1st Timer Prius Buyer advice...

my advice would be to avoid a hybrid.

1) youdon't drive enough to make it worthwhile

2) your budget can only afford a vehicle with high potential repair costs in the current market

3) prius catalytic converters are being stolen en masse, at a cost to you of $2,000., only to have it stolen again

4) prius are specialized vehicles, and it is hard to find a decent mechanic at a reasonable price.

5) look for corolla, civic, etc.

6) all the best!

 

I also agree with the post from bisco. The Prius is like to be driven otherwise you could have another battery failure. Models 2010 through 2015 are plagued with head gasket problems. Also need higher maintenance such as EGR cleaning. Generation two is a big target for converter theft.
Another thought just because it has a replaced battery in it does that mean that is new a lot of the batteries are refurbished.

IF you draw more it would be worth purchasing a Prius for sure.

 

The Prius C is a great city car, especially when dealing with tight parking spots. Only complaint about our 2014 is a there's a pretty big blind spot that makes it a bit more hazardous when merging onto busy highway traffic.

If the one your looking at has a new Toyota battery pack it should be good for at least ten years. If it's an aftermarket rebuilt battery, it might only be good for a year or two.

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

Yeah this is a sad fact of life: second gen Prius catalytic converters are a prime target, and San Fransisco has had a lot of thefts; street-parked cars are the main target.

If you do take the plunge, definitely consider having a shield installed. Cap City Muffler?

 

Yep, for $5,000 and a limited budget, I'd be looking for a well-maintained Camry or Corolla or Avalon or Honda. Hybrids are wonderful new and for about their first 10-years but then very expensive issues can come up.
Best of luck in your search! Tell everyone you know you're looking for a good used car and, who knows, maybe they know someone looking to sell!!

 

Echoing the others suggesting a hybrid might not be the way to go! From what I’ve learned here, as a Prius ages it can keep going and going or you could be faced with a significant repair. People often suggest that unless you can DIY it, it’s not the car for you.

 

Corolla is also a reliable car, that you might want to add to your list, also Yaris.
Not sure where how your shopping, we've had some reports here at priuschat that carvana has some decent deals. vroom is another online car sales site that can give you some idea about what current prices are for models you're looking for. If you're near the wharf or bay bridge there is a hybrid specialist shop at 475 9th Street https://lusciousgarage.com/ that may have some suggestions for you too even if a used gen 2 Prius or Gen 3 Prius C, hybrid might not be the best option for you only driving a day or two a week for 2 years or so. They work on Prii all day every day and have for many ( more than 20 ) years.