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Which would you choose?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by s-in-la, Feb 19, 2011.

  1. s-in-la

    s-in-la Junior Member

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    I'm choosing between two used Prius, I'm wondering what you would choose. These models are basically the same price:

    Car 1: 2009, package 6 so has leather seats, 21k miles, has 19 months left on original 3 year/36k warranty (I won't put it over the 36 miles in that time frame). color I love, leather seats, tinted windows (which I'm actually not crazy about as they reduce visiblity for me, but i know are desirable to some). From a used car seller, but one w/ a very good reputation (and has said I can take it to my mechanic to be checked out if i want). Comes with Carfax.

    Car 2: 2008, package 5 so has cloth seats, 18k miles, color I am ok with but don't love, no tinted windows. From a Toyota dealer, so includeds the certified used warranty. For the 3 month/36k miles, the other car basically already comes with that given its original warranty, so its just the extended powertrain and roadside assistance extras...

    What would you pick?
     
  2. jrb451

    jrb451 Junior Member

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    Reads like your pick is Car 1.
     
  3. s-in-la

    s-in-la Junior Member

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    No, I'm trying to be objective. It really comes down to, is the additional warrenty info from the dealer worth the stronger color preference and leather seats. The only "must haves" for me were low miles, a nav system, a backup camera, and neither black nor white color. Car 1 is a color I like better, and has leather seats, but I'm not kind of person where that wants to be driven to take a less smart deal over something like color/leather. But, i'm not sure teh extra warranty really gives you all that much...
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    since you have not talked price, i assume that's not an issue. i would get #1, i don't think low mileage warranty is a big issue. most problems seen here seem to come closer to 100K.
     
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Sure did in the 3rd sentence.

    I'd personally go with a gen III (no flames intended) but vote #1 for you.

    You can get an extend warranty right here on PC, it's one of the cheapest around and you have up till the original warranty expires to get it.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/sponsor...rius-extended-warranty-service-contracts.html

    Tint can be removed by the pro's; however, it is a PITA and I'm not sure of the costs.
     
  6. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    I'd pick #1; it's newer and comes with leather.
     
  7. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    If you take it to have it checked out, I strongly suggest taking it to Toyota, unless your mechanic is a Prius expert.

    I tell this to most - make sure you are happy with the front seat in a 2nd gen 04 - 09. It is not going to change after you buy it. A good way to compare is just to sit in a Camry or even the 3rd gen Prius whose driver's seat is vastly improved in size and adjustability.

     
  8. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Tinted hatch glass is a darn good idea in a Prius as the back window is 'very horizontal'.

    Even I got my '09 hatch glass tinted, but I went with a #35 which is not too dark. I didn't have the side back windows tinted - too expensive and a pain. Those are vertical windows anyway, who cares unless you're doing it for the look.
     
  9. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Sure sounds like at least subconciously you want #1.

    ...I'm assuming for #2 you mean 3 years, 36,000 miles?

    I'd take advantage of having the dealership you intend to use longterm check out #1,...and if it all clears...then buy The Prius it sounds like you want most...#1.
     
  10. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    I would go #1. Hal
     
  11. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    I estimate the extra dealer warranty as worth: squat
     
  12. jklhill

    jklhill Junior Member

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    Yeah, I'd go with #1 me thinks if it has the amenities you like. I just bought an 09 three weeks ago with cloth seats. I'm not a big fan of leather. Not sure about the tint if it is on the driver and passenger side windows as it is technically illegal there.
     
  13. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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    Yes, #1 for me too. The warranty coverage is not a big deal, as either car is likely never going to need it.
     
  14. s-in-la

    s-in-la Junior Member

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    Well, thought I would update everyone. I am now officially the owner of my first Prius. I did end up buying car number 1 (in Barcelona Red).
     
  15. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Woo-Hoo!!!

    Congrats.