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Should I buy this 2004 Prius? 150k miles

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by nobodyknowsme, Mar 5, 2012.

  1. nobodyknowsme

    nobodyknowsme Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2012
    14
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    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Need a 3rd car in the family. Never had a hybrid before, but it's starting to make sense now with the gas prices going up.

    Didn't go to the dealership looking for a Prius, but saw one on the lot and figured I'd test drive it. It is definitely a different kind of driving experience...one that I enjoyed. :)

    Dealer offer is $7700 out the door for 2004 Prius 150k miles with Navigation and self replaced (used 50k) hybrid system (battery + inverter). Dealer took car to large toyota dealership to get the codes dumped. Car was driven for 200-300 miles more and Toyota technician indicated that no errors showed on vehicle.

    Carfax is clean with 2 owners that performed maintenance almost every 3-6 months at the dealership.
    Regarding the checklist:
    Dealer is unsure about the Transaxle oil change on the vehicle. Most of the Carfax records say "oil change", "maintenance", "battery inspected", etc.

    Dealer is getting at minimum 40mpg on the vehicle currently. Dealer has only 1 complaint in past 3 years on BBB.

    We currently have a 2000 Corolla with 128k miles running strong (minor issues) and a 2005 Lancer with 120k miles. So the Prius would be the highest mileage car for us.

    How much maintenance issues am I looking at? Nothing shows up on the Maintenance screen. I've been doing some reading on this forum, so I think I know what I'm getting myself into...but I'm not a mechanic so I would need to have any future issues fixed by a proper mechanic.

    Dealer initially asked for 7900+500 tax,tags,fee,registration. Brought it down to 7700 OTD.
    Dealer has another 2007 Prius (base, no navigation, but it does have rear view camera) with 100k miles asking for 9900...but it's a bit out of budget.

    Would you...or Should I...
    Deal or No Deal?
     
    #1 nobodyknowsme, Mar 5, 2012
  2. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
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    Location:
    L.I.- NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    What kind of warranty are they giving you- and specifically which parts/systems are covered?

    I have 159K mi on my 2003 Honda CR-V (I'm the original owner) , and it still looks and runs excellent- but it's not a complex hybrid vehicle.
     
    #2 ny_rob, Mar 5, 2012
  3. nobodyknowsme

    nobodyknowsme Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2012
    14
    0
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    No warranty. It is "as-is"
    All their vehicles on their lot are "as-is", including their expensive 20k used cars.
     
    #3 nobodyknowsme, Mar 5, 2012
  4. stevemcelroy

    stevemcelroy Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2009
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    Location:
    Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I do not think that I would buy.

    Toyota makes great cars and the Prius has proven itself to be exceptionally reliable, but when you are talking about a car with 150k miles you really do not know what to expect. Could the first big problem for you be at 200k or even 225k - sure, but it could also be at 155k. With a car of this vintage you really do not know.

    If it were me and I was looking for an inexpensive and reliable car from that time frame the first thing that I'd look for is a Chevy Prizim - built alongside the Corolla at the NUMI plant it is essentially a Toyota with a Chevy badge. It has Toyota reliability and for the most part Chevy resale value. A little newer I'd probably look at the Pontiac Vibe - same deal with it and the Toyota Matrix.
     
    #4 stevemcelroy, Mar 5, 2012
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,658
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    why don't you wing on up to boston and drive home my daughter's 04 w/nav and 90,000 miles for $7500.?
     
    #5 bisco, Mar 5, 2012
  6. nobodyknowsme

    nobodyknowsme Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2012
    14
    0
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Would purchase it if I was closer! However, factoring in one-way airfare and the time/gas to drive back makes the deal not so worthwhile for NC as the car prices are not too outrageous yet/gas is almost manageable.

    Although, not to go too crazy, I will let you know if I want to look into getting that car shipped to CA. For $8k (including shipping) + CA tax/registration costs, it may make more sense. CA registration gets the car 10yr/150k mile warranty I think. Does anyone want to confirm?

    Let me know if you'd be able to provide more information on your Prius.
    Carfax and maintenance history?

    I am moving to CA and would consider getting a Prius. You're welcome to try to help with logistics to help convince me :)
     
    #6 nobodyknowsme, Mar 5, 2012
  7. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
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    Location:
    L.I.- NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Walk, er... run away from "as-is" vehicle from a used car dealer. Your state may have some protection for used vehicles from commercial dealers- but you don't want to go there....
     
    #7 ny_rob, Mar 7, 2012
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