1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Are prices for 2nd gen Prius higher in California, SF Bay Area?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by glacier922, Apr 18, 2019.

  1. glacier922

    glacier922 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2019
    15
    1
    0
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I've seen some forum posters here claim they got say, a 2007 115k miles for 3500 bucks. I'm like how'd they do that? Was there check engine lights all over the place or something, and they knew how to fix it? Or was everything supposed to be working properly, and they STILL got it for 3500 dollars? Over here, I see prices at craigslist go anywhere from 4500 to 7000, like wth? There was one on another thread I posted eariler, 2009, 61k miles, mint condition...BUT for 8100 dollars!
     
  2. DMC-5180

    DMC-5180 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2013
    292
    134
    0
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It’s the Bay Area, it’s one of the highest cost of living areas in the country.


    iPhone X ?
     
    Lightning Racer and MilkyWay like this.
  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,474
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Prices are higher out here, but that doesn’t mean they are in better shape.

    A lower mileage Gen2 will still have similar battery concerns as a higher mileage Gen2. The only difference (IMO) is that the remaining components have less wear on them, making the car have more “value”. But the owners selling their Prius also perceive this, and price it high.

    The trick to all of this is getting the seller to understand the true conditions of their Prius and understand what you know will happen during your ownership of their Prius.

    As an example: we own a 2010 Prius II with 200k miles on the clock. I have done a lot of preventative maintenance to it and it is in good condition. Here’s some pics:

    EGR Evangelist’s car receives a light clean-up and Optimum Gloss-Coat

    I will be selling our Prius next weekend for $4500.
    • Could I have gotten more: Yes
    • Was I going to drive this much further had I not had an opportunity to help someone out: yes
    • Will something eventually fail that will be pricey: yes
    • Do I think that an expensive repair is something everyone is ready to deal with: no
    Just one example I am currently in. Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    SFO and The Critic like this.
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,596
    3,770
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
  5. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    819
    357
    23
    Location:
    MI
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I buy them around 3k all the time at dealer auction. Last one (the one you referenced in OP) went for cheap cause injector was unplugged and motor knocking (fixed when injector was back plugged in)....From my experience hunting for them daily --- they go for 3k with under 130k miles only if they are slightly beat up and running good (a few ugly dents, interior need a cleaning, etc.).....or if they are clean but have a major mechanical problem (in my example it was clean with mechanical problem).

    They will not go cheap both clean, under 130k, and no issues.

    Looking in your area the good news is you have tons of supply. In my area (Michigan) there are only 4 or 5 priuses under $5000 at any given time on Craigslist. Sometimes none and sometimes only 1 or 2.

    I believe Bay area is the Prius capital of the world and looks like there are at least 20-40 different vehicles to choose from at any given time.

    I'm sure deals are out there. I recommend ignoring the odometer and go with how clean it is and how it runs.

    Looks like you guys have a lot of super clean in/out Priuses with over 200k miles around $2500-$3000.

    Overall I think Bay area compared to Michigan is about the same price. Your high mileage vehicles are 10X cleaner than Michigan high mileage vehicles...and way cheaper.

    Your low mileage / mid mileage vehicles are slightly more expensive.

    2.JPG

    1.JPG Capture.JPG
     
    #5 MilkyWay, Apr 18, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2019
  6. Graeme1949

    Graeme1949 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2014
    51
    47
    0
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    As others have said, the SF Bay area is a high-cost area.

    I would like to say that I am the original owner of a 2004 Prius with well over 190,000 miles. I have only seen the "red triangle of death" once, when the 12 V auxiliary battery died. I have had zero major issues other than that. I take it to a dealer for maintenance every 5,000 miles. Other than that, I just put gasoline in it and drive.

    So it IS possible to have a high-mileage Prius that has not had any major problems. I have no idea what mine is "worth" - it is much more valuable to me as a working vehicle than as one for sale or trade-in.



    -Graeme-
    2004 Prius with >190,000 miles.
    Sent ?.