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Which used Prius should I buy?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by ittakesavillage, Jan 13, 2020.

  1. ittakesavillage

    ittakesavillage New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2020
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Hi folks,

    My 2008 Prius is dead, prematurely at 150,000 miles, due to vandalism. It was the best. I'm sad.

    I want to replace it with a used hybrid under $16k -- NOT plug-in, because I street park. Can you suggest which cars I should look at?

    I'm highly partial to Gen2 Priuses because I had such a great experience with my 2008 model. I don't know enough about the 3rd and 4th generations to know whether they're as reliable. Primarily, I'm concerned with reliability and total cost of ownership. I plan to drive it as many miles as I can.

    I found a 2009 Prius from a reputable dealer, with 66,000 miles and a clean report for $12,397. I'm trying to find out whether the hybrid battery has been replaced yet. Is this a steal? If not, what else should I look at?
     
    #1 ittakesavillage, Jan 13, 2020
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,926
    4,430
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Stick with Gen2... They're the most reliable of all the generations thus far... That 2009 you're looking at is a perfect replacement, but the price they're charging for it is outrageous... Find one just like it for $4K less... Best way to keep prices down is to buy from a private seller and do the transaction at your bank so you have plenty of security cameras and don't have to carry cash.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Jan 13, 2020
  3. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
    1,150
    741
    0
    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    HOLY SH$T that is overpriced.
    all i can say.

    But if you enjoy Gen2, stick with Gen2
    Gen3 can/may have issues
    Gen4 may be top of your price range, at least with lower mileage, maybe.
     
    #3 dig4dirt, Jan 13, 2020
    PriusCamper and bisco like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,796
    48,995
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    look at the kbb value in your area. great car, but i'm not sure if it's a steal.
    any idea what package it is?

    also, if you can find a gen4 in your price range, and you like it, they are very reliable after 4 years, some with higher mileage.
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 13, 2020
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