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Considering two 2008 Prii for first time hybrid purchase

Discussion in 'Dealers & Pricing' started by HowardDean, Apr 10, 2011.

  1. HowardDean

    HowardDean Josh

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2011
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    Location:
    Connecticut, U.S.A.
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    So seeing the market for the '10 & '11 Prius, Ive decided to gen a Gen II.

    The 2008s with low miles and atleast navigation seem to be between 18k ~ $21k.

    Ive found two - both 2008s

    Prius option 1 for $17,500 from a private party
    -38k miles
    -Toyota Platinum Care Warranty (7yrs/100k) One owner so it transfers
    -Package 5 with Nav
    -well maintained with new tires

    Prius Option 2 for $15,999 from a non Toyota Dealer so not certified
    -56k miles
    -Package 6 with leather
    -one owner as well with servicing from Toyota

    The out the door price including tax will be about $1,000 lower with the dealer and I get rid of my current car. The leather seems appealing to me as well.

    Ive heard the Toyota extended warranty is a bit of a scam anyway since nothing goes wrong until well beyond 100k. IT doesnt pay for regular wear and tear things like brakes or oil changes which is the majority of the costs.

    What are your opinions? Its very hard for me to decide because its a major purchase which Im doing with cash. I could buy a new car which gets relatively good gas mileage and free service + warranty for the same price as a used Prius. But I love the options on the Toyota hybrids and the gas mileage.
     
    #1 HowardDean, Apr 10, 2011
  2. direstraits71

    direstraits71 Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Assuming both cars are in similar condition I'd go with option 1. The warranty is a plus since its already included and you couldn't buy it for either car since they have over 36K miles. I wouldn't call the warranty a scam since it protects against the rare but expensive repairs that can occur if you happen to be the unlucky one. Regarding warranty coverage, as a starting point check this thread:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...g/45348-main-things-not-covered-warranty.html

    A search will find many others on warranty coverage for the Gen2 Prius.

    Good luck with your purchase!
     
    #2 direstraits71, Apr 10, 2011
  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    ^^
    Agree w/everything direstraits71 said.
     
    #3 cwerdna, Apr 10, 2011
  4. HowardDean

    HowardDean Josh

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Connecticut, U.S.A.
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Thank you! I did read that thread on exclusion items. The only reason Im hesitant with the first one is the price. Its $1,500 over the dealer Prius which is a higher package albeit with higher miles.

    The first option's armrests look faded and the carpets are worn which is understandable. A used car will never be a new car. The second option is a lot cleaner and has the leather which looks nicer. Plus the option 2 is a touring edition which likely has marginally better resale value. Im actually worried about resale value of the Gen IIs as the 2010s and 11s / 11EVs start rolling out in bigger numbers.
     
    #4 HowardDean, Apr 10, 2011
  5. HowardDean

    HowardDean Josh

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Thanks for the feedback! I cant wait to get more involved in the forum about average MPGs and everything else PRIUS.

    Right now Im driving a 1998 Passat 1.8 4cyl Turbo 5-speed with 197,700 miles. If I use standard hypermiling techniques I actually manage to get ~36-38 on the highway with it. Its a sweet car with power when you want it and efficiency for long drives.

    Decided to get a Prius for its excellent (and unmatched) fuel economy as well as its luxuries like keyless start and the fairly roomy interior.

    Its my first newish car - a gift to myself after college.
     
    #5 HowardDean, Apr 11, 2011
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    The touring version will likely have a slight mileage hit. See Most fuel-efficient cars.
     
    #6 cwerdna, Apr 11, 2011
  7. HowardDean

    HowardDean Josh

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
     
    #7 HowardDean, Apr 11, 2011
  8. HowardDean

    HowardDean Josh

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Wow awful grammar / spelling the previous post- typed in bed on my phone using the tapatalk app
     
    #8 HowardDean, Apr 11, 2011
  9. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    The last page of http://www.consumersunion.org/Oct_CR_Fuel_Economy.pdf describes their tests. Their references to government tests were prior to the model year 2008+ test change.

    FWIW, on my non-touring, w/my old commute, when I was in CA, I could manage a tank over 50 mpg if I kept my speed below 70 mph for the whole tank. My commute wasn't conducive to pulse and glide and the highway portions were unsuitable for "super highway mode" (http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...y-mode-alternative-65-75-mph-range-hints.html). My lifetime avg used to be ~46 mpg and is falling now because I have very short city drives.

    See http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...uth-about-epa-city-highway-mpg-estimates.html if you want to learn more about the EPA tests.
     
    #9 cwerdna, Apr 11, 2011
  10. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I would definitely go for option 2. Take it from me, the touring edition makes a big difference. Better ride, stiffer suspension, bigger rims. Plus as you said, option 2 has leather. That changes the whole feel of the car and if it's what you want, you have to get it or you'll regret it. Get the car you want - don't worry about these warranties and guessing games. By the way, what are the body colors of these cars? - thats another big factor.

    Also anyone can make the tires on option 1 look new with tire spray. Are they actually new tires though?

    As far as an mpg hit on the touring, it's simply not that bad. I have a touring and I get 49mpg in winter and 54mpg in summer and that's with the crazy weather and terrain of Kah Lee Fornya.

    Oh and option 2 is almost $2000 cheaper than 1?!? Yeah man, you gotta get option 2. I don't see how you wouldn't.
     
    #10 macmaster05, Apr 11, 2011
  11. HowardDean

    HowardDean Josh

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Connecticut, U.S.A.
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Just bought this car for $15,500 with a 500$ trade for my 98 VW Passat which was in roughh condition.

    I think all it all excellent deal.

    Managed 61.5 MPG on my first 100 mile drive! :)))
     
    #11 HowardDean, Apr 11, 2011
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    howard, i would have expected you to go hybrid years ago!
     
    #12 bisco, Apr 11, 2011
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