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Help me decide which Prius to buy?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Nate Byrne, Jun 14, 2014.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I was going to call out Bisco for making up a word.....then to realize, it really is an actual word LOL
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i'm glad someone's watching, i tend make 'em up as i go.:p
     
  3. rcubed3r

    rcubed3r Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Here is my two cents on buying a used car....Research, a LOT. Make sure it is the kind of car you want. It sounds like you have this one taken care of.
    Make sure you like the car you are looking at. Not sure about the color...pass. Not sure you can live without an option the car doesn't have,pass....etc., etc., especially with the Prius. There are thousands of them for sale right now.
    The carfax is a good starting point, but with a car like a Prius, a good indicator of the condition of the car is whether the car has been to the dealer for preventative service. If it has had all of it's oil changes, etc. done at the dealer, I think that is a good thing. Many of us take good care of our own services, but if you see that a Prius has been serviced at a Toyota dealer, you'll KNOW the owner cared about the mechanics of the car.
    One thing I look for is tires. It might sound silly, but if I see a car for sale with cheap tires, I think the owner didn't care about the car. I'd be more interested in a car with worn out Michelins, than a a car with brand new GT Radials. If the tires are mismatched, no chance!
    Don't fret too much. A car with a terrible history could be a cream puff for you for years. You can never be sure.
    One thing you can be certain about is that there is a much better chance you'll get a great Prius than a bad one.

    Good Luck.
    Ron
     
  4. Chris54

    Chris54 Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
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    Location:
    Strawberry Plains, TN
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I was recently in the same position as you. I was trying to decide between a 2005 and a 2004. It came down to the car's history. 2005 had less miles, but the carfax was questionable. The 2004 had a very good service record. I decided on the 2004 with higher miles. So compare the 2 cars. Get the VIN and register at Toyota's website as an owner. If you input the VIN it could give you some insight into the maintenance.

    If both cars turn out to be equal I would probably got with the 2007. Its cheaper, you get an extra year warranty, and a younger hybrid battery.

    Also, even though I had already decided I didn't want the 2005, I told the dealer with the 2004 what price I was offered for the 2005. I was able to negotiate the price down. So maybe you can use these 2 dealers against each other to negotiate a good offer.

    Good luck
     
  5. Zank Frappa

    Zank Frappa New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2014
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    Location:
    Highland NY
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If they are optioned the same I personally would take the one that is less expensive and have the 1k for any unforeseeable repair. I would also try and negotiate the price down if the 9 isn't already after haggling. Seems like a pretty fair price for the mileage but I would try to get it down around 8500.

    Tell them your concerned about paying for a Toyota inspection, and if you seem like you have money in hand but are about to balk (walk away) 99% of the time they will not want you to leave and come back with more favorable price. Don't forget whatever the applicable sale tax is in your state. In NY the 10k car would cost 80.00 more. Title transfer etc.