Should I consider a Used Prius II or Classic Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Suburban600 @ Jul 15 2006, 06:08 PM) [snapback]286962[/snapback]</div>

Depends on the price, age and how much of the warranties are left. Used Priuses don't qualify for the $3150 tax credit that should be cut in half on Sept 30th (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/14755573.htm).

If you're considering one at all, just put yourself on a waitlist or two pronto and then do your shopping.

I'm not sure that the "battery issue" is that you're referring to.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Suburban600 @ Jul 15 2006, 06:10 PM) [snapback]286997[/snapback]</div>

The "Classic" and "Gen II" Prius have identical battery warranties, 100K in most states and 150K in CA and some eastern states that have adopted CA's emission standards. There's no such thing as "batteries that lasted about 5 years".

As I understand it, the battery in either could be damaged by driving on battery-only too far, as when the car has run out of gas and the driver drives on every last bit of juice in an effort to get closer to gas.

Used Priuses command a premium price now, and have for more than two years. You can find hundreds of current actual asking prices (and compare them to Kelley Blue Book) by going to autotrader.com and entering info on various years (and within any distance of your home town, including nationwide) you want to check out.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Suburban600 @ Jul 15 2006, 07:10 PM) [snapback]286997[/snapback]</div>

The spin sounds like it's from anti-hybrid folks who probably have never even been in a Prius.

It however isn't a good idea to run out of gas on drive on battery alone. It's not a good idea to run out of gas in a conventional car either and err, it totally stops running.

From the warranty booklet on my 06 Prius, the battery is warranted for 8 years/100K miles from most everyone and 10 years/150K miles for CA Priuses and a handful of states where Priuses have CA emissions equipment.

A previous gen Prius owner has 230K miles on his Prius (see http://john1701a.com/prius/owners/jesse3.htm) and http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/dri...d0-dd5c4902c78e mentions an 04 w/over 400K km on it.

 

Getting a Gen II 2004-2006 would be better than a Gen I, depending on mileage and other factors. Be sure you check the title to make sure it isn't a salvaged car. That good deal may be a Katrina car.

That said, the Prius has been holding it's value very well due to the demand and the waiting lists. Some used cars cost as much as a new one because of instant gratification.

If you can afford it and are willing to wait, get a 2006 and get the $3,100 tax credit too. But you'll need to get it before September.

Battery isn't an issue. No Prius has had it's battery replaced yet that I know of. And that includes the Gen I sold in Japan going back to 1997.

 

If you are really serious about buying a Prius, I would be looking at a new one. You would then have the peace of mind that the vehicle is under full coverage if anything happens. I would think that a used vehicle owner would have taken excellent care of their Prius, but you just don't know. The defference between a new car, and a used one is not that much plus you get the tax credit on top of that. Just think of how many trips you can make between Swansboro and Yorktown, and the money you will save....GO FOR IT!.

Good Luck, and Happy Motoring :blink:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jack Kelly @ Jul 15 2006, 07:45 PM) [snapback]287011[/snapback]</div>

No, the Classic Prius is only SULEV, not AT-PZEV. Even in California, it only has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery. It's still a great battery!

 

the 04+ prius was a vast improvement over the classic. no offense to you classic drivers but the technology has improved quite a bit, and the classics did have a few strange bugs to them.

 

Basically, it means the emissions on the Gen II are cleaner:

Alternative Technology- Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 16 2006, 04:11 PM) [snapback]287279[/snapback]</div>

just for a laugh you should have a read on th AT-PZEV specs. Then ask yourself how can BMW which has some AT_PZEV rated cars do it without the ICE shutting off. Oh they promised to make them so they get the rating. Hmmmm suspect at best, BS at worse.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Suburban600 @ Jul 16 2006, 01:02 PM) [snapback]287214[/snapback]</div>

Scroll down on this page (or click on the applicable FAQ) to see the information.

http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/en/gv/faq/index.asp#2

Note: The Prius is AT-PZEV in California and the other states that follow CARB guidelines. I believe it is SULEV in other states, simply because that's the highest rating they have. All Prius are the same--the designation depends on the state's rules.