Help me select a prius...

So I've decided I want to buy a prius. My initial budget was $10k to 12k. I've found that you can find some quite nice ones in the $12k to 15k range, 2012-2014 or so. I've done a fair bit it of research. I used to own a Honda Insight so I have somewhat of an idea of what I'm getting into (I understand the prius is nicer and drives better).

So this morning I came across this: XXXX

(oopps, apparently I'm not permitted to post links)

Can someone help?

This car is about 3-4 hours away from me. I was hoping that someone on here could offer some advice. This looks like cosmetic and/or stuff that could be fixed with parts from a junk yard. I realize the battery is back there but this doesn't seem to have affected the battery. Thoughts? For this price, I'd be willing to take a little risk...

If this doesn't work out, expect a more detailed post asking for more advice. Thanks a ton for any assistance. This seems like a great community.

Cheers!

 

Let's try this, site is
bestrex


(woudln't let me post a sneaky link)- I'm really sorry mods!

Should be obvious which car it is. The prius for $3k. Sorry for the issue. I didn't realize I would not be able to post a link. (bottom left on my screen)

 

Bingo. Yes. Again, really sorry for trying to break the rules here. I just got excited. (won't let me quote your text since it contains a link)

 

Very true. I think it states clear title though. The photos don't look bad at all. It was clearly rear ended. If the frame wasn't bent I think I'd be in the clear. With a $3k car I would just purchase liability coverage.

My friend just pointed out that this is a prius I, which means it was likely part of a rental fleet. Frankly, this makes me feel even better. I could see a rental company having an across the board policy that they just sell and replace cars that are rear ended...

 

Well I called and the guy said it was gone after being posted for 2 hours. He apologized and said he's about ready to change his number he's had so many callers.

Back to the drawing board...

 

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your time and effort. I should probably make a new thread and may do that. So my budget is $10-15K. There seems to be A LOT of choices. Even certified ones. Many under 50k miles.

So next big question... it seems the plug-ins are just as cheap or cheaper. I've done my share of reading on them so I'm familiar with the details. Since they are virtually the same price, is there any reason I should not get a plug-in? I mean- I like the idea of readily available parts for the regular (battery). But I feel like either one could reach 150k to 200k miles with little worry.

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

Prodigyplace- yep 11 miles is what I've heard/read. Which, my commute happens to be... (wait for it...) 5 miles one way. So I could in theory do A LOT of driving with EV only. So that is appealing to me.

I really haven't read any horror stories about the pip gen I.

@bisco and others: would you mind chiming in on any thought about this one? It's top of my budget really but completely doable from that standpoint. I like the color.

Cars for Sale: Certified 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid for sale in Hanover, PA 17331: Hatchback Details - 457255102 - Autotrader

For some reason- I had to go to the dealer's site to get the actual car fax. Here it is: https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DLR_3&vin=JTDKN3DP5E3060624

 

Brand new tires actually... I just spoke to the salesman.

Also- I linked the wrong carfax report but I will fix.

One of the things he mentioned was that they had resurfaced the rear rotors. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal but it seems rather odd for a prius of this year/mileage?

 

So I may not have mentioned this. But where I live there are no good deals on a prius I want. I may very well be purchasing a prius before seeing it. It being certified an lower mileage I believe I'm okay with that.

Is there any specific questions I should ask? Anything with the battery? This car averaged about 18k a year. I think that's a good thing as it did not sit. Sitting is bad for the battery I believe. It was also leased in the NY/PA area. Good temperature for the battery I believe. (as opposed like like AZ or somewhere)

More thoughts? Thanks!