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NEW Prius Buyer- Do's and Dont's

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Vanessa. L, Sep 20, 2012.

  1. Vanessa. L

    Vanessa. L New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I am a newbie! I am looking at carguru and other sites to find a prius in the price range of 10k. I found one (2007, 68,430m, and $10,990).

    I read a previous post about going to a Toyota dealership or a prius expert to get it checked first. The dealer is Acura, what can I expect from a non-Toyota dealer is my first question.

    But if it were you, how would you choose a used car for the budget I have.
    How many miles is too many miles on the car? Is around 100k acceptable for my budget?
    What criteria should I take into consideration?

    How do we charge a Prius batery?

    Thanks and thanks again in advance for your help!
     
    #1 Vanessa. L, Sep 20, 2012
  2. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    You don't charge the battery, the car's engine does and when and how is determined by the car's computer.
    In buying a used Prius, a service history will be very valuable, and having a Carfax is a good (although not foolproof) idea. No matter what kind of dealership you might buy from, I would feel better having it checked out by a Toyota dealer (you will have to pay for the inspection). If your Acura dealer won't allow a Toyota
    Dealer to inspect the unit, I would walk.
    To my mind neither the lack of a Cafax or the lack of a service history would be a deal breeaker, but I sure would feel better if I had them. Hope this helps, good luck.
     
    #2 Munpot42, Sep 20, 2012
  3. Vanessa. L

    Vanessa. L New Member

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    It does help. Thanks!

    I think I will make the Toyota dealer as a criteria to take into consideration. In terms of mileage, after how many miles is too many though?
     
    #3 Vanessa. L, Sep 20, 2012
  4. Jan 2

    Jan 2 New Member

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    AAA has a no cost service where you tell them what you want & your budget & they'll find the car, buy it wholesale & sell it to you for way cheaper than any dealer. You don't even have to be a member.
     
    #4 Jan 2, Sep 20, 2012
  5. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    Well cared for miles (that's where a service history is valuable), you're probably ok with one of these things up to about 130k or more, me I'd prefer under 80. That said, I'm a guy who only buys new now, but in the past I've bought a lot of used cars.
     
    #5 Munpot42, Sep 20, 2012
  6. Vanessa. L

    Vanessa. L New Member

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    That's interesting! Thanks for the tip
     
    #6 Vanessa. L, Sep 21, 2012
  7. Vanessa. L

    Vanessa. L New Member

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    OK, thanks for sharing. I am looking and the less miles the more expansive it is (obvious!) but I really want a dependable, reliable car that I won't have to worry about fixing X, Y, Z after a year or what not. And less miles means more reliable...?

    Thanks again!
     
    #7 Vanessa. L, Sep 21, 2012
  8. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    Had a friend how ran a used car lot, his phrase was, you are buying miles. As a general rule the less miles on the car, the more miles you will get out of it--but that depends a lot on the care given by the previous owner hence again the services history is good to have.
     
    #8 Munpot42, Sep 21, 2012
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