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Selling my Prius C - advice?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by PriusC_OCD, Oct 16, 2020.

  1. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    I am dejected that I am having to sell my 2014 Prius C. It has been the best and most reliable car that I have owned, but I am moving to the mountains and my experience last winter was a bit scary on steeper hills.

    Does anyone have advice on selling private party? Are there specific sites that you recommend? Specific features to highlight? I completed all of the 100k maintenance including new iridium plugs, atf and coolant drain and replace, throttle body cleaning, and brake adjustments. Full inspection passed from Toyota dealership. Tires have 25k miles. I feel like she is ready for her new owner but I’m not sure where to start.
     

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  2. HanzSmith

    HanzSmith New Member

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    Have you considered selling on caravana? It seems their offers are decent. Not sure about private party other than craigslist but curious where you do end up selling.
     
  3. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    What happened on the last winter in the mountains? the car slips too much or something? too light?
     
  4. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    Yes, slips too much and when one of the wheels slip it seems the cvt depowers. (Not sure what is actually happening but heading up a slight hill, I had to back it down.
     
  5. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    Carvana offered less than CarMax. And the car is in immaculate shape and has all of the 100k service completed (thought I was keeping it for another 50k), so taking an offer based on just mileage seems to undervalue the car. It’s also 1k less than other website trade-in estimates...which is frustrating.
     
  6. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    I suggest you to keep it, if the car is already yours and you don't have to keep paying for it keep it. Try to adapt the way you drive to avoid the wheels from slipping, also once the winter ends you might need a fuel efficient and reliable vehicle depending on how long your trips are. I always wanted a blue Prius C, but was not able to find one with a decent price so i had to get a white one, but well white looks quite good too.
     
    tankyuong likes this.
  7. egg_salad

    egg_salad Active Member

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    I bet a decent set of winter tires is a whole lot cheaper than buying a new car.
     
    Pri3C likes this.
  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    No kidding! Tires make an enormous difference with any car, this one is no exception.

    I don't even live near real mountains and we get a huge benefit out of soft snow tires.

    But if it's time to sell the car on, it's time. Clean the car well, because all the dealer-sold cars are professionally detailed- so this is a competitive point. If yours looks as good, you've leveled the playing field. Definitely get rid of bumper stickers, license plate frames, window stickers etc. Back to factory as you can. Somebody out there is harboring the fantasy that your used car is newer than it seems. Don't take that away from them until you have their money, if ever.

    Offer the maintenance history. This is something that used car dealers can't do, so it's a point you can put to your advantage.

    Be honest: if the buyer can plainly see why you are selling the car, and it isn't because the car itself is bad, then you're already halfway there. The buyer wants to see the small car being sold because the family got bigger, now needs bigger car. Or that you're moving away, or something like that. Those don't detract from the appeal of the car itself, they just establish that you needed something different. If you can honestly illustrate such, it will help your sale.
     
  9. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    This was really great advice. A little elbow grease and patience (and finding the right buyer) and I was able to sell it for just under what the dealerships are reselling for. I’ll miss you all but hopefully I’ll be back at some point with warmer weather.
     
  10. Tyler S

    Tyler S Junior Member

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    Changing your habits doesn't always solve the issue.
     
    #10 Tyler S, Nov 12, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2020
  11. Tyler S

    Tyler S Junior Member

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    Good call. I know how you feel having to get rid of the Prius C due to weather issues in your new home environment. I use winter tires on my Prius C and it doesn't make much of a difference. Our street doesn't get plowed. Prior to getting our 4x4 I would get stuck once or twice a year. At least when I got stuck it would be close to home and I could dig myself out. Luckily I didn't have to contend with the terror of steep hills in those conditions so I definitely sympathize with your predicament.

    Aside from all of that the Prius C is amazing. As dumb as it sounds I've tried looking into Prius C mods to lift it to see if the extra couple of inches would make a significant difference. Apparently there are some decent kits out there. That said, it's not what the Prius C was designed/intended for.

    In any event. Glad you got what you wanted for it and best of luck finding something that suits your needs. What type of vehicle are you leaning towards?
     
  12. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    I know, but the Prius C being light, i think that it should do better and handle better in roads with ice. Not sure if it does since where i live there is no snow.
     
  13. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    I would suggest maybe a Rav4 hybrid, might do well in those conditions.
     
  14. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Gendo? Tetsuwan Atomu rules!
    ;)
    .
     
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  15. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    Ahh yes kind of busy as always, need to find wifei. And my son can't pilot, annoying with his whining.
     
    hill likes this.