Considering a GEN2 for kid's car.

there aren't any major gen 2 oil consumption problem that i know of. not sure what you mean by non oem batteries/kits, but unless you plan a lot of tinkering, i'd go new.
fuel bladder sometimes creates a fueling problem and makes it difficult to know how much gas is in the tank.

 

2. it all depends on the price. If the original battery was replaced with a refurb I would give that $0 value as a used battery will fail sooner rather than later. The only alternative with new cells (that I am aware of) is 2k1toaster's kit.

 

Here are my experiences, so I can only speak for myself.:

1. I have 285,000 miles on my 2005. It burns zero oil. I do oil/filter changes religiously.
2. Can you do your own work? If so, you can resurrect most traction batteries over a week end. If not, then look for a less expensive car and replace the traction battery with a new/rebuilt one from a reputable seller. I have had only one module failure in the last 13 years on this car.
3. Yes, mine does have a bladder fuel tank. At times the fuel gauge shows about 2gal less than what is in the bladder.. It may be odd, but I like that, it keeps the better half filling the tank before it gets so low that she runs out of gas.
4. Correct.
5. Headlights fog, you'll likely replace or polish the existing headlight assemblies.

 

All 5 gen 2's of my personal experience have been rock soild. And all of them have burned oil as well. The gen 2 usally burn oil past 150,000 but its manageable, they don't get out of control oil burning like the gen 3. Or as some people on here say "turd gen"

 

I did too.

A couple of years ago, I started researching for our kids. I was looking for one in terrific shape mechanically but knowing I would eventually need to replace the battery if being kept long term. I have since replaced it with a new Toyota battery for $2500 but now there's a cheaper aftermarket alternative @ $1600.

Speaking from a purely financial standpoint, I'll be honest and say figuring in that extra cost (especially for a new Toyota battery) can make the decision tougher for the average person; however, I'm mechanically inclined and a DIY type so messing around with it wasn't as big of a deal as it might be for others. I will say that I would have jumped on the $1600 option in a heartbeat if available at the time.

Besides fuel economy and reliability of the Prius, there are many things like overall safety (we're talking new drivers here), features (back up camera, cruise control, rear wiper, etc) that many used cars in the same price range don't have; even the price leader new econoboxes lack some of these. In my area, used cars that can reasonably match the Prius at the same price range typically have a ton of miles (higher end corollas and civics for example). There are a ton of used Pri on the market but many of them are "used up" IMO. With gas prices being low for so long, it's a buyers market so keep that in mind as you'll find some Prius owners are very, very proud of their old steeds!

Finally, having a good safety (inter)net in the form of PriusChat and other online sources has given me the reassurance that in case something does go wrong I'll have a good understanding of the situation and how best to deal with it.

Speaking of safety, I STRONGLY suggest looking into cell phone control technology for new drivers. We're using Stop Texting While Driving | Texting While Driving Solution and, so far, highly recommend it. Quite simply, it works.

 

Seeing it's for a Son, I would get something like a beater Corolla or Civic for a lot less money...initially and to repair. On average, young males have about +3 wrecks before they get the hang of things. Ever wonder why their insurance rates are so much higher than for the girls?

 

I'd try to get em down at least 500 on the price since it had a salvage title.

With that little miles its new in prius terms! Great car overall

 

Correct.

Each gen has their pluses and opportunities.

Good luck hunting .

 

Well with the Gen 3, if the cooling pump starts slowly failing like one of the plastic blades break you won't know till the engine is overheating.

I personaly like the old fashioned metal one in the gen 2 and the belt only cost $10.

 

I had my 2008 Prius ten years and never changed or tightened the belt. I always thought about it though. lol
HID headlights were the weakest spot on mine, used on the higher models only though.
Never any oil used between oil changes and no leaks anywhere ever.
Never toughed the A/C
Front strut failure at 99,000 miles
Changed right front wheel bearing because it was noisy.
Best car I ever owned.

 

Hail damage? It's a perfect time to learn "Dentless Paint Removal." That's a skill that will serve you well in the Midwest! I had the opportunity in River Fall Wisconisn when my three cars were parked in three different areas of the town when the hail came. It destroyed all three with varied amounts of damage due to where they were parked. The insurance company totaled all three and I bought them back and bought a paintless dent removal kit and learned a lot. The job I did on the cars was far from perfect but those cars served me well, one for another 15 years. Don't let an opportunity to learn go to waste.

 

My situation is backwards. My daughter talked me into a Prius for my wife. 5 grand for one like you are considering. No regrets. It had 150k miles. Mint condition. One of the best car decisions I've ever made.

 

You've got a smart daughter!

 

hail damage is a great car for kids. what you lack in looks, you make up for inspiration. and that is more important to me for my children.