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Newb Prius Car buyer looking for opinions. :]

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Morisato, Dec 27, 2012.

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  1. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    So, I'm in the market for a used 2nd Gen Prius! I've been doing alot of research, and Have driven them alot (rented them). But now I want to get rid of my piece of junk '97 Dodge Intrepid, and go for a used Prius...

    Now, I've talked multiple Toyota Dealerships down to 10K for low mileage Prius vehicles, but by the time I get pre-approved, they have already been sold. But this, high-mileage 2005 Prius has just been posted for $5,500 USD. Has been serviced about every 3k miles however, and has a clean Carfax...

    Was wondering what you guys think of it?

    CAR LINK:
    2005 Toyota Prius

    CARFAX LINK:
    Carfax 1 Owner Report
    My biggest concerns are the Battery, and also what mileage range should I stay within?
     
    #1 Morisato, Dec 27, 2012
  2. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Looks like a great deal to me.
     
    #2 usnavystgc, Dec 27, 2012
  3. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Thanks for your reply! :D I will look into it :3 May await a few other responses as well, before making a final decision.
     
    #3 Morisato, Dec 27, 2012
  4. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    and, like I said. Sold lol. So quickly too. :p
     
    #4 Morisato, Dec 27, 2012
  5. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Yeah, cars at that price will go quick.
     
    #5 usnavystgc, Dec 27, 2012
  6. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    It's near the top of the mileage I would consider but it looks like a pretty good deal. I like that the service has been pretty consistent and it was a one owner. Also, the 05 seems to have a slightly better service record than other model years as I remember from the research I did when I was looking. That price looks more like a private sale instead of a dealer. Being able to talk with the previous owner would be great but if that's not possible it still looks good.
     
    #6 SteveLee, Dec 27, 2012
  7. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    That was a problem I had too. But another will come up if you keep looking. That seems to be a pretty good general market for these. You might also consider expanding your search area a little.
     
    #7 SteveLee, Dec 27, 2012
  8. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Thanks! I will try that :D
     
    #8 Morisato, Dec 27, 2012
  9. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    So this is the vehicle I decided on!!! :D

    Link: 2004 Prius

    Wish me luck on getting approved tomorrow! :D I visited, and looked at it today, and inspected it. Clean carfax too. I'm bringing 3 co-signers in case lol xD

    Wish to join you all!!!!
     
    #9 Morisato, Dec 28, 2012
  10. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    Best wishes with your Prius purchase! Happy high MPG to you.
     
    #10 SteveLee, Dec 28, 2012
  11. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Haha thanks!!! ^_^ I love the vehicle... one can only hope I get approved with ONE of the 3 co-signers. I'm placing 2 Thousand down.
     
    #11 Morisato, Dec 28, 2012
  12. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Ask the person to drop the price $1,000 and your good to buy today. Than only put $1,000 down. They always put extra margin in the deal. Keep some of that money for a rainy day.
     
    #12 JMD, Dec 28, 2012
  13. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Will do! I will try that.
     
    #13 Morisato, Dec 28, 2012
  14. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    YAY!!! I GOT APPROVED!!! XD

    I am now officially a Prius owner :3 NOW question... They want me to pay something called a NAC service agreement. The car is in great shape, and the mileage is CONSIDERABLY lower than the first link I posted. It's an additional $134.19 a month, plus $100 dollars whenever I use the service.

    What are your experiences with your vehicles. Maybe some insight from someone who owns a 2004 Year model?
     
    #14 Morisato, Dec 29, 2012
  15. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    1610.48$ a year for insurance with a 100$ deductible for a car is well, it's your money
    Isn't this a gen 1?

    I'd save the money and drive the car, read about repair and maintenance for prii here on the site and ask questions, "IF" you had to replace the traction battery, with a little diligence, it would be painless and fairly inexpensive, brakes go forever(really), the ice (internal combustion engine) isn't ever getting beat on, just put on good rubber and maintain fresh fluids
     
    #15 ursle, Dec 29, 2012
  16. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Second Generation :3 AND Yes, the payment for NAC (stands for National Auto Car i believe) is extra, in addition to the insurance, but completely optional. It's offered by the dealer as additional coverage in case parts fail (this doesn't include the hybrid battery though :\ ). I have full coverage insurance as well.
     
    #16 Morisato, Dec 29, 2012
  17. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    NO DONT DO IT!

    The Prius is very reliable as it is. Put the money aside. It doesnt cover the hybrid battery anyways and thats one of the bigger components that should be covered. Basically by buying it, you are just making the car lots owners boat payment.
     
    #17 PriusGuy32, Dec 29, 2012
    usnavystgc likes this.
  18. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Thanks! I will take that advice. Seems a bit much to be paying for that, when the most important component isn't even covered. Thanks for your response.
     
    #18 Morisato, Dec 29, 2012
  19. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I agree w/ PriusGuy32. That sounds like pure snake oil. The only person this will benefit is NAC.

    Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the community.
     
    #19 usnavystgc, Dec 31, 2012
    PriusGuy32 and Morisato like this.
  20. Morisato

    Morisato Junior Member

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    Thanks! :D PriusChat seems like a very good place for information :3 I will definitely be a regular visitor. :D
     
    #20 Morisato, Dec 31, 2012
    PriusGuy32 and usnavystgc like this.
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