First post - Help me buy my Prius please ! :-)

ok, eliminate the auction car right away
you're not an industry professional, and you're going to be a victim in that scenario ... walk away, forget all about it

if you buy the dealer car, you're getting a certified pre-owned car with a warranty

the dealer will have gone over the car, and prepped it appropriately, and while slightly used, and most likely a lease return, it's as good as new

is the private sale car significantly cheaper? will you have to repair, replace at a cost that brings you to the cost of the certified car? tires, for example? does the warranty travel with the car?

find out if the private owner followed the maintenance schedule, and find out why he's selling it, and why he's not trading it in for a new Prius?

when all is said and done, and you get the private sale car into the shape the new one is in ...

e.g. update the fluids and filters, replace the tires, inspect the brakes, fix the little dinks and scratches, give it an interior wash and wax equivalent to the dealer car, my money says they cost the same, not including the sales tax (which here in CA you'd have to pay upon registration of the private sale anyway, if you were honest about it)

 

I mostly agree with Philobeddoe, especially about getting a certified vehicle (I considered certified also, but ended up getting the Gen 3). As far as the auction vehicle goes, if it is a Toyota dealer and it's being offered with Toyota-certified, I would still consider it. I've bought 3 vehicles this way and have been happy all 3 times. If it's not a Toyota dealer and a certified vehicle, I would stay away. Given the choice and similar price, I would buy from the dealer lot or private party. If anything, I enjoy face-to-face negotiation over phone and email negotiation.

If you go the auction route, communication is key, and lots of additional pictures (if there aren't many detailed pics) is second. Ask the same questions and do the same research as you would normally ask and look for if you're physically there. Research the dealer reputation through the auction site, BBB, and various search engines. Keep in mind that people generally post only when they're dissatisfied, but consistent complaints about the same thing are generally a good indication. Get everything in writing -- email with a complete thread is nearly as good as a signed document, but be sure any key terms and conditions agreed to in the email are included in the final buy order. Be sure to ask for a "bottom line" price that includes any and all fees and the vehicle certification details. Not all certified vehicles are manufacturer-sponsored. One certified vehicle I bought at the dealer lot had incorrect tires installed (replaced by the certifying dealer) and I had to have the dealer correct the mistake, so researching the dealer and/or getting things in writing is critical.

Private party is the toughest route, and I would definitely have the car looked over by a dealer or someone who specializes in Prius. Also, be sure to have driven a number of other same-generation Prius so you're familiar with the general characteristics and can make a good comparison. On the "bald tire" car, I think that's a good sign (except for the low mileage and tires are already bald) since you can inspect the tire wear for signs of suspension damage. That being said, it may have been damaged and all four tires rotated through the damaged corner.

Good luck!

 

run away

loaded as in rich, or loaded as in a three martini breakfast?

i think it sounds good
i think Jim05 makes a good point about the tires, they may have all been rotated through the out of alignment corner
there's not enough miles on the car to bald the tires from normal use
what exactly is the wear pattern?

bald center treads is over inflation
bald outer treads is under inflation
bald both ...
a) he over or under inflated, saw the bald pattern, and over or under inflated to compensate
b) he's competing in drift races
c) he sold the original tires
d) he's loaded ... as in three martini breakfasts

get a carfax and see if that car was in an accident, and knocked out of alignment

fwiw, i'm aggressive with my tires, yes i've had three replaced over at under 10k for punctures (nails, screws, typical LA detritus puncturing an overinflated tire), but no excessive wear or balding has occurred, so i can't imagine what this guy is doing, unless he sold the originals and put used tires on the car

is it a "used car lot" or another dealership?

why not have them find you a car ... you don't seem fulfilled with the three you've found, and while there may not be better deals out there, there may be better cars, or more confidence inspiring deals

i thin you should go to the dealership and wave cash in their face, and see what kind of deal you get

if you're happy, take the car, and if you're not, walk off and keep looking



THERE HAVE GOT TO BE LEASE RETURNS ON THE LOT OF YOUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER ... if there's not, either buy that private sales car, or have a broker find you exactly what you want and just pay the fee

 

I don't know but if you are in the market due to an unfortunate accident I'd guess you are currently without a car? So maybe time is a factor?

I think you are getting good advice from everyone. I wouldn't gamble with the auction vehicle either.

At or around $18,500 I think you should be able to obtain a really nice used Prius. If your window is 2006-2009 you should have lots of options. If you aren't rushed my only advice would be to perhaps try finding a few Toyota Certified Used Hybrid. This will give you a 3 month, 3000 mile comprehensive warranty, 7 year, 100,000 mile, Powertrain and Roadside assistance and maybe most importantly 8 year, 100,000 mile HV battery warranty. Plus of course Toyota inspects the vehicle, you get Carfax.

I don't know if this would push the vehicle out of your price range, but I'd at least call around or do some internet searches of local toyota dealerships and see what might be available. This wouldn't take much time.

If you buy a used Toyota from a Honda dealer you of course won't be buying a certified used toyota.

 

the car at the honda dealer looks immaculate because the dealership cleans the heck out of 'em

get a carfax on the used car at the honda dealer and the bald tire private sale, and just pick one

or, if you're not in a hurry, do like Electric says and shop around for a certified pre-owned or lease return Prius from a Toyota dealer

 

Never buy a salvage, but from the list you posted you are on the right track, dont let a few more miles scare you the car is awesome.

 

BAM!!!!


there's your car

what's more important, the mileage or the money?

take the better deal, take the certified car, find out if it was traded in or a lease return, check the maintenance records

take comfort in that you're getting a broken in car, with all the kinks and quirks probably repaired,

and the car brought back to factory spec by a certified dealer/reseller :thumb:

git 'er done :thumb: :thumb:

 

i think the manufacturer was "forced" to readjust the mpg claims ... i think it's called a reality check

as i understand it, it's the same engine and drivetrain

don't quote me, someone more certain or better informed should come along shortly :thumb: