Buying a 2005 Used Prius

That's a good deal if it has the nav system. Check for abnormal wear on both front and back tires to make sure the alignment is OK. Also make sure it has the steering fix.

 

I recommend you have the car inspected by a Prius-trained tech at your Toyota dealer, if you are not buying from a Toyota dealership. Any Toyota dealer can check your VIN to ensure that all SSC have been installed (such as the intermediate steering shaft replacement.)

Check kbb.com or edmunds.com to see what they think of your price.

Gen 1 or Classic is 2001 - 2003 model years. Gen 2 is 2004 - 2009 model years.

The main differences are cosmetic from 2005 to 2007: newer model has fake LED trim in headlights, pattern in black plastic trim on dashboard and door panels, clear instead of dark plastic in rear brake light lens.

More subtle differences would include firmware changes on newer models. It is believed that the traction control is less aggressive and thus more driver-friendly on newer models. HID headlight reliability issues on newer Prius. Bluetooth and aux audio input may be available on newer models depending upon option package.

Most parts of the country do not have independents qualified to work on Prius, so you'll have to pay dealer repair prices which can be quite high.

The Prius suspension is soft to begin with and the struts / shocks are not particularly durable, so plan to replace them at 60K miles given the terrain you will be commuting over. This may cost $2K at the dealer.

Bumper to bumper traffic is not a problem, actually the Toyota hybrid system is perfect for that commute since the gasoline engine will usually be off when you are at a stop or crawling around (once the engine has run enough to make the catalytic converter hot.)

 

SSC = special service campaign, a recall to install a fix or improvement at Toyota's expense.

For helpful advice on buying a car see the Consumer Reports April issue in most libraries or on their website.

 

Good work on 12k for the vehicle. That's an awesome price. I'm on the east coast and can't seem to negotiate to that price. Everyone wants somewhere around 12k for that vehicle with 70k miles! You're at 20k miles which is absolutely awesome! Good work!

BTW, would you mind letting us know what part of the country you're in? Thanks!

 

Once you decide you are serious about buying the car, make an offer subject to satisfactory inspection by the Toyota dealer tech. After you've reached agreement with the seller, then contact your local Toyota dealer's service department to schedule the inspection. My guess is that the inspection charge will be one or two hours of labor which may cost ~$100-$200.

To the extent that discrepancies are found during the inspection, you may be able to negotiate a lower price with the seller, or the seller may tell you to "pound sand". Who knows.

SSC = special service campaign, which is a form of recall.

I can't really offer advice on the Hyundai Elantra vs. Prius as I don't know the former car and this decision should be based upon your personal preferences.

Prius is a good choice in general if you log many miles, due to the exceptional mpg that can be attained. Good luck with your decision.

 

I actually had a pretty similar choice, and I went with the used Prius. For me, it was mostly that my wife's driving would really drag down my overall mileage. I drive 30k miles a year, so the cost for Elantra at 42 MPG (me driving) or 36 MPG (her) vs the Prius at 60 MPG (me) or 52 MPG (her) means a difference of 256 gallons a year. That's currently just under $700/yr in fuel costs. If gas prices increase, the Prius just becomes even more a shinning star. I didn't want to get stuck at the wrong end of a really bad gas price hike, especially since I was in a position to do something about it beforehand.

My 05 came with every option for the year and cost me 16,400. That 12k new Elantra is the absolute base model. It may not have A/C, or power locks (I cannot recall), but it'll also be missing most of the safety gear that's standard on the higher trim levels that CR loves to spout off about.

And plus... I've been waiting 15 years to get a hatchback. I've had sedan's and SUV's since 94, I finally had got to have my hatchback AND a fuel efficient one at that. Major win .

 

I would do as some have suggested. Negotiate for the Prius pending a clear bill of health from a qualified Toyota technician.

The problem I see is with the battery system - only 20k miles on the car in ~5 years means very light or little use, and batteries can be like muscles - they need exercise and use to stay fit. If the vehicle sat for long periods without use, this could have negative effect on the battery.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, though. You can find used battery units on eBay for a few hundred bucks. And comparing to the Elantra, you'd save that cost in a year.

The only kicker then is warranty. Generally, Toyotas are hella reliable, and if it gets checked out by a qualified tech and comes out with a clean bill of health, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You could purchase an extended warranty, but that may tip the scales in favor of the Hyundai.


On a side note, I had a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon for almost 4 years. It was a very reliable car. Never any major functional issues. The passenger door handle broke, but the dealer took care of it well to my satisfaction. Then after three years, the battery died, but batteries in regular cars only last 3-5 years.

 

Make sure you read through this carefully:

CARSMART 2006 by Massachusetts Consumers' Coalition

or similar information provided by the consumer protection agency of your state. Good luck!

 

I would be somewhat concerned why the dealer does not certify the car. Is there some hidden problem that would cost a lot to repair?