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Can you please give me advice? Should I buy this Prius?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by M. Sartor Lansing MI, Dec 1, 2009.

  1. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    Hello All!

    I need to buy a new/Used car, and am now considering buying a used Prius at the local Toyota dealership. The car is a 2007 5dr HB with 81,000 miles on it. The asking price is $12,888. The carfax says it has had only 1 owner, but was in a minor accident (animal - a deer?) A year later, the owner put it up for sale.

    link to the car: is at spartantoyota.com. I can't post the link to the car yet.
    It's Bisque color.

    My situation is that I don't drive much at all, I'm retired, and the high mileage doesn't bother me that much, as I won't be putting more than 2-4,000 miles per year on it. So in a few year, it's mileage will look almost normal. I'm crazy about the new hybrid tech also, but low on funds now.

    So my main concern is the mileage. Would you buy it? Recommend it to a friend? Do you think the price is good? Can I negotiate downward on the price? It's not listed as being an official 'Toyota Certified Used Vehicle'. Does that matter as far as the extent the dealer prepared it for resale?

    Thanks in advance for ANY help at all. I hope I am not out of line for posting such a question in this forum.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    If you don't drive it much, then it may not make sense financially.

    I would try to find more information about the condition of the vehicle, like exactly what type of damage it sustained in the "minor accident" and how good the owner cared for it (maintenance).

    You could also just buy any sort of decent used car for like $4k.

    If I were you, I wouldn't buy it if I drive very little - since I think more about the return on investment.

    I may consider buying it, assuming the car is in very good condition and well-maintained.

    Also, if the majority of your trips are short trips (less then 5 miles), you may not get the mileage that you are expecting.
     
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  3. thbjr

    thbjr Member

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    Bob64 is correct about the stort distance trips = low MPG, but if you want one because you like the hybrid technology, go for it. As for the asking price, every dealer marks up every used car to the price they 'hope' they can get from an non-savy car buyer. Go to edmunds.com and kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book) and get the private party price as well as the trade in values. I would never concider paying even private party price to a dealer because A: I'll have to pay tax for a car from a dealer (at least in my state) and B: I know he has thousands less in the car than 'asking' price. If you want to find out about what your dealer paid for it, call them and tell them you have a 2007 Prius with about 80,000 miles on it and want to know about how much it's worth towards purchasing a new Prius AND how much under sticker price they are willing to sell the new car for. KBB trade in value on that car in my area in 'good' condition is $9,650 and private party price in 'good' condition is $11,600. So priced at $12,888, the dealership looks to have plenty of room for negotiation. (Prices in your area may be differant)
     
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  4. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    Great comments folks! Thanks! I'm still thinking about it, but unsure. Although I crave to have a Prius with it's hybrid tech, on this car, I am torn between the high miles, and 'minor accident' and cost, and long term reliability, especially considering if any body work needed to be done, or front end work/engine work needed to be done after the accident. I guess it's best for me to talk to the dealer, and see what they say..

    thanks!
     
  5. blades

    blades New Member

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    I think I have to agree with Bob, that if you won't be driving it much, there's no bang-for-the-buck return. It's probably a great car. But only 2-4k miles per year? I seriously think I'd consider a used full-size SUV like a Sequoia or Suburban or some such animal. You will get much more vehicle for your $$, and won't see the R.O.I. for the premium you will be paying for the Hybrid. If you like smaller cars, I have seen 2007 Corollas with under 10k miles for that same money, just gotta look around a bit. You will still get great MPG but your car will be much less "used". Anyway, best of luck with your decision!
     
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  6. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    Good advice blades. I do prefer smaller cars, and a corolla would fit the bill.

    thanks for your helpful feedback.
     
  7. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    Alternatively, since you're low mileage, you could also get something a little more interesting to drive (like a Miata, or a WRX since you live in Michigan)
     
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  8. drees

    drees Senior Member

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    Look around a bit more. You should be able to find one for a similar price without the accident damage if you're worried about it.

    The mileage on the car isn't anything to worry about - with the amount of driving you do anything less than 100k miles will be fine. Could even get one with more miles - just means they were mostly highway miles which are easy on the car.

    If you're crazy about hybrid tech, you'll love the Prius.
     
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  9. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    More great suggestions/advice from drees and a_gray_prius!
    Thank You!

    I'm 61 now, and while I really think the electric car is going to be the wave of the future, that will probably not trickle down to a point to where I can afford it. A used Prius would be a great option I think, and drees, you are right, that I am worried about the accident damage more now. A friend recently reminded me of the many problems she had with an Accord she bought used.. it was a real nightmare. So, while I'll probably buy used, it should not have had an accident.

    Thanks so much again folks! Great advice!
     
  10. ibmindless

    ibmindless Member

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    I would not recommend the used Prius. If you want long term reliability and cheap operating expenses, look for a 1-3 year old Corolla or Camry. You could easily go into your local Toyota dealer and test drive a new one (or a used one) in order to see which you prefer.

    After the test drive, go home, do some research on the cars and prices --- then you can start to formulate a good decision.
     
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  11. PriusLewis

    PriusLewis Management Scientist

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    You keep mentioning high mileage. Actually, that isn't high mileage for a Prius. Many commercial operators we hear from on the board are seeing 300,000 miles (taxi services). The taxi guys like them because of low total life cycle cost. Not only do they save gas, but they are one of the most reliable cars on the road.

    At around 80K miles the traction battery, for instance, is still under warranty (to 100K, I believe). The hybrid parts have proven to be very reliable, including the battery. The most common issues are the 12V battery (very small, only used to boot up the system and might need replacement more often than a "normal" 12V battery) and the water pump for the traction battery (it's water cooled) - at least from what I've seen on the board.

    With the car you are looking at, I'd be more interested in how well the damage was repaired than the current mileage. You didn't mention the package level. The Prius came in "levels" indicating the options. I believe most were level II like mine. Do you know what the car has in the way of options? The level has an affect on pricing.
     
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  12. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    Awesome reply/advice.. thanks!
    I assume it does have the level II option package, but again, I am concerned about the damage.. nightmare/unpredictable repairs.
    I am unsure of just what the 'traction battery' is. It it the main storage battery for the car which is then used to power it when driving in all electric mode? ( I googled it, and couldn't find a decent definition for that term..)
     
  13. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    Great conversation! Thanks to all! Please forgive my newbie questions, and no I still haven't contaced the dealer yet... *ducks*

    I'm still concerned about the damage to that local used Prius, and now am looking at a one owner Prius with high miles (85,000) in Waterford Toyota for around $10,000.
    here's the link: 2005 Toyota Prius, $9,935 - Cars.com

    The owner put on a LOT of well maintained miles, but like many say, miles mostly don't matter much on a Prius, and the price is Right on for me. No accidents. Regular maitenance. The only thing is in the carfax report, the last recorded mileage was about 58,000 a year ago, and now it's listed as having 85,000..! I thought it could be an error in reading the odometer, but after realizing that the owner was putting on 4-5,000 miles every 3 months or so... Hmmm. It's listed as selling ' It is offered As-Is, extended warranty is available.'.. which puzzles me.. I guess it's the mileage. another question..

    from the carfax, after a normal maintenance on 1/2/08 (58,000 miles) it looks like the owner drove 30,000 miles with no oil change... odo now says 85,000 miles..
    carfax: CARFAX Vehicle History Report on JTDKB20UX53008971

    Sorry guys & gals, be patient. ideas? thanks in advance for a nervous purchaser looking for a good deal on a used Prius in my price range..
     
  14. blades

    blades New Member

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    .... ahhhh, Waterford..... my old stomping grounds where I grew up and lived for many years.
    Just from what you've mentioned in previous posts, I'd steer clear of the local one that was in the accident. That's not to say it may not be a great and trouble-free car, but you will always have that doubt in the back of your mind, and probably some buyer's remorse as well. Just wait until you find the "right" one, and you will be more confident and happy in your purchase.

    Just be sure to check KBB for a guidline in pricing used ones you look at. I would also highly recommend getting a CarFax or AutoCheck account (unless you already got one), which for around $35 will let you run any VIN for a complete background check. I used AutoCheck last time, because I think I got 60 days unlimited checks, and at the time a CarFax account was only 30 days.
     
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  15. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    Thanks for your kind & patient remarks blades. The line " Just wait until you find the "right" one, and you will be more confident and happy in your purchase." applies here, as I was just on a walk, and kept reminding myself.. just be patient.. and the 'right' car will appear, and I won't have to worry..

    I have decided to wait it out a bit, so I won't bother you all until I am more set on one or two 'definites' to narrow it down.. Thanks for all of your thoughts/advice & patience!
     
  16. blades

    blades New Member

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    Best of luck in your patient search, I'm sure you will find just the right one.
     
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  17. PriusLewis

    PriusLewis Management Scientist

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    There are 2 batteries - the "traction" battery is the one that runs the electric motors to assist the ICE (internal combustion engine) or to run the car by itself if the ICE isn't on (when in EV, or Electric Vehicle mode). There is also a small 12V battery that is used to bring up the computers and to switch on the main or traction battery.

    The "big" battery is a little over 200 volts DC. It runs through an inverter that brings the current up to a little over 500 volts AC. It is this voltage that runs the drive motors. Also, the inverter drops current from the 200 VDC to 12 VDC to run the "normal" car components (lights, stereo, etc.).

    The air conditioner is run by electricity like one in a house (kinda like a window unit). It will, therefore, work with the ICE off since it doesn't use the spinning gasoline engine to turn its compressor like in a conventional car.

    Heat is still provided by engine coolant heated by the ICE as in a conventional car. However, the Gen II Prius uses a thermos to store engine coolant when it is heated to help start the engine later in a warm state to reduce emissions. I believe it also makes the heater work faster here in Colorado (where it was 2 degrees F when I came to work this AM). :smow:
     
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  18. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    PriusLewis, THANKS for that awesome description of the traction battery and how it works in conjunction with the ICE. I'm a little excited so I'll keep this short, but really, it was a good reply.
    Sorry for taking so long to reply, as I've been biding my time, thinking, and ruminating about all of the various cars to buy, and pricing etc etc...
     
  19. M. Sartor Lansing MI

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    OK, OK... so this may be it....

    The Waterford Toyota dealership has a 2008 used rental Prius with 40,000 miles on it.. and a clean Carfax report for.... $14,000 out the door with my 1993 Nissan NX trade in. I talked to a sales person, and it will be a no hassle deal.. they agreed to the price/trade in etc..
    I am sort of set on going through with this.. Have to follow through by thursday if I want it.. I have read online, that it's not a bad idea to buy used rental cars, as they usually take good care of them, though one can't tell how all of the rentees drive the car...

    I read online, that Toyota lowered the base price on the Prius in Japan (I think) to $19,000 to compete with the Insight.. Is there any chance that will happen here??? thus lowering thee pricing on used Priuses?
    (Is plural Priuses? LOL)...

    What do you folks think of the car/price?

    THANKS!!

    Here is the link:
    Cars for Sale: 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid in Waterford, MI 48302: Hatchback Details - 266603620 - AutoTrader.com
     
  20. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Go to http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/index.html where, after you register, you can add a VIN & see service history. Toyota did lower the price to compete with the Insight. Once they found it wasn't any competition the price was increased & it will increase again in February. There isn't much correlation between a new car's price & a used car price. For some time a used Prius would cost as much or more than a new one. Personally, I disagree about the rental. Renters tend to have no regard for the car compared to an owner so I would expect more abuse & high mileage. Again, what is the package? I suspect a fleet vehicle would be a lower package. Personally, sheet metal or cosmetic damage would bother me less than irregular or no maintenance. Option packages for 2008 with notable differences:

    1--no backup camera
    2--single CD player
    3-6--autodimming mirror, 6 disc CD
    4-6--fog lights & HID headlights
    5-6--NAV unit
    6--leather

    The 2 sounds like a low end package but it is a well equipped car as higher end options from prior years migrated down. The camera is useful so I wouldn't get a car without one. You can't bundle 2 cars together. What is the price of the 2008 & what are they offering for your trade? You may also need to read www.carbuyingtips.com.