Need "professional" opinions

Honestly cars that are far away always tend to seem nicer than when you get to see them. I would look for something local. Just browsing your local craiglist I saw at least 3, 2007-2008 with ~100K miles for asking prices in the $6-7K range with more options than base.

 

On that 2006 you want to know if it is a new Toyota battery or rebuild. The rebuilds are not too reliable. On the surface $7k sounds high but if it was a new Toyota Batt that is important plus. If new Toyota batt since Jan-1-2016 you should have 3-yr warranty on it.

It's hard to get a 2006/2007 without back-up cam but possible. Options 3 was most common base.

 

I'm of the belief that the high-voltage battery isn't much of a concern and that I'd prefer the one with fewer chassis miles, but there's no way to foresee the ownership experience on any car, unfortunately.

I do love the magnetic gray but if I did it again, I might have tried for a Silver Pine Mica---such a cool, unique color!

The trim levels can be a little confusing. The equipment offered with each option package changed almost every model year and the Touring version arrived in 2007, with its range of option packages as well. Nearly all cars had some option package or another--the "package 0" cars are very rare. The 2007 package 1 here has the backup camera and smart-key-system but for 2006, package 2 was needed for the back up camera. I usually check the brochures at Toyota Prius Touchup Paint Codes, Image Galleries, Brochure and TV Commercial Archives to see the option packages for each year.

The Gen II is the perfect car for me--incredibly easy to own, drop-dead reliable, easy to load with big/heavy cargo, and I even think it's fun to drive. It also does great with the snow/mud/gravel out here on the prairie. This one's been with me since new, and I'd like to think our partnership is just beginning.

Good luck!

 

There's no reason to drive 1 hour out of town, let alone 23 hours. Prius is not a rare car. I would look for something local.

 

When I was searching for the Prius of my dreams, I focused on outside London while searching for the ideal choice. The logic was simple, but generally sound; available Prii that are used within London, generally tended to spend a lot of time crawling in dreadful traffic, and used as mini-cabs! (Not all minicab drivers treat their Prii with respect - present company excluded, of course).

The ones located with dealers well outside of London, tend to have an easier life overall. I was aiming for a privately owned Prius II that had resided outside London and spent it's commuting life dashing from one congestion free location to another and back - preferably with low mileage of between 50,000 to 60,000 miles (just about run in....hahaha!).

I found what I was looking for in Kent. The previous owners were a relatively mature couple who were unlikely to have driven it like "boy racers", and it had a full service history too - with a private plate! I bought it.

My previous car was purchased using the same logic. A 1998 MX-3 Mazda Coupe (same Kammback body design as a Prius, spookily enough, complete with rear window split by a spoiler!). Despite being owned by a total of 5 people who ALL lived in the same Close, with houses facing each other (3 from the same family), it only had 33,000 miles on the clock, the unmolested interior smelt and looked brand new, and the equally unmolested engine bay looked mint! The last owner used it to take her kids to school, and walk the dogs! All outside London in an area where you could drive from A to B without spending an eternity crawling on horribly congested roads. The MX-3 gave me 8.5 years of unblemished service. Part exchanged it at 77,000 miles for the Prius II.

Over here, a lot of inner city people treat their cars horribly and tend to skimp on servicing.


iPhone 6s +

 

I would never buy a Prius without an SKS system. Its the best part of the car.
That would be package #2.

It goes Base no camera no SKS than #2 which has back up camera and SKS. If it has backup camera it has SKS. No back up camera don't buy the car.

 

And that's one thing that the Prius Two in the UK never got. Along with along with no heated seats, TPMS or heated wing mirrors.


iPhone 6s +

 

I wouldn't mourn the lack of TPMS. It's a commendable concept, but Toyota's implementation is an expensive, complicated mess.

 

I did not know that. No bu camera either? Thanks for the info!

 

The TSpirit version of the Prius II does come with the reverse camera as standard, along with GPS. I'm not sure about the T4 model - might be an option. The T3 is the no frills model, but still comes with A/C and standard 6 speaker Radio CD player.


iPhone 6s +

 

Don't forget Intelligent Parking Assist!

 

My one is a T4, I get the JBL stereo system and amplifier and I believe that is the only difference between that and the T Spirit.

 

Aye! I tend to completely forget I've got IPA too! Basically, there are so many amazing technologies in the Prius II, regardless of package level, you become pleasantly aware that somehow, this vehicle really did kiss the future....well before most other cars of its vintage


iPhone 6s +

 

Neither. Others have said it, but options are plentiful when searching for a used Prius. Find one closer to home.

As far as SKS and backup camera... I wouldn't rate those highly on my car-buying list. I have a package 6 and a package 1 at home, and I don't care one tiny bit about not having the luxury of SKS when I drive the package 1, and I have never used a backup cam in my life. I drive the package 6 every day and never glance at my MFD when reversing. I have mirrors and a neck for that.

 

If your decision to buy an older Prius is based on restricted budget...neither.