newbie looking to buy 1st Prius...need feedback :)

Depending on your budget and how much you'll be driving. If it were me looking for a car that would last 5 years without much repair, I would look for one with no more than 100k miles on it.

 

This is a tough one. You are potentially talking about a car that is 10 years old and might be on the verge of needing a new main battery, which would run from $1500 to $3000; probably closer to the high end.

It is highly unlikely that a conventional car with similar age and mileage would be needing an expensive repair like that.

While I have two hybrids, I don't think they are good choices for everybody.

Given your target years, I assume that the budget is somewhat tight. A good used Corolla might be a better choice overall.

 

welcome! all the best.

 

On the plus side, Toyota is known for building superb reliability into their cars (Obama asked the Detroit automakers: "Why can't you build a Corolla?") but on the negative side, electrical components are harder to build reliability into. The truth is that the hybrid components, especially the battery are prone to fail due to the most subtle and inexplicable of reasons. For that reason, most of us rely on the long manufacturer's warranty on hybrid components that comes with a new car. If you examine the repair issues in the older Prius cars, there seem to be fewer problems with the mechanical components and more problems with the electrical components, therefore buying an older Prius is more of a gamble than with most conventional cars. However, if you are handy with diagnostics and doing your own repairs, the Prius may be a good bet.

 

I don't think it's too difficult if you follow the directions, with particular attention to the safety precautions. The voltages involved can be lethal.

 

If you have only a $6000 budget and you are limited on funds for high priced repairs....I would suggest you look at the Scion instead of the Prius

 

For someone that's familiar with the car, this would look like a good buy. However, since you are not familiar with the car and the known problems, I would stay away......especially with no service records.

 

The Prius will still function with reduced battery capacity. The regen-reserve will be less, therefore the fuel economy won't be as good, but as long as the system doesn't shut out the battery, it should still give you good fuel economy and performance.

 

Let's say the number is at 5%, and you end up being in that 5% with the car you buy. What would you do then? Play out the worse case scenario and if you can handle it, buy the car. It's like rolling dice, can you take the loss if it happened to you?

 

Kudos on that, lad.

 

Also in many cases when buying used (higher than 5%), the car will most likely have a problem (how severe??)....that's why it's being sold.

 

Would that it were as low as only 5%.

 

The warranty on the battery is 10 years/150000 miles.

Do Prius batteries fail out of warranty? Yes.

Do parts on other 10 year old cars with 150000 miles fail? Yes.

Chances are a higher mileage Prius will need more maintenance than a newer one. How old are the brakes, tires, and 12v battery? When were the fluids replaced? Dealer service history can be found at Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More by entering the VIN.

How much work will the 84000 mile Scion need? When were the belts replaced, especially the timing belt?

You could get a flat tomorrow. It could be a $10 patch or a $100 tire. How much money is in your repair fund?

Personally, I believe that Prius will outlast the Scion and cost less to maintain over the same period. It will definitely be cheaper to operate.

Depending on the package, $6000 could be a fair price. Download the brochures for the model years so you know what you are buying. The packages are not the same year to year.