Which prius to buy, need your advice??

A quick test drive will not show all the improvements on the '10 vs. the '05. If money is not an issue, wait for a '10 that has all you want.

 

Hi Oysterboy -

This is a real personal decision. A low milage vehicle will always be cheaper than a new one. Sometimes I look at it considering how many miles I will drive it. If you assume you will drive each to 100,00 miles, the 2005 will cost you about 22 cents per mile, and the 2010 II about 24 cents. Not much difference for getting the newest technology and a bumper to bumper warranty on the new one. The warranty is a big issue for me. If you buy a warranty on the 2005, watch out for all the fine print and what is excluded. And you should factor in that cost, too.

There is also the issue of how the previous owners took care of the 2005. Maybe you can get some history about them.

I just bought a 2010 II because I didn't want to pay for the sound system and gadgets on the higher models. But now that I have it I miss some things like automatic lights that turn on and off, running lights, compass, special rear view mirror, etc. But I love the car anyway. And the extras on the other packages would cost a bundle. I plan to run this Prius for 2 to 3 years and if I like it as much as I think I will, I'll may get a IV or V and enjoy the goodies.

Don't know if this helps. They are just thoughts that come up for me.

Good luck.

 

Is it a "certified" Used Toyota?

If it was certified, which would mean The Battery comes with a warranty as well as some other coverage, I'd probably go ahead and get the used automobile. You sound like you like it.

If it is not a Toyota Certified used vehicle, then I'd pass.

The other question to ask yourself is how long do you plan to keep the automobile? The used sounds like a good deal today, but it is already 4 almost 5 model years old. Which to me, doesn't matter much if it is in good shape and you plan to keep it for a long period of time. BUT if you think you'll be looking to change in 3-5 years keep in mind the 2005 will then be a going on being a 10 model year old vehicle and will have lost more value than a 2010.

Overall those would be the two factors I'd consider. From the tone of your post it sounds like you'd be happy with the used.

Oh, and the other thing to really check out is how comfortable you feel in both cars seats. Some people have had comfort issues with the seats in generation 2, some in generation 3, although most agree Gen 3's seats are more comfortable (height adjustment). But for some, on long drives this has become a huge issue. Go sit in the generation 2 for about 30 minutes.

 

IMO go with the 2010 Prius, but don't waste your money on the $1800 NAV system. It is inaccurate and involves way too much activity from the driver - who should be watching the road, not pushing this button or that button. The portable GPS systems ($300 or less) are much more user friendly, get you to where you want to go correctly, and involve almost no action on the part of the driver once the trip begins.

 

I'm not much of a used car person, so I'd get the new one. I know that means I'm paying for all that depreciation, but to me it's worth it. As others have said, if it's a Toyota certified it's worth considering.

 

It was the new sporty body, handling, ,more efficient engine, power, 90 % hybrid system re-design and cockpit that sold me the 2010. I had been waiting on this for years and finally got my chance. Good luck on your decision!

 

Not sure what you mean by "automatic" but if you turn on your lights, or running lights, and leave them on, they will always be on when you drive and will shut off automatically after you leave your car.

 

The dealbreaker is the 4-5 year old battery, depending on when the car was manufactured. Sure the miles are low, but you are about halfway through the expected life of the battery. The $16k price tag may make that more palatable, but that is a decision only you can make for yourself.

 

I traded in a 2005 fully loaded Prius with 83,000 miles (absolutely nothing wrong with it) for a Sandy Beach Prius 2010 package IV base, and traded in a 2009 XLE v6 fully loaded 6,000 miles for a White Prius 2010 V with Advanced Technology pack, so we now have 2 and my wife thought I was crazy to get rid of the 2009 camry, but now she really loves the back up camera of the nav and starting to love the Advanced Technology stuff also but we are not trading in hers now, not for 3-5 years at least.

But I can tell you we both love the new 2010 over the older ones by a long shot. That is why we now own 2, and the V w AT is well worth it (if you have the extra money or can make the higher payment), I love the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control !

Good luck
Don

 

When we went looking a local dealer had quite a large selection of us and new Prii(??) There was a 2009 package 6 with only 7500 miles on it. It was $25,000. I was able to get a 2010 package 4 for the same price. Much nice vehicle (to me anyway) with 1 mile and full warranty. Lots of improvements over Gen 2 vehicles. Factory Nav is nothing great, as others have stated previously.

Your choice. I am sure you will enjoy either one!

 

I don't have any Prius experience - yet - but just thought I would mention something I read in Consumer Reports. They advise that generally speaking it is good to buy the latest car that fits your budget, so you will have the benefit of the latest safety features. It may be that there is not much difference between Gen II and Gen III safety features (I have not researched that subject), but it is something you might consider.