2010 Toyota Prius I've been chatting with this gentleman through text for quite a while now. He has already came down to $15k. Notes: - safelite replaced the windshield (due to something flying into it on the highway) - they are the second owner, they bought it around 32k miles - said the first owner smoked in it but the smell is gone (dealership did a smoke treatment) -kept in garage since they owned it -current tires are fuzion touring bridgestones Thoughts? Any other questions I should ask him? Haven't seen it in person yet, but probably will try in the next few days. Will run a carfax on it before I go since it's an hour away.
15,000 is a standard KBB price for a Good/Average condition 2010 Prius. It sounds like a Prius III on the ad. Might want to ask about any other options or aftermarket parts on the car plus service records. Take it for a spin and pay close attention to body panels, bumper, under hood for any sign of repaint. CarFax doesn't get reports for all accidents. If everything looks good then invest in a certified Toyota Hybrid mechanic to do an inspection. Depending on their driving style, alot of wear and tear parts needs changing at that mileage. Is NE a carb state? If not it won't take long to hit 100,000 miles. Just something to think about. I'm still a newbie Prius owner, with so many expensive tech in the car I don't feel comfortable buying used. Maybe owning it for a few more years would change my mind. Good Luck. Kelley Blue Book
Several states have adopted emissions standards established by the California Air Resources Board. I'm pretty sure that Nebraska isn't on that list. [Edit:] The issue is that vehicles sold in states that had adopted the CARB standards at the time are covered by an enhanced traction battery warranty. The non-CARB warranty is for 8 years or 100,000 miles, which ever occurs first.
seems like a decent deal. since you are familiar, i agree, a test drive is your most important tool. take your time, study all the gauges, check the mpg's, watch the battery level, listen to all the sounds, etc. all the best!
I assume that you're asking about a PPI(Pre-purchase inspection)? It can easily pay for itself if they find something. Even if they don't, you have the piece of mind that Toyota wasn't able to find anything obvious.
Unfortunately it's really near impossible to evaluate anything sight unseen over the internet. The Carfax as a matter of course, and the Pre-Purchase Inspection are both things I would do. On the surface the only thing that would make me a little nervous is that if you purchase it, you become the 3rd owner of this vehicle in nearly as many years. For whatever reason (s) the vehicle hasn't had a very steady or long lived ownership stream. As much information as you can get them to divulge about maintenance history, perhaps with any collaborating paperwork the better.
I think it is worth 100 dollars. It is something I would do if I am certain that is the car I want. Kind of like the last step/test to pass before writing the check. Even with the smart computer on the Prii plus a scangauge pretty much tells you everything major that is wrong. There is still many "minor" wear and tear things you cannot detect with them, I would use any negative info for bargaining chips to lower the price even more. That way the 100 dollars really would pay for itself. Time to play the dealers, when you trade in a vehicle they try to get you on every little thing wrong on the car to lower the value, now you are on the same boat. (Oh the brakes and struts are worn down, you haven't done the *** mile service can you lower the price a little because I need to pay for those right off the bat)
i think it's worth a hundred bucks if they let you watch them inspect and point out the good and bad to you. make sure they give it a thorough going over, looking for signs of abuse or accidents, as well as mechanical and maintenance.
This is actually genius and I'm bummed I didn't think of it. Honestly this post makes my decision easy for me now. Thank you!
