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Looking at Used 2004 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jonathonp, Aug 29, 2009.

  1. jonathonp

    jonathonp New Member

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    Hi-I'm looking at a used 2004 Prius 1.5L FI 16v. 77,000 miles for about $11,000. Is there anything I should be aware of or look at specifically before I buy it? Carfax checked out good with I owner and no problems.Very clean and was a commercial lease car previously.
    Thanks.
     
    #1 jonathonp, Aug 29, 2009
  2. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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    Price seems a bit high but I'm not really up current used prices. Have it completely checked out by a dealer. 04s were not without their problems.
     
    #2 jburns, Aug 30, 2009
  3. aforkosh

    aforkosh Active Member

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    One thing you should check is if the Multi-Function Screen has been replaced (that would be a good thing). The original MFS's had a defect that would eventually cause freezing when trying to control functions through the screen. The problem was fixed by the 2005 model run (maybe late in the 2004 run). Many people had the failure during the warranty period and got a replacement (including me). I believe that there is a Service Bulletin for the item, but if it needs to be replaced out of warranty, it is not cheap.

    It is to check if the screen is old or new: if pressing the INFO button on the steering wheel toggles between the Energy and Consumption displays, then the car has the new model. If you must hit a soft button on the screen, then the car has the old model. The on screen method works with the new screen also, but the steering wheel toggle is much more convenient.
     
    #3 aforkosh, Aug 30, 2009
  4. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    mine 04 60K miles is 9K and its mint.
    and it will not have a INFO button on the wheel unless it has navi
     
    #4 Sandy, Aug 30, 2009
  5. kkayser

    kkayser Junior Member

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    For that price and mileage, you should get some kind of warranty. Also, get the name of the lesee, and call him/her to discuss the car.
     
    #5 kkayser, Aug 31, 2009
  6. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    DANGIT!!

    I have a diligent 2004 beauty of a Prius and I was hoping I would be able to sell it for around 10 - 11k. By the sounds, I'm overly optimistic.

    To be honest, I would most likely start asking near there and get talked down. Every car has its quirks, but my '04 has given me five years of great driving and peace of mind. I'm hoping to get five more. Spread out, for 10k, that's 2k per year, 166 per month.
     
    #6 TonyPSchaefer, Aug 31, 2009
  7. jonathonp

    jonathonp New Member

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    Thanks for all the info. I'll check the screen. A friend of mine loves his 04 but doesn't have that kind of mileage. In regards to the price , Edmunds it should cost between 11k and 12k . Being here in North NJ prices tend to be a little higher. But the dealer seemed to be interested in negotiating. It's hard to find used prius around here( that's a good thing) though a lot of people drive them.
     
    #7 jonathonp, Aug 31, 2009
  8. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    I duno ... I've seen a few 2004's with 70k miles / 80k miles on autotrader that sold for $12K if they're package 9, leather and HOV stickers ... even though the stickers are only good for another 12 months or so.

    .
     
    #8 hill, Sep 1, 2009
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