Loaded 2005 0r standard 2007

In January I got a standard 2007 in the price range and mileage that you spoke of...

But the fact the car I got is only 5 years old instead of 7 years old is more worth it in the long run than occasionally getting lost because I don't have good navigation yet, or having to use my phone direct rather than using it via the car's bluetooth, or not having a rearview mirror that doesn't have buttons... Though I sure would love those 17" touring wheels and some sway bars and such...

Bottom line is this car, even as a base model, has loads of technology packed in it... So many bells and whistles in just how the car functions normally that having even more bells and whistles doesn't really interest me much...

Lastly, be patient, used Prius prices are not consistent at all and I've seen so many used ones way over priced and way under priced... And at only 100k miles most all Prius are still not requiring anything but general maintenance with no failure of anything of significance.

 

I agree with PriusCamper. They are a great change from anything I have ever driven, ever. The age is the bigger issue, and a 2007 would be a better bet.
Having said that, I bought a top of the line 2007 anyway (an i-Tech in Australia). I skipped the 2005 because of age versus repairs (although I have no fear of eventually replacing any HV battery), and that only 2007 and above had satnav, reversing camera and bluetooth. I didn't need them, but now we have them I can't get my wife to give the car back! We'll have this car as a "moms taxi" for the next 8 years at least. I'll never remember the price difference in 8+ years but we'll enjoy it every day (and use the reversing camera every day).

I stretched 20% over my price point to buy it. I worried sick over that. It's the most money I have spent on a car in over 20 years. Absolutely no regrets now! The leather seats I'm still unsure of. Not really a selling point for me. But after our last trip away I could vacuum all the kids spilt food easily off the back seat (except chocolate!, which wiped off). We live at a beach so sand will hopefully do the same this summer.

Bottom line for you, PriusCamper is giving very good advice. I'm just offering a friendly counterpoint.
Buy cheap, buy expensive, as long as the car is sound, it's a good buy!
It's probably irrelevant but I paid $17,700 Aus for a first registered Feb/2008 2007 model with 64,000 km. And as PriusCamper said, the prices fluctuate greatly. Same here in Australia. Best of luck!

 

Congratulations.... That's a great price for such a low mileage car! What part of the country did you find that car?