2007 with 20,000mi - too low miles???

People on this site have been speculating that the battery's life is about 10 years, it is in fact warrentied for that length of time. Probably the concern with that mileage would be the health of the 12 volt battery, assuming it is still the origional battery. Prius batterys don't do well if they are allowed to run down too often for lack of use, but it is cheaper to buy a 12 volt, than an additional 30 thousand miles. If you have the car checked out by a good Prius mechanic, you probably have found a gem, good luck.

 

The price seems a little steep for a 2007 but I can understand it with the low miles.
In this area you can find Certified 2009's and used 2010's for that price. These are all with 3X the miles on them though.

If it were me I'd aim for a Certified 2010, even if it had 70,000 miles on it. Part of that is because I live in the rust belt and the age of the body & chassis is very time dependent (as well as the traction battery as mentioned above). Also a high miles per year car probably has had relatively easy miles, unless it's been used as a taxi or rental car.
For the most part these cars don't seem to have much in the way of chassis issues (front end, brakes, etc.) with accumulated miles.

If you do go for the 2007 insist on a new 12V battery installed by the dealer.

[Edit: Looking back at your greeting (and the time it was posted) I'm going to have to assume that you don't live in a high corrosion zip code.]

 

18,000 seems high since. A New car from the dealer 2013 with warranty and 2 years free service costs $24,200.

Toyota may have some rebates and zero financing around the holidays.

What does Kelly blue book says the value is?


Official Kelley Blue Book New Car and Used Car Prices and Values

 

There are two possible problems that I can think of:
1) The 12V battery, if original, likely needs to be replaced due to the low usage which means the battery has spent most of its time being semi-discharged, which will shorten battery life.
2) Unless the engine oil and oil filter was replaced at least annually, it is likely that some sludge has built up in the engine. Check the vehicle maintenance records to make sure that periodic engine oil changes occurred.

 

That's a Recall that's being done on most Gen IIs. Nothing to worry about on that.

 

You may be OK on price. Sounds like a good deal.
Steering shaft not sure. My BMW the seal for the shaft had to be replaced.

Are you buying from dealer with a warranty?

Looks like a good car.
May want to have a Mechanic inspect it and give an opinion on sludge
Drive the car and make sure I drives good.

 

Best you get it before it is sold. But for $6,000 more I'd get a brand spanking new one but that's me.

 

The 24K model has no solar roof.

 

If it was me I would not spend $18,000 for a 7 year old used car. Sure it has low miles but at 10 years old stuff starts going wrong and it is expensive. the Traction battery has a 10 year life span that will be replaced in 3 years. For 6 thousand more you get a new car that will give you ten years of worry free motoring. To me it's worth the extra money.

Nothing worse than car troubles. Why risk it?
Nothing worse than being penny wise but pound foolish.

 

A new traction battery replacement at the dealer is $4,200. Forget about the other stuff. What about the headaches and stress. Sure there are low cost salvage parts but do you want to go down that rat hole.

Step up and get a new car and have a decade of peace of mind.

 

30,000 miles is recommended drain and fill of transaxle fluid, should cost about $100

 

No that is your responsibility. I suggest doing it. If the dealer tries to upsell you to the flush just tell him the Drain and full.

Transaxle failure is expensive and can be avoided by replacing the fluid the first 30,000 miles and every 60,000 miles thereafter.

PCV valve which reduces sludge buildup should be done at 60,000 miles.