Opinions needed... which Prius should I get?

Hey guys. I'm hoping to get some opinions on a couple deals I'm considering. I'm having a lot of problems deciding which of the following deals to pursue. I would appreciate any advice, suggestions, or any other input.

The first is an '04 basic model with 26k miles for $15900. However, it has been in a supposed minor accident and has a replacement fendor even though it has a clear title and no accidents reported on its Carfax. It also just needed a replacement car window motor and regulator, which was supposedly caused by the last owner putting in after-factory speakers and leaving some foam spacer inside the door that caused stress on the motor. I don't know what to believe with this. They also mentioned some kind of noise, but they claim it is completely normal, but their explanation seemed to be complete BS. They said it was the electric engine and gas motor synchronizing. It's through a dealership that has terrible reviews and combined with these other issues, something just doesn't feel quite right with it, but I might just be paranoid.

Another is for an '05 basic model with 40k miles for $16000. However, this car was owned by a smoker (I assume) and has a burn hole on the front seat. Besides that, everything is supposed to in excellent shape, minus one scratch on the back bumper (not sure how big and how deep). This one is through a private party. This seems like a good deal.

Finally, there is an '04 with 62k miles for $15400. It also has a navigation system, cd changer/tape deck, etc, which would be really awesome. Plus since it has the navigation system, it should have bluetooth even though they don't mention it, which would be really nice as well. This one is through a dealership. My only concern with this is the significantly higher mileage, but I really think I am leaning toward this one.

Unfortunately, all of these are a few hours away at least, so I really don't want to make the trip unless I'm certain I want to buy that particular car.

Help... I can't make up my mind! Thanks!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Jun 11 2007, 04:48 PM) [snapback]459743[/snapback]</div>

All of the '04 packages with navigation/cd changer/etc include VSC, right? The first and second options are just for a basic model, so I know they don't have VSC.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rae Vynn @ Jun 11 2007, 04:49 PM) [snapback]459746[/snapback]</div>

Haha, yeah... that's what I was thinking on the first one. The second and third are pretty close to each other actually, so it wouldn't be too far out of the way to check both out. I'll definitely have to do that. I thought all the packages that include navigation have bluetooth on the '04 though? If not, oh well... it's not that big of a deal to me. I'm definitely more about the navigation system anyway.


Anyway, thanks for the advice guys. Keep it coming!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jack Kelly @ Jun 11 2007, 04:53 PM) [snapback]459750[/snapback]</div>

Well the '05 is just the basic model. The second '04 is a loaded one (not sure of everything it has, but I know it the navigation system and jbl cd changer/tape deck). Taking this into account, which would you go with?

 

Thanks for all the opinions guys. A little update on the 2005. Apparently, it just had all new tires put on in October. They also just did a full interior detail and steam clean yesterday, which supposedly removed the smoke odor. However, I'm sure it'll take a while, if ever, for it to be completely unnoticeable. Also, it has received the 30k mile tune-up. They're going to have their dealership fax over all of the service records. I plan to try to talk them down a bit in price, but I'm not sure how negotiable they are since I haven't even gotten into that yet. I'm thinking I could probably get it down a few hundred though. Any more input on this deal or thoughts on how much I should shoot at getting it for? Thanks again!

 

Another update...

Just received pictures of the 2005 and it looks to be in really great condition besides a couple minor rock scratches and such and the cigarette burn on the front seat, which I could probably do an okay patch job pretty easily to cover it up. Because of these, they said they would come down $500, so we're looking at $15500 for a 2005 basic model with 40k miles. However, the one downside, which is significant, would be the smoke smell. Also, since it's a private party I could probably get them to report that it sold for 80% of the value (the minimum amount you can report according to a recent TX law that was passed), which would save a couple hundred.

I am really leaning toward either getting this one or, as some of you mentioned, holding off a couple months or so. How much do you guys image prices will come down by around September or so with gas prices and such?