Opinions Welcome: Gen 2 and 3 Buying Options

Hello all. Having to replace my wrecked 2007 Touring model, so wasn't expecting or wanting to go car shopping. After many, many hours (weeks) of research and preliminary shopping, I have it down to the following:

2007 light blue Touring that is overpriced ($8,500), but expecting to get them down. 73,091 miles, one owner, good carfax with decent service history. My concern is that despite the low miles, still a 10 year old car and hybrid battery.

2009 green Touring with 88,450 miles; one owner, good Carfax, asking $8,995. Sounds very promising, but haven't driven or seen yet. If checks out, the 2007 would have to come down to no more than $7,500 and still might prefer this, though not a fan of the green and prefer lower price.

2010 silver Prius IV with moon roof at same dealership as 2007, with 92,461 miles for $10,490. Drove it, fine, would need to examine Carfax since I was looking more at 2007. Would try to get them down to $10K even. Concerned about tendency of 2010 to burn oil.

2011 silver Prius III with 134,975 miles for $8,774. This would be a great deal I think, if my questions get good answers. Higher mileage than the rest, but it seems like higher mileage is better with regard to battery health than the other cars being older. Better than 2010, because cheaper and not the history with oil burning of 2010, though I've read the 2011 is less reliable than 2010. A 2012 would be awesome, but these ended up being the top contenders based on mileage, price, availability, etc. My questions are that there seems to still be an open recall on curtain air bags,though this car was serviced regularly at a Toyota dealership. I also noticed
Engine/Power Train Computer/Module reprogammed at 60,003 miles on 4/25/2014. I'm hoping some veterans or experts here can tell me what that means? Otherwise, this high mileage one owner car was serviced regularly at dealership.

My inclination if everything checks out would be to go for the 2011, with 2009/2007 tied after, then 2010 last. Thoughts?

 

Sorry, 2009 Touring asking price is $8,995.

 

Probably average miles per year. Don't know that I NEED any options besides working car, though I like Bluetooth. For the older ones, prefer Touring, but both are. The car can be garaged and will take priority for that, so yes. I do not typically use dealer for service, but not totally out for that. I do like the service department at nearby dealership, but I have tended to get oil changes, routine stuff elsewhere.

 

It's interesting to shop at dealerships that don't know hybrids (most), because they don't really understand the hybrid battery issues and how that makes buying a used Prius more complicated and different than non-hybrids. I've whittled my list down by considering heat and hills of climate, and I'm concerned about age of batteries. I know the Gen II can run out of gas and completely discharge the battery but not the Gen III, so that's a plus in the newer car column (since I have no way of knowing if someone ran out of gas and harmed the battery). I know age of battery is probably more important than mileage. I'm concerned about them sitting on car lots for too long, draining battery. So trying to keep all this in mind and not get scared away from buying Prius, because I loved and miss my 2007 Touring.

 

I prefer the interior design of the Gen II, but I appreciate that improvements were made to driving and handling in Gen III. I know I will not be able to put away around $3,000 for a new battery for the 2007, because we have two teenagers that are expensive. The one who totaled my Prius is going to college this Fall, and the nearly 16 y.o. is probably poised to total another one. ugh. So you think the mileage on the 2011 is a deal-breaker? How bout the 2009 near same price as 2007?

 

Gotcha, and no, not a fan of the green, but might be able to put up with it if it's worth it to have two extra years. Trying to sort it all out. I appreciate your feedback! My 2007 was around 144,xxx miles, so I guess I was thinking of just trying to replace at that level. However, you have a point about the mileage. My key fob had pooped out.

 

There's a guy in another threat that offers to buy people cars at auction, and apparently a warranty can be purchased to return, so I'm wondering about that as a possibility as well, though probably don't have the time and shouldn't take the risk. He recommends newer ones of course, but there are some major savings for what seems like a little over $1,000 in shipping car to you and buying fees.

 

The 2011 is $8,774 and would probably go lower. Yes, the thought of changing types of cars has crossed my mind, but I really liked my Prius and loved the gas mileage. I averaged 46 mpg. I have had and liked Mazdas and Nissans, but again, I REALLY liked my Prius. What did you end up buying?

 

Just searched my area for Mazdas, Nissans, and Toyotas in same price range and nothing to write home about. I'm in the Chicago suburbs. Maybe District 6 has better deals?

 

I have always liked Altimas. What kind of gas mileage? I tend to really like a hatchback though. Love getting the slow car for a teen!

 

JC91006, what do you like about the 2007 for local driving?

 

Thanks for your input! I may well roll the dice and go for the 2007 or 2009.