Would you guys buy a 2013 Prius which is clean overall but is noted on the Carfax as having been in a minor accident? Noted as 'right rear impact'. It's CPO and has less than 40K for ~$13K. The other bargain special i'm looking at is a NYC rental (eek) but it's a 2015 Trim 2 with 35K miles for about $500 bucks more than the CPO. Being a value investor is tough. I feel with the amount of time i've wasted looking for deals, i should have been driving around in a new prius by now!
No to the rental and check the damage to the 2013. With what an accident lowers the value $13K is fair but not great unless it's a high trim. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Thanks --yeah the accident/CPO car is only a Trim 3.....in Boston--where i live, that's actually a bargain it seems like. And from what I can tell the CPO tag is adding an extra $1500 to $2000 to the average price.
Is there any more info, dollar value of the repair for example. I had a left rear impact that was quite severe, but the car was totally restored, brand-new rear beam, very good paint, a bodyshop we always use. Cost was around $7K IIRC. But who knows, look it over carefully: inside the wheel well, feel with your fingers, check the suspension pieces and cross beam, test drive and listen.
That is an ok price for a car with a clean Carfax. I would personally cut the value by 20% for a minor accident that shows up in Carfax. It means metal work was done. They don't flag Carfax for minor cosmetic paint repairs (e.g. repaint a scratched up bumper and such). If it's been in a frame machine, which is a fine way to repair it, it still brings down the value permanently. Great for getting a bargain, but I'd offer 11 or 12k.
You can get a better deal. I bought a late 2013 model (the 2) with 25k miles for $12,600 before taxes. I've seen the Prius 3 with 30k miles go for $13,600 on eBay as well. I also don't see the need to get a certified pre-owned car if it has such low mileage. The "dealer" that I bought it from took it from auction (from lease) straight to his "lot" without inspecting or modifying the vehicle, which was why the cost was so low.
Lot harder than it seems...everything i see in that range is either a rental or has been in accident, or is being sold by an nonreputable dealer.
How about a 2012 Trim 3 with 45K miles for $9500? (Private Party) But also just noticed the carfax says corporate vehicle. Last question on this--Carfax isn't showing any maintenance records -- is this abnormal?
just spoke to the gentleman and he has a business (with another partner) and they are the only ones to drive it. not a rental business or anything like that according to him. says he has all maintenance records and two sets of tires. $9500. HMMM
I looked up this CarFax: is it the case you have to plug in $30~40 to see a vehicle's history? Or is there a backdoor?
sounds reasonable. there isn't that much maintenance at 45,000. 4 oil changes, 3 cabin and 2 air filters. some inspections and tire rotations. when you test drive, reset one of the trip meters, take a 20 mile drive under varied conditions, and check the mpg's at the end.
Ah ok thanks for this advice. Should it be right around 48-50mpg? And if it isn't what would be reason--bad battery? Anything else to keep an eye out for?
At last check about 18mpg. And that's at 93 octane. To say I'll be saving on gas would bean understatement.
