Need a little advice, buying used.

I guess by expensive repairs mean the hybrid batteries. I have 07 with 230k miles, still same batteries.

I personally think the battery problems are overblown. However, I live in Los Angeles where the temperature doesn't go below 35F

 

IMHO view the potential battery replacement "risk" similar to other wear items on conventional cars (e.g. clutches, timing belts, etc). Those aren't cheap to replace either. Also, like GKuma, I think the reality of battery replacement is far less likely than the fear.

 

That depends. I looked at used Prii before I bought mine, and to get a Gen 3 with 50K or less miles, I'd have to pay around $17-18K... Between such a small gap compared to new, less miles, more warranty, etc, I just sprung for new. BUT.... my budget was entirely different from yours, and I didn't even consider a Gen 2 (no reason, other than I wanted something "newer").

If my budget was in line with yours, I'd be very tempted by the '08 with 56K miles. The low miles, coupled with your 10K/year driving means that you've many years ahead of you before anything major needs attention. Not saying the Gen 3 wouldn't either, but at 10K/year, a 100K mile 2010/2011 Prius is effectively older than the '08 (e.g. those Gen 3's are only a couple of years newer, but have far greater than your two year average of additional miles on the odometer versus the '08).

BUT... all this comes from someone who's never owned, driven, nor really researched the Gen 2 Prius... so, hopefully someone more educated in those matters can weigh in.

Best of luck, you'll love it regardless of which one you get!

 

i would prefer an older one with lower mileage. i think most prius parts wear by miles driven, more than years old. and 2008 and 9 were great model years. my daughters '08 (used to be mine) is a real workhorse at 85,000 miles or so, nothing but oil, tyres, filters and recalls. all the best!

 

My preference is for older, my wife has a '12 - I like the older for better visibility (side) also simpler dash.

But again, that's me.

 

I bought an 08 with 82K and I'm happy with it. See if you can get the VIN and pull the maintenance records from New Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Hybrids | Toyota Official Site. That might either put your mind at ease, or unearth other issues.

 

If it were me, I would go with 2010 with higher mileage. Gen 3 is a better car overall. No bladder in fuel tank, bigger engine, better mpg, better screen and dash . Worn mechanical parts can be replaced if needed, if you decide to keep it for a long time.
P.s. I have both 2005 and 2010 models in family, so I can compare.
Alex

 

This really comes down to what fits you best...being a tall person. I find my 2010 has more standard legroom than the 2008 model. With the seat all the way back, there seems to be more room on the 2010.

The 2008 will also give you better gas mileage if you do a lot of around town driving (city). It has a smaller engine and is more efficient in city driving. The 2010 will be better if you do lots of highway driving.

I like the idea of the 2008 with lower miles. The battery will need replacement at some point but if you budget $2500 for a NEW replacement, that will probably be the only big expense you will see in about 10 years (if you do 10k a year). You may need to replace a water pump, wheel bearing, or coolant valve......but those are minor issues to worry about.

 

I like being able to sleep in my 04, ithas been said that you cannot put seats down in the 3 model. is this true? Otherwise the newer prius sound better in every way.

 

The back seats in the Gen3 fold down and the front passenger seat reclines enough for comfortable snoozing.

 

I was looking at Tampa Craigslistthe other day
And there's alot of 2007 and 08 with low miles pretty
Cheap. The bottom has really tanked on used
Prius with the low gas prices.
Its good u can swap plates as new plates are $400
in Florida.

 

thanks for the post abou8t the gen 3, yes with gas this cheap it does make less sense to own a prius. but how long will this last.

 

befor i bought my prii, looked at cars that were posted on craigslist for about a month, almost all were misrepresentd, been in wreck; major work done, repainted etc. etc. have bought other things off craigslist with good results. jimN how is a V for camping/sleeping in nev er been in one

 

You can't go wrong with either one if it has been maintained. I personally prefer the gen2 and for your money you can get nav, leather, 3 button smart key and camera if these are options you care about. You can also spend $7-8k and get a great car and keep some money in the bank for possible future repairs.

When you find one you like I will do an inspection for you (no charge). I'm in Tampa, not too far away.

 

Oh not long....you cant go wrong buying a G2. Get a low mile G2. Pick one up from TampaPrius.com he gets some nice cars and has been here a while now..

Article today about how hard Texas economy is going to get hit since gas is so cheap. Gotta slow down production there boy....

 

Bruce, I don't go camping. My "camping" consists of dropping the passenger seat to catch some sleep at a rest stop on an Interstate. A knit hat pulled down over my eyes, two stadium blankets covering my legs & torso, and one rolled up for a pillow and I'm good to go. For more comfort the car could be left running but I don't want to burn the gas and the engine starting up would probably bother me.

I'll pack water or tea, chips, crackers, maybe a sandwich. I keep a tray in the car. There's more room in the back seat to eat but since that is usually folded down for cargo the front seat works well enough.

The Gen3 may be a bit bigger, may be a bit more comfortable but the Gen2 had a lot of bang for the buck.

 

You're still in the ballpark for a 2010. Decide what you really want in the car. There is some change to the features every model year so check the brochures. Some combinations of Level & Option Package are going to be tough to find but they are out there.