My husband and I are looking to buy a used Prius. Both of these options are available from the same dealer for the same price. The 2009 appears to be in better condition despite more miles. It was a leased vehicle bought out by the same owner. The 2008 was one owner as well but shows more wear inside and out. We would like to purchase the 4 year warranties available for both for about $1500. What would the expected maintenance differences be? What should we look for in the warranty? And ultimately which should we choose? I'd like to have an inspector with us, but I admittedly don't know where to find one.
Haggle on the one that's in better shape, and I'm a little suspicious of the $1500 warranty. It it an OEM (factory) warranty? Who is doing the financing? You need to determine whether or not you're in a CARB state. If so, then many of the hybrid components are aready covered by an extended warranty, IIRC. Just shooting from the hip? I'd say yes to the higher mileage lease car and no to the warranty. In addition to Toyota's records, I'd also make the dealer show you the Carfax and AutoCheck reports. If they balk, then tell then that you're not sure that you would want to do business with a moron who would buy a bunch of used cars without doing SOME kind of research on their inventory, and that just because they do, it doesn't mean that you're that dumb.(most car dealers have Carfax and Autocheck accounts or at least do individual reports on their inventory.) Don't finance on the lot. You buy CARS at a car lot. You buy MONEY (or the use of it) at a bank or credit union. If they can get you a loan, YOU can get you a loan cheaper. Stay away from the warranty. If you're buying used.....chances are better that you're paying a sub-prime rate. You don't want to over pay for a warranty that has more holes and caveats in it than a Congressional testimony and THEN over pay on the interest for the cheesy warranty. Good Luck.
I would rather get 2010 with 95k miles then 2009 with 85k miles. Gen 3 Prius is a definite step up, newer (by at least 6 years) design. There will be no fuel bladder to worry about, the HSD monitor is more informative, engine is more powerful, seats are better, mileage is better, etc. I own both 2010 and 2005 and much prefer 2010. Just my 0.02 - Alex
You neglected to state how much they were asking. Anything over $11.5 k is too much. But I would get the nicer one no question. Ask for a 60 day warranty for free. Don't buy the 4 year warranty.
I have a 2005 and had no serious problems for the last 8 years. 189K miles Either one should be fine. I bought a 200k limited warranty and have not used it yet.... I have read some horror stories on private party sales....
