Versa w/ 57k?

What state are you in?

BTW, Nissan Versa reliability isn't that great. 07 in Consumer Reports got average reliability. The major trouble spots were fuel system, exhaust and to a lesser degree, squeaks and rattles.

IIRC, they used to separate out hatchback vs. sedan and one had way worse reliability.

 

Ok. The reason why I ask is because CA and CARB states get a 10 year/150K mile HV battery warranty.

I'm pretty sure VA is not a CARB state. So, the HV battery warranty is only 8 years/100K miles for you.

 

Risking 9 large? Tough call? Not really.

I own a 2010 Nissan Versa HB with 14K miles which I bought new in March 2010. It has sat in the garage covered with blankets since last Oct. I also own a 2005 Prius with 176K miles, which I drive every day. The Nissan is currently the spare car ready to use whenever its needed.

I like driving the Prius mainly because the mpg is better. The Nissan is fine - no problems with it but I haven't needed to drive it since the Prius has been flawless thus far after 42K miles of use in the 20 months I've been driving it since Oct 2010. I paid 7 for mine with 134K on the clock. It was the first and only Prius I have driven thus far. I took a chance that everything was in good working order. Rolled a seven on it. Have rolled snake eyes before on the auto craps table during my 35+ years of car ownership - new and used.

Assuming the Prius you're considering is in pristine condition and has been properly maintained as the seller says it has, it should last for quite some time.

If you can talk the seller down to 8G, you most likely will be getting a fantastic deal. As others have recommended when shopping used, go to a local dealer that has a 09 Gen II and drive it for comparison. It will help you determine if the 07 is in good shape (or not).

 

Driving only 10k a year may not be economical use of the Prius. Since there are indications that the battery age has more to do with failure than total miles driven. Figure on a new battery at 10-12 years (in 2017-19). So if you drove 50k miles in the next 5 years at 50MPG in the Prius vs 35MPG in the Versa you would save about 430 gal of gas 0r about $1700 at $4.00 gal. The new/salvaged battery might cost about double your gas savings.

 

35 mpg in the Versa?

Compare Side-by-Side shows an EPA combined rating of 28 mpg and 33 mpg for highway.

Don't know much about the OP's commute, speeds and driving habits...

 

Ok, I didn't check the Versa mpg. make the gas savings $2500 if you want to.

 

I tend to be partial to the Prius if well kept, but its up to you.
I am pleased with incredible practicality and construction quality of Gen-2 Prius in this vintage.
I do not think VA is a CARB state (I would be happy to be wrong about that).
That means the EV batt is no longer covered by warranty.
So you could have $2000 bill someday if the battery dies.
Not sure where you are, Ashburn VA has a hybrid shop connected to Re-involt in NC for replacements.
Crap shoot there assume 50% chance in next 100k miles.

 

Prius wins hands down! I would not look at anything else. H

 

Hi Ramani,

From what I have read here on Prius Chat and the experience that I have had with the 09 Prius that is in our family, I think 9K is a good price for a 07 Prius with 119K on the clock. One thing I would consider before I purchased was to ask the original owner for the maintenance records. It seems that the transaxle should be serviced every 60,000 miles, (fluid change), so if that has not been done, you might consider that fact before you make the purchase. As other's have said, set aside some money for the odd chance of the traction battery going south. There are a lot of alternatives to a new battery from Toyota, so take the time to investigate all of the options. Also, make sure that the inverter pump is working properly and that all the fluids look clean and are at proper levels. You should see fluid moving in the top of the reservoir when the car is in "ready" mode. If not, the pump is not working properly.

The second generation Prius is a well made car. But like all other vehicles, they must be maintained. If they are maintained, they should last a long time. If not, then it is a crap shoot at best.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to Prius Chat

Ron (dorunron)

 

That's a tough call. That Prius, even if well-maintained, is already 1/2 if not 2/3 of the way through its life. And being in VA, you do not have the battery warranty nor hybrid component warranty as a back-up.

The smaller Nissans from that era can be iffy, as others have mentioned. I remember the early Versas having some fuel pump issues that were not inexpensive to replace.

For $9k I would look hard at finding a 4-cyl 03-07 Accord. Those are about as bulletproof of a car as you can get for that price range, even at a higher mileage.

 

You can get a refurbished HV battery from Autobeyours for $995 with warranty 04 and newer Prius Parts Cars

 

I would not trust those. There have been articles out recently stating that refurbished battery packs are a bit iffy in reliability due to the issues associated with the handling of the cells. Used or new are the only two routes that one should consider. Unfortunately, by the time the OP will need a HV battery, all of the used batteries on the market will be too old so new will be the only choice. Therefore, the OP needs to plan for a $3k expense in his future.

Luscious Garage | Blog | Prius Battery Rebuild: Yes or No?