Looking at Used Prius, Advice Needed

Welcome to PriusChat! I was in almost exactly the same position as you two years ago, and traded my 1993 Corolla DX Wagon (292,000 miles) for my current 2009 Gen II Prius (88,000 miles at that time). I've posted many stories of all the things I've done, and fun I'm having with this car, and rather than bore you with all the tedious detail, I'll leave that as an exercise for the reader. You've found the perfect place to learn all you're ever likely to need to know about everything Prius related.

Looking at your options, I think I'd go with #1. Two years ago, I had the choice of two Prii, they were about the same mileage and price, and the other one had Nav, but wasn't touring, I thought I preferred the pale green colour of the other (the one I eventually chose is Magnetic Gray), but the one I chose has the touring package, and HID headlights and fogs! I bought the extended warranty with mine, you might consider doing the same. Good luck, and welcome again to PriusChat! - Wil

 

couple questions: how long/miles do you plan to keep it? how many miles per year? who does your maintenance? hybrid maintenance won't be as simple as gasser over the long haul.

 

With your usage, I wouldn't bother with #2 because you'll make up that mileage difference in a year. All things being equal, you'll spend $2000 for an extra year of service versus option #1.

Since you plan to go the distance, let's assume you go 300k miles with option #1 (300k - 100k) / 36k a year = 5.5 years. Assume an 11 year old Prius with 300k miles is worth $2000. ($10000 - $2000) / 5.5 = about $1500. You'll spend $1500 a year for option #1. Thus, financially, it doesn't make sense to go with #2 for an extra year of service for $2000.

Now that #2 is off the table, should you get #1 or #3? That's pretty much subjective. The 2012 will likely be more reliable just because it is newer. Is it $2000 more reliable? Probably not. But it does have more options like Nav, back up camera, and 3 door sks. What are these options worth to you?

For me, it's all about the money, I'd choose #1. Stock Nav is garbage, I can live without a backup camera and 1 door sks is fine.

 

what kind of hybrid repair experience do they have? what big ticket items did you replace/repair on your current vehicle? are you prepared for some multi thousand dollar repairs over the next 200k? if so, i don't think it matters which one you buy. test drive and buy the one you like the most. all the best!

 

all the best!