1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

First car shopping. need advice.

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Sazla, Apr 12, 2017.

Tags:
  1. Sazla

    Sazla New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2017
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    27703
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    this will be my first car and since i'm in college it will have to be cheap. i'm currently looking at a 2008 prius (not sure what the trim is) with 118k miles for $5,000.
    someone please tell me if this is a good deal and if there are any problems with the 2008 I should be looking for.
    also any other advice on which years have major problems. i.e. the 2010 oil consumption.
    thanks in advance!
     
    #1 Sazla, Apr 12, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,918
    49,500
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome! 2008 is a great year. i wouldn't go any earlier. sounds like a good deal.
    here's what to do: learn how to reset the average mpg. then go for a good long test drive under varied conditions, and see what the mpg's are at the end.
    it also might be worth taking it to a dealer and paying a hundred fifty bucks for a once over.
    all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 12, 2017
    RCO and Sazla like this.
  3. Sazla

    Sazla New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2017
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    27703
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    is there anything wrong with buying a prius if it's more than 10 years old? like the battery? or does the battery give out with miles instead of old age?
     
    #3 Sazla, Apr 12, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,918
    49,500
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    the consensus is that time is harder than miles, but i don't think there's any data, just anecdotal.
    we are seeing a lot of 2005-2007 issues, but also, some are having great luck with them.
    like anything mechanical, the more years/miles, the higher the odds are that somethings will break.
    my daughter has an '08 with 100k. it's been a perfect vehicle, but who knows what the next 50-100k will bring?
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 12, 2017
    RCO likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)