Buying Used: What to look for

I strongly disagree with this statement. Absolutely get a model with a backup camera if you can find one that meets your other criteria. The view out the rear and particularly the side rear is very restricted. The backup camera has a wide view-range and makes backing up (and backing out of slanted parking slots I've noticed) much safer. I definitely would not have gotten the Prius if it wasn't offered.

That said, others here don't have the backup camera and they have no problem. But I wouldn't ever say that the camera is "worthless".

 

If you get one with a salvage title, make sure that you do not pay too much.

At the moment, the price of used Prius automobiles seems rather high compared to other vehicles. Considering the number of new Prius vehicles available on Toyota dealers lots, and the current rather high resale value of used vehicles, I'd recommend a new Prius. Here in California, I've seen new Prius vehicles (package 2) advertised for around $ 22K.

Good Luck,

Keith

 

Look for a Prius which is straight and clean. Make sure all the panels are the same colour.

 

Start by reading Consumer Reports advice on buying cars. This includes stuff like researching the VIN to be certain it's not a salvaged car and paying a certified Prius tech (almost all of them are at Toyota dealers) for a thorough inspection.

The rear view mirrors can be adjusted to give completely adequate views to the rear, so don't panic if you can't find one with a rear cam at a resonable price.

I advise buying as few optional electronics as possible. These are always more expensive to buy when they are part of the car, more expensive and bothersome to fix if they ever need repair, and make the car more attractive to smash-and-grab thieves. Take your MP3 player, GPS nav etc. with you instead.

 

The above is so important it bears repeating: Pay a certified Prius tech to do a thorough inspection of the car.

Also make sure that all the recommended maintenance has been done.

If used is the only way you can afford a Prius, that's understandable. Personally, I will never buy a used car again after my very first car (a 1956 Willys Jeep) threw a rod a week after I bought it.

 

toyota is giving up to $2000 in rebates for 2008 prius to help move the cars off the lot & into the driveways of individuals who aren't aware of the fact that there will be a new & much improved (80+ mpg) prius for the 2009 model year.

people are asking way too much for their 06 and 07 prius, so if you're considering a nearly new car you mind as well buy a new 08 prius or wait a little for the 09 prius.

however, you should be able to find a really good deal on a 04 or 05 prius, why would you want to destroy a beautiful car with a bunch of ugly yellow stickers?

 

During your Prius-tech inspection, you could ask them to replace the transaxle fluid. Having the old fluid analyzed for metal and other contamination and found to be OK would be a great condition of purchase, it seems to me.

The driver seat rug should have a hook to keep it from crawling up the accelerator pedal. The tires should not be worn in strange-looking ways.

If you find one with a sticker but no NAV, remember that the portable GPS units can be pretty good themselves.

 

I have an 05, and there was a recall involving the steering shaft. Not sure if the 06 was involved in that recall.

 

I know people who would sell their firstborn child to Satan to be able to breeze the Bay Bridge toll plaza in the commuter lane in the morning. One of my coworkers bought a Honda Civic hybrid just for that reason (his brother worked for Honda so he was able to get a very nice deal on one).