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2004 or 2007

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Taylor Bowman, Jan 23, 2018.

  1. Taylor Bowman

    Taylor Bowman New Member

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    Looking at getting a Prius options are 2007 with 270k miles on it or a 2004 with 230k miles on it. Both have clean car fax the 2004 has 4 owners 2007 has had 1. Which do you thinks the better buy both in good shape.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    do they both have original battery?
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Don't you want one with less miles? If those are your only choices, you'll need to drive them to see which is better. I prefer the 1 owner car, 4 owners sounds like a bad car being passed around
     
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  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    2004 was the first year of Gen 2, so all the teething troubles will be in that year.
    2006 and up have newer electronics.
     
  5. Taylor Bowman

    Taylor Bowman New Member

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    Yes original batteries
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how much for each?
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    2007. Front side & side curtain airbags were made standard that year - the side crash rating without the airbags isn't that great so you definitely want a Gen 2 with those airbags.

    The 2007 will also have the backup camera (unless it's the very base model) and thus a higher resolution 7" LCD screen that is at least more modern. It also includes the 3.5mm auxiliary input jack (again unless it's the very base model) which the 2004 does not have (if you play music via your phone or music player)
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good point, what package are they?
     
  9. Taylor Bowman

    Taylor Bowman New Member

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    2007 is touring package. 2004 is lift back just base package. The 2007 has a lot more bells and whistles. They are both right around $3500. 2007 seems better just has a lot more miles.
     
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  10. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    $3500? That’s ridiculous. You must not be looking hard. G2 market has tanked. There all old old cars
    That have a shiteload of miles and original battery.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    at that mileage, i'm not sure it makes a difference. 2007 sounds okay, will you be diy'ing or taking to a mechanic?
     
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I'm thinking of selling off a couple of mine with 200k for $3000. $3500 for high mileage sounds high to me
     
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  13. Taylor Bowman

    Taylor Bowman New Member

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    I would be doing any mechanical work or needs more then likely a new hv battery pack.
     
  14. Deft Jef

    Deft Jef Junior Member

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    I own a 2005 with 170k and a 2007 with 215k. The 2007 was a one owner car on it's original battery and the 2005 was a 2 owner car and has a re-manufactured battery. I would choose the 2007 for the bells and whistles and safety features. One owner cars are also typically better maintained. The 40k miles is not really a big deal considering the age and mileage. The average life of the traction battery is 12-15 years. If they are both on the original battery I would expect the 2004 to need a battery any day now. You MAY be able to squeeze another 1-3 years out of the 2007 battery if you are lucky.

    I paid $2500 for the 2005 and $3000 for the 2007 late last year. The 2005 had some minor rust on the rocker and rear quarter panel which I had repaired....but was the reason it was a little cheaper. The 2005 actually runs a little stronger than the 2007...I'm thinking because of the newer traction battery.

    Others have pushed back on the pricing but that will be dependent on your particular market now. Your market may be somewhat different depending on how many cars are available. I still occasionally see what Gen2s are selling for here on CarGuru and Craigslist and I would actually pay more for the same cars if I was currently in the market to make a purchase. At the time I purchased mine the market was saturated with competing Gen2s from private sellers and flippers with access to auction pricing.
     
    #14 Deft Jef, Jan 23, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2018
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  15. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    search

    Craigslist tampa

    to see what the market is like here just as a reference.
     
  16. Deft Jef

    Deft Jef Junior Member

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    Doesn't do him much good to know what they are selling for in the Tampa area unless he plans on flying/driving to that area to make a purchase. He has to deal with the realities of his market at the time of the intended purchase.
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds like you're prepared for a high mileage prius, all the best!(y)
     
  18. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    I'll take a guess that you are looking at the 2007 they're selling in Pleasant Grove? Cargurus lists that car as being $1,200 overpriced if that gives you some negotiating leverage on the price.

    My personal thought is to look at some of the others in Utah with 100k less miles on them for $1,000 more. If you are buying an older, used Prius you should already have some extra money set aside since many repairs are expensive, even if you do the work yourself. The last thing you need is a car you can't use sitting in the driveway because you can't afford the parts to fix it.
     
    #18 srellim234, Jan 24, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2018
  19. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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