Soon to be newb

Just sold my 1994 Miata, which I've owned since new. A great and fun car, but at 63 years of age, it was getting harder for me to get in and out. I've decided to buy a Prius, and I'm 90% sure I want a 2008 or 2009 hatchback. My son, who lives in LA bought a 2007 Prius about a year ago, and has me convinced to get into a used Prius as we'll.

A couple of questions:

The market for the used 2008/2009 Prii is pretty limited here in Albuquerque, so I've been looking via Cargurus in Phoenix and LA. Is buying a 4 or 5 year old Prius in Phoenix increase the probability of a shorter battery life?

Can I avoid tax and registration fees in AZ or CA if I register the car here in NM after I get back?

I'd like cruise control, Bluetooth, maybe leather, and no Nav. Is that combo possible?

Any other advice is welcome. I'm a couple of weeks away from having the money for the purchase.

Thanks

PS - really enjoying these Prius Chat forums, and will continue to avail myself of their wealth of information.

 

Found a great deal on a on a Package 5 2008 Prius with only 45K miles at Beaver Toyota in Santa Fe, NM. Also bought the Toyota Extended warranty. I've had it for about a week now and am loving it.

I have a question for anyone in my area (Albuquerque, NM) that's had any experience with Albuquerque Hybrids (Jim's Automotive). My philosophy on cars past their new car warranty period is to find someone besides a dealer to do my maintenance and repair. I'd rather deal with someone whose main business is service rather than selling cars.

Any other recommendations for service on hybrids in the Albuquerque area would also be appreciated and welcome. Additionally, I'm thinking about window tinting and would appreciate anyone's experience with Albuquerque window tinters.

Thanks all.