Which to choose? 2010 three or 2007 fully loaded

I wanted to get the priuschat community's opinion on what I should do. I am looking for a car for my niece that just graduated dental hygiene school. She needs a safe, reliable car (Prius, of course) and navigation as she will be going to different dental offices. Here are the three cars I have found:

-- the first is a 2007, fully loaded, with 53,018 miles. I think I can get this one for $14.5 or $15k. It seems to be in good condition. Some scrapes and bumper dents they say they can fix. I thought it clunked loudly when the ICE turned off but I may be used to my 2010. The plastic that covers the gas level / mileage display looked dirty from the inside. That made me wonder how it got dirty and if it's a sign of problems in that area of the dash. The car is on a Chevy lot and they have 7 day return policy, no questions asked. So, I can have my Toyota dealership check it out, thoroughly.

--the second is a 2010, model III with nav and 42,556 miles. This one has all service records (they were late for one oil change by almost 5k miles, but the rest are good). It has new tires and looks new. they are asking for $20.5k. This is from an independents dealership. they have an A+ rating from the BBB and great yelp ratings. I'm told by the owner that it was a certified Toyot priced at $28k and thats why it didnt sell. He traded Toyota for some 4x4s for four Prii and this is the last to sell. The seller is very open and doesn't mind if I bring it to a nearby mechanic or Toyota dealer to have it checked out.

--the third is a 2010, model III with nav and 37,7724 miles. Same condition as the other 2010, except for the tires. It's a private party with a clean title and one owner. He wants $20.3k but I think I can get it for $19.5 - $20k. Everything checks out on this car, but I'm always more suspicious of private party deals as I was just burned by a guy that lied about an accident and the radiator was cracked.

I'm hoping someone with experience with both gen II and gen III Prii could give me some advice. I'm not sure it's worth the extra cost in price and insurance for a younger car with a little less mileage. I definitely want a safe car. Firstly, she is young and pretty and I don't want her on the side of the road with a broken down car. Secondly, her dad thinks all hybrids are dumb and his mouth will go off if there is anything wrong with it - that's his personality.

So, what do y'all think?

 

Thanks farmermac, do you think I should worry about the age of the battery on the 2007? I don't think in 2007 it was covered by California's 8 year, 100,000 mike warranty.

 

Thanks Mike! That's the part I'm struggling with. Since its a 2007, it was sold in '06, making '12, it's 6th year on the road. :-/

A couple people I talk to said that it's a toyota and those years don't mean much with such low mileage.

 

Thanks! I own a 2010 so I don't have much knowledge when it comes to the Gen II. I'm leaning toward the Gen III but since my niece is poor exstudent right now, she is leaning toward the the 2007. Hmmmmmm

 

Nope, she's gonna making the payments on it. He's one of those "I'm always right" types.

Thanks Mike, the cheapest Prius c with nav is the model three. That has an MSPR of 21,635. I emailed a few dealerships and the cheapest I've found was "22,655 +TTL - $1,000 recent grad rebate". Not sure where that extra thousand came from. No response when I asked yet.

Diane from Carson was charging $2,000 over MSRP according to a post in the c forums....

The c is appealing since its brand new. I'd take model three for $20k tomorrow but I think there are a ton of people that would.

Cwerdna, that's weird that they don't give the c the full 12 years, but the regular Prius does. Lame, really.

 

Yeah, whoops. 10 years. So that's how it works. Thanks!

 

I tried to update it and uploaded a pic. It didn't take for some reason. I'll try again later. I've been a loooong time reader and really have learned a lot. This is a great community.

 

I just got an email from the Chevy dealership saying that they accepted my $14.5k offer. I will check out the 2010 tomorrow during my lunch break.

I'm still not sure what to do. Maybe seeing that car will make up my mind.

Thanks Fore, I think I was the one that said the Prius c would be the best at $20k but I can't find one at that price with navi.

 

ugh. I don't like those little navi's. I want her to be able to push the talk button, say her destination and keep her eye on the road. Plus having to hid them is such a pain. Three of my friends had their cars broken into because one had the suction cup things on his windshield and the other two had the marks left over. All three were stolen along with other semi-valuables. No one ever wants to take a stock radio.....

Oh, by the way, the 2010 was nice and it will be $22,594 out the door. Good deal?