Buying decision...

Get the one that 'speaks to you'.
No matter what you get keep about $1500 in contingency funds--you have to do that buying a used car with high mileage.
I just bought a 2009 Prius with 230,000 Miles. I just spent $300 to get 4 wheel/tire combo that were in like new condition used for 1 season. I had kept $2500 aside for emergencies and $300 is gone on the wheels/tires. I am keeping my fingers crossed for any big item repairs but am prepared. I never buy a new car--I can afford to but choose not to.
Simba

 

dorman won't likely last more tha a few years. if you're willing to tackle the battery, i'd go with the 2004.
all the best!

 

The 2004 seems to fit the best with your budget, expected miles driven, and condition of the car

 

I'd pass on the 2007. The refurb battery is a bad gamble.

The 2004 seems like a good deal, but the battery is likely near the end of its life -- not because of miles, but because of age. So you put a new battery in for $2500 (DIY), and you're at the same cost as the 2010.

I'd go with the 2010. But get it checked out by a mechanic first to figure out what's going on with that drivability issue you experienced. Could be something as simple as needing new plugs, or injectors cleaned.

 

If the battery that seems to drain faster in the 2010 model is the hybrid battery (on the display screen), then that would make me want to stay far away. While they're rare, hybrid battery failures for 2010 models have happened, and that car's out of warranty. One sign of a failing battery is the battery charge level quickly going up and down while driving the car, so if the 2010 you're looking at is doing that, it's bad news. The stalling would make me want to look elsewhere as well, especially since it's from a dealer. Mechanical problems on cars sold from dealers either means the dealer didn't check for them (which makes the dealer no better than a private party seller) or they did, but their service people don't know what they're doing and/or couldn't fix it. Bad news either way.

I'd eliminate the 2007 based on the remanufactured battery pack. There are stories of those failing within a few years, and you don't want to pay more and then have to replace the battery again.

While the 2004 is the oldest and the likelihood that the hybrid battery will fail increases with age (currently between 3-15% risk for a 2004 model), it seems to be the best option of the three you mentioned. And since it's the least expensive, if you do end up needing to replace the hybrid battery, your total cost would be close to the same as buying the 2010. The 2004 is around $300 overpriced for a vehicle in average condition, but you can probably negotiate that down.

 

i don't blame you, it's a difficult decision.

 

Not really too big of a gamble for $2800. Even if the car blows up, you can sell the battery for $800

So it's basically a $2000 risk for a car with under 200k miles

 

You need to run a carfax, mileage might not even be real

 

Or were using synthetic -- in which case, a 10K interval would be appropriate.

 

2004 doesn't call for synthetic

 

congrats, please keep us posted. all the best!

 

Seems like you got a good deal.

 

Sounds great! Like the armadillo said halfway across the road, "So far, so good." Hope it stays good for a good long time.

 

2006 Prius+ comes with Aux jack and you could get cheap bluetooth adapter for audio. (to me must have feature)
It is possible to put in aux jack in 2004-05 Prius if you know how to take the dash apart.

For cabin heat you could install some window tint.