To buy or not to buy used Prius

Always get a carfax report- ie accidents, flood damage etc

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(slosha @ Sep 19 2007, 12:46 PM) [snapback]514922[/snapback]</div>

Keep in mind that the Prius is technically the most complex mass-produced vehicle available. Toyota has designed and built a very reliable vehicle. However as the vehicle ages, the probability of something going wrong increases with the number of parts. Don't be surprised if over time the maintenance cost is greater than a comparable non-hybrid vehicle. It is entirely possible that the increased maintenance cost could easily exceed fuel cost savings.

Good Luck!

Keith

 

My experience is that in the long run used gets to be more expensive than new (maintenance and repair costs). I draw the line at 50K miles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tech_Guy @ Sep 20 2007, 12:24 AM) [snapback]515151[/snapback]</div>

That's not entirely accurate...

Mechanically, the Prius is actually SIMPLER in some important respects than most other cars. The THS transaxle for instance has no clutches and no gear-shifting, rather than the more complex conventional automatic or manual trannies with multiple fixed gear ratios. It is also simpler than belt-and-cone CVT transmissions. The Prius has no starter solenoid or motor like a regular car to crankstart an engine. No dedicated alternator like a regular car either. Electrical air conditioning.

Maintenance is lower than other cars as well: The mechanical brakes on the Prius are good for 100,000+ miles, because the Prius preferentially uses regenerative braking. Since the Prius ICE isn't running all the time while you are driving it, you don't change the oil as often as a regular car. The simpler transmission in the Prius also means it is lower-maintenance.

What's complicated with the Prius is its electronics. That I'm a bit worried about after reading some of the troubleshooting threads here on PriusChat. That's pretty much the only unknown quantity with my Prius as far as I'm concerned. I don't know if I'm being foolishly optimistic, but I have a feeling my 2-week-old Prius should stay healthy electronic-wise for the next few years. B)

To the OP: Definitely check carfax and bring along a mechanic to look it over for less-than-obvious signs of collision repair or damage. If it's a pristine car, you should check Kelly Blue Book for the car's value and put on your negotiating shoes. Good luck.

 

Get the transmission fluid changed!

 

It's a Toyota so 200.000 miles would be reasonable from the car. Things to consider are: -
Car is about half way through it's life and is about half the price of a new car, as you wont be getting as many goodies as a new car the price seems a tad steep.
A later model car would be more economical.
The series I cars are not as reliable as series II

Prius here is a lot more expensive than in the USA, a new base model will set you back $37,000AU (about $32,000US). I paid $25,000 (about $21,500US) for a 2004 with 60,000km (about 37,000 miles) on it. That is I got 1/3 off the price with just 37,000 miles on the car and I got a current shape and drive train. Would you be better off to look for a later model car with less miles on it for a little more? $22,000 new base model less about 1/3 equals about $15,000 for a much better car with lower miles.
I think that's what I would do however I am not familiar with the US market place.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Sep 20 2007, 05:01 AM) [snapback]515172[/snapback]</div>

I think part of the challenge is the US valuation on used Prii is very high currently. The kbb value for a 2005 w/ 40,000 miles from a dealer in excellent condition is still $21,130 for a base model! Thats not much down from what the new ones seem to be going for (~$23,000?). A 2004 base with 53,000 miles from the dealer lists on kbb for almost $20,000 ($19,970)! If you go for the dealer certified used option, cars are often listed for as much or more than new! Kind of crazy.... Just a symptom of the supply/demand situation I guess.

Rob

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(slosha @ Sep 20 2007, 01:52 PM) [snapback]515375[/snapback]</div>

As if it needs to be said, but I think buying a 2008 would be the way I'd go. Our 2007 has been fantastic, no problems at all.

 

Does this seem like a good deal?

I have an '01. I'd say it's in the right range.

Is there anything I should be aware of regarding older model Prii with that sort of mileage?

There are several TSBs (recalls) for the gen one cars. If you get it, take it to any dealer and check that they've all been done. If they haven't, Toyota will do them free.

Any other thoughts or advice are welcome!

The only real drawbacks are that you will be out of warranty, and the rear seat doesn't fold down.

 

Some additional thoughts about the used Prius:

- Insurance will be less expensive on the used vehicle.
- Save $$ on local property taxes.
- Less rapid "depreciation", despite how well Toyotas hold their value.
- Save $$ in interest if you would have financed a new(er) vehicle.

Best "deal" I ever had on a car was a used Chrysler LeBaron convertible. The depreciation had already happened before I bought the car 3 years old, and I had a fun summer with it, and then sold it a year later for only slightly less than I paid for it. That would be very hard to achieve with a new vehicle.

Definitely pay to have a mechanic go over the vehicle to make sure that everything is in good order. If something needs to be repaired, you would want to adjust the sales price to include the necessary repair. Also better to have the repair made yourself, then you can make certain that it happens, and that the repair is made by someone you trust.

And to restate something someone else mentioned earlier -- carfax report. We keep hearing about "Katrina cars" showing up in other states and having all sorts of things wrong with 'em. I would imagine a Prius could be even more problematic, since there are all those electronic components, and we all know how electronics and water can work out.

I hope this helps!

 

All of the suggestions about having the car carefully inspected are good ones. I will say that if it is in good condition, the mileage is low enough that you shouldn't be concerned. I have 110K miles on my '04, and just had to do my first really significant maintenance - a brake job. Now, I've been carefully taking it to my local dealer for regular maintenance, and they've been great. There just aren't any aftermarket repair shops in my rural area that I would trust with it. I haven't done any research os resale pricing, so I can't tell you if that's a fair price. I know that CA HOV stickers command a premium.

Do make shure that all of the TSBs and recalls have been done, however.

 

I vote for too much, the second generation Prius are so much nicer. A new base model for just over $20K will cost about the same to own and maintain over its lifetime. Plus new ones are so much roomier and get more MPGs

 

Let me tell my experience... My wife was on her way home and decided to stop in the Toyota dealer to trade in her 03 camry. She comes home in a 2005 Prius with 32,000 miles for $18,500. This POS had huge paint chips all down the side, scratches on the roof and rear, scratches on the dash, stains on the seats, and a little funny feel when driving. Needless to say I was really mad. The next day I called up the Toyota dealer to express how upset I was that their finance guy let my wife sit there in front of him and forge my signature without my presence (I think that softened them up a bit knowing I knew and didn't approve) just to make a quick sale. So I took it back and walked out with a 2008 Prius with 9 miles for $22,000. So for under four grand I gained 3 yrs. and 32,000 miles, plus the peace of mind of just knowing everything that has been done to your bran new prize.
Someone was really rough on that 05 Prius though, some of those scratches on the dash were bad and I just couldn't conjure up any possible way you could make that type of scratches, it was really something.