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Help! Need Advice For Our Prius Purchase

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by BartonGDawes, Aug 17, 2016.

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  1. BartonGDawes

    BartonGDawes New Member

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    Hello, PriusChat community! I'm a new guy here. In fact, I don't even have a Prius yet. So while you might say I'm green in one sense, I'm not quite green yet in another.

    Right now I have a gas guzzler that I am very eagerly trying to sell, and my wife and I are looking at used Priuses. But we're locked in a bit of a conundrum. It's a rather basic question. And I've done some research on my own, but I can't arrive at a solid answer. SO. I ask you all the question.

    The premise is this: We're looking at Priuses in the 7K - 9K USD range. Roughly speaking, this means we can get an older Prius (2005 - 2008) with lower mileage (under 100K miles), or a "newer" (2010 - 2012 ish) with higher mileage (say 130 - 150K miles).

    The goal is this: We want to drive the car for about 7 - 10 years with minimal EXPENSIVE repairs. We regularly see Priuses and hear stories about people's Priuses lasting well into the 250K+ miles territory.

    The QUESTION is this: Are we better off getting an older (2005, 2006, 2007) Prius with a new (3 or fewer years old) hybrid battery, or getting a "newer" (say 2010 - 2012) Prius with its original hybrid battery?

    The subtext of the question is basically this: Is a 2005 Prius with a new hybrid just as "good" as a 2011 Prius with an original one? Or will the inherent age of the vehicle make it generally less efficient, less reliable, etc?

    I am totally new to the hybrid thing. Apologies for what might read like a completely stupid post for you more initiated Prius owners.
     
    #1 BartonGDawes, Aug 17, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    They both drive differently, drive them first and see which you prefer. Gen 2 has a smaller 1.5 liter engine while gen 3 has a 1.8 liter engine. One feels more roomy as well. So drive them and then come back after you've decided which fits you best
     
    #2 JC91006, Aug 17, 2016
  3. BartonGDawes

    BartonGDawes New Member

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    I have a preference for the later models, but only slightly. I really dislike having a stubby shifter on the dash. So I much prefer the more "standard" shifter on the console.

    Also, I drove a 2005 and 2006 on the same day. On paper, they seemed nearly identical. But they both drove markedly different. Especially in the steering (one being very tight and responsive, the other feeling much more loose).

    Just curious if a 2005 w/ new battery poses a significant advantage over a, say, 2010 with original battery.
     
    #3 BartonGDawes, Aug 17, 2016
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    From what you've described, wanting 7 to 10 years of reliable driving. You should search for an older model with a failed battery or with very low mileage and excellent maintenance records. If you can buy that for under $5000, then you use the remaining money to buy yourself a new battery when needed. That will be the best way to get 10 years.
     
    #4 JC91006, Aug 17, 2016
  5. BartonGDawes

    BartonGDawes New Member

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    Holy hell. For some reason, I hadn't even considered this. Great suggestion!
     
    #5 BartonGDawes, Aug 17, 2016
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Stay away from refurbished batteries, only buy new. New batteries lasts 8 to 10 years and rebuilts can last 1 week to about 3 years....You just can't tell.

    In California you can find good cars with failed batteries for under $3000
     
    #6 JC91006, Aug 17, 2016
    BartonGDawes likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! that's a good idea. 7-10 years without a major expense is a lot to ask in your price range. all the best!(y)
     
    #7 bisco, Aug 17, 2016
    Franklin Ashley and BartonGDawes like this.
  8. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    I have driven a 2005 to 97,000 miles and a 2007 to 152,000 with ZERO problems
     
    #8 PaulDM, Sep 24, 2016
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