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Need Advice - buying used Gen 3

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by naataalzz, Jul 5, 2018.

  1. naataalzz

    naataalzz New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2017
    2
    0
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    Location:
    Kailua, HI
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    I am currently trying to sell my 208 Honda CRV EX and looking at a Gen 3 Prius to get in its place. So far I have 3 cars I'm really interested but am having a hard time choosing. I am wanting to get $7k for my current car (either trade in or Craigslist) and wanting to keep my budget no more than $15k. I will be having to take out a loan for whatever car I decided. There aren't too many Prius in my area at the dealerships, so right now I have only found ones in my price range on Craigslist.
    The first one I'm most interested in is a 2015 Prius Two with 37000 miles, asking $15k (Craigslst). The second one is 2014 Prius Two with 50000 miles. She is moving and trying to find someone to move the loan over to, about $14500 left. The last is a 2011 Prius with 58000 miles, asking $11k. I'm not too sure the trim on this one, but there is a screen inside so I'm guessing four?
    In general, I was wondering if one seemed like a better deal than another or if there were certain years/problems to watch out for.
    There is a 2010 Prius III at a dealership here for $12k with 32000 miles, but I heard this was a bad year in regards to oil consumption and I was also warned that an older car with less miles might mean it was sitting for a while and to avoid that.

    Any help would be great!
     
  2. PokerMunkee

    PokerMunkee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2018
    34
    23
    0
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I just bought a 2011 Four with 90k miles for $10k from a dealer. Has both key fobs, new tires and a new 12v battery.

    If I was to do it again, I'd buy a 2012+ with the backup camera and full bluetooth. My 2011 has bluetooth for phone calls but not audio streaming :( I wanted heated seats, which was hard to find and my Four has that.

    Those prices seem high but I see you are in HI. Offer a few grand less than what they are asking and I bet they will agree. If not, walk away. They'll call you back!
     
    bisco likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,693
    48,945
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    how many miles a year do you drive, and how many years would you like to keep it?
    it has been reported here that hawaii dealer service is extremely slow and expensive. so you may want to get the newest, least likely problematic vehicle you can afford.