1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Need help with purchase process

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by markabele, Apr 22, 2013.

Page 2 of 2
  1. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    I don't mind having a few uncertainties about it. It will force me to learn more about it and be on here even more. :) Plus it wouldn't be my only vehicle. That and sometimes paying for a little uncertainty can get you a hefty discount. A car like this with everything perfect on it might cost 2 or 3 thousand more. A 30-40% discount is worth a lot to me. But I definitely appreciate the feedback and will consider any and all advice.
     
    #21 markabele, Apr 23, 2013
  2. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2012
    979
    226
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Just be aware that you might end up spending more in the long run by trying to save now.

    In my past experiences, it usually ended up better by spending more to get a more quality foundation to start with. Less problems down the road, less time wasted, more time spent on things like enjoying a family dinner or a walk along the beach while the sun sets.

    Regardless, best of luck on your purchase. You seem pretty set.
     
    #22 B2FiNiTY, Apr 23, 2013
  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,103
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I don't know if you have looked online to see how this car might be priced. To me it seems a little high. KBB which is some of the higher book values shows it at $6170.00 (Fair Condition)


    Kelley Blue Book


    If I was to buy that car today based on what you have shared, I would offer the guy $5000.00 cash. When you consider the damage on the body and the interior being trashed, no matter how good it runs or drives the downfall is going to be how it looks.
     
    #23 dorunron, Apr 23, 2013
  4. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    242
    42
    0
    Location:
    Columbus, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Pass on this one. It is almost always cheaper in the long run to buy quality up front.
     
    #24 Joe 26, Apr 23, 2013
  5. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Ya, looks like Edmunds has it close to 6k while kbb has it close to 7k.

    A do believe a lot of the stuff in the interior is cleanable by a good detailing place, so I'm not totally worried about that. I will price some windshield and hail damage places today however.
     
    #25 markabele, Apr 23, 2013
  6. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Looks like windshield replacement is going to run me about $275 regardless of where I go to. The body shop guys wouldn't even give me a rough estimate until I at least show them pictures, which I obviously don't blame them. Checked into some service shops doing inspections. All Toyota dealerships charge $125+ but a local garage that has some experience with Prii said they would do one for $30.
     
    #26 markabele, Apr 23, 2013
  7. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
    3,159
    989
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Honestly, this doesn't sound like that bad of a deal. For $6000, what can you really expect? If you can get it for $5k, great but fair condition would account for hail damage.

    Here's what I would do. Come up with a price that you think is fair, go look at it and if its what the guy says it is, go for it. It seems like he's being honest with you so far (telling you about stains, traction batt, hail damage). Sounds like a straight up person to me.

    As for the window, I would tell him if he will have it fixed, you'll pay $100 extra for the car otherwise I believe it would be very hard to fix the windshield for $100.
     
    #27 usnavystgc, Apr 23, 2013
  8. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
    3,159
    989
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    In reality, why would you fix the hail damage. After all, isn't your plan to trade the car in in a couple years? If the car's only worth $6k now, how much more will it be worth if the hail damage is fixed? I'm betting there is no return on investment for fixing the hail damage.
     
    #28 usnavystgc, Apr 23, 2013
    markabele likes this.
  9. Kermitt

    Kermitt Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2013
    38
    7
    0
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Imho, you can get something with a little bit more miles but with a full service history. Check the for sale section of PC, u would find a lot of options. Unless u r a mechanic with plenty of time and a big parking spot, i would pass, bit again, that's me.
     
    #29 Kermitt, Apr 23, 2013
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,081
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    There are a lot of concerns here. The only drawback to KBB is that it is not always accurate in certain regions. So take their estimates with a grain of salt.

    I would suggest trying to do some internet detective work and see if this guy has sold other Prii. I've ran across a few people trying to flip these cars and they do a horrible repair job which causes problems for the next owner.

    That being said, the price isn't bad if the interior only needs cleaning and the hail damage isn't extensive.
     
    #30 F8L, Apr 24, 2013
  11. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Probably worth it to check. How would I go about trying to find that out though?
     
    #31 markabele, Apr 24, 2013
  12. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Probably going to look at it Saturday. He will have it cleaned up by then. Should I ask for the VIN via email before I drive the hour away to check it out on carfax and everything?
     
    #32 markabele, Apr 25, 2013
  13. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
    12,544
    2,123
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    I would. As I mentioned, I'd also try Autocheck along w/Carfax since neither are infallible.
     
    #33 cwerdna, Apr 25, 2013
  14. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,081
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I would. :)
     
    #34 F8L, Apr 25, 2013
  15. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Well thanks for all the help everyone but I'm giving up on this one. The guy says he is firm at $6800. He probably should have said that on the ad so I wouldn't have wasted all this time, but oh well.
     
    #35 markabele, Apr 26, 2013
  16. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,103
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Keep looking, I have no doubt you will find one that fit's your pocketbook and desire.
     
    #36 dorunron, Apr 26, 2013
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 2 of 2