Used prius on a budget?

it could. but the battery is only small concern.

 

And there's the answer.

10k miles per year, $5/galUS, 30mpgUS. $1666.67/yr. 50mpgUS (being positive), $1000/yr. Potential saving $666.67/year in gas plus/minus maintenance costs. If the only significant consumable is the battery, you're on a long-term winner. However, from your comments you obviously don't have the capital right now to risk an expensive repair.

So, I'd suggest keeping the Camry (more likely) or buying something else, like a Yaris, if it'll help lower your total cost of ownership. Whichever you choose, I then suggest trying to learn to drive it efficiently to lower your running costs and use the difference to build up a "battery fund" so that you can then get into a used Prius in a few years.

 

Well, only you can pull the trigger. We've done our best to give you advice. Now is the time for you to make your decision. Whatever decision is best for you.

 

i would not let exorbitant toyota dealer's costs worry anyone. especially in dealing with hybrid battery failure. hybrid batteries can be bought and installed by independent prius mechanics for a fraction of toyota's price. a very nice 1st gen. 2001-2003 prius can be purchased for under $5000.oo, the insurance is dirt cheap, and you wont have to make monthly payments. i'm driving an 2001 and love it; the car still gets up to 49 mpg's. you can get close to the same economy as a 2013 without all the bells and whistles.

 

I'm looking at a 2001 with 197k, listed for $4800...dealer says the battery must be replaced, will not incur the cost, but will reduce the price by $1200-1500, with a dealership replacing the battery for $2900. Your thoughts?

 

hello roberta! that price is VERY high for a car w/ 200k miles AND needs a hybrid battery. i buy and sell 2001-2003 priuses here in ny and would sell you a 2001 w/ 63k miles for $6500.00 that needs nothing. i don't buy high mileage cars because i resell but i KNOW you can find a 2001-2003 prius that's in the 130-180k mile range for under $5000 that is running and driving and needs nothing. have you checked craigslist?

 

What should the price be?

My experience with craigslist is not good. Prefer to not go there.
I'm looking at this one because I'm budget driven right now; not paying more than $5,000 for a good used vehicle. Appreciate your input

 

roberta, i think you're better off having a local mechanic or garage whom you trust inspect a private sale car from craigslist than getting taken by a shady dealer trying to sell you an overpriced car with a dead hybrid battery. the blue book retail value on that car in excellent condition (that needs nothing done to it whatsoever) from a dealer is $4500. now subtract $2000 for what someone will charge you to purchase and install a new hybrid battery. that's brings the cars value to $2500.oo and that's in excellent condition with no flaws or blemishes whatsoever inside and out. there's private people selling the same priuses with lower miles for much lower prices. a private party sale on a 2001 w/ 200k miles is $3000.00 now subtract $2000 for the battery job. that puts the cars value at about $1000.00. in my experience it's best to eliminate the middle man when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck. good luck!

 

for example:
i just searched the portland craigslist and found this: 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID 148K

2001 prius w/148k miles asking $3995. that usually means if you went there with $3000-3400 in cash you could most likely drive home with the car. and i mean drive it home, you won't have the headaches and cost of having to have a $2000 hybrid battery installed. and this is from a dealer, not a private party sale.

 

for whatever its worth ...my daughter now has my 2004 prius with 200000 miles on it and we had the hybrid battery voltages check...well within normal specifications...so i wouldnt worry about the HV battery...

 

and if that 2004 hv battery went bad they can be bought for $350-$500. $500 would mostly likely buy you a 2008 or 2009 battery. removing and installing the battery could be done in under an hour.

 

OP, it sounds like your current car is a money pit. How much do you have saved up for repairs to it? The 2005 Prius sounds like a better car than the 2006. The Prius has lower maintenance costs, lower operating costs, and is more reliable.

Would you buy your daily driver? Are you concerned about replacing an engine or transmission? If not, then don't worry about a traction battery.

 

ok, i shouldnt be reading these threads and second guessing myself. i have a 2004 with package 9 that i love. it has 242000 miles on it. the mileage has dropped by about 8 to 10 mpg in recent months. it is starting to cost me about $300/month in repairs. and it just doesnt feel right. it has a new 12 volt battery. but i have the opportunity to purchase a 2009 package 5 with 78,000 miles on it. it is a toyota certified vehicle which gives me a year of comprehensive warranty. i am going to look at it tomorrow. good idea or bad? asking price is under $15000.

 

where are you located? a friend of mine in ny can get you a better deal on 05' and up priuses with low miles. he's not a certified dealer but the cars would be in the $8-12k range.

 

i am at western end of ny lake erie. where is yr friend? dont want a Sandy car! warranty provides a little peace of mind....thanks.

 

hmm. that's not so close. he's in queens ny close to jfk airport. it would NOT be a flood car. if you want i can see what he has at the moment? i only have gen. 1's for sale.

 

thanks. i am looking for 2008 or higher, with navigation and cd changer (i think pkg four or five) under 100000 miles. i am looking at this other car tomorrow or sunday so its got to be quick!