Hey everyone! I’m SO close to becoming a Prius owner and I’m extremely ecstatic to say the least. From the amazing gas mileage to the environmental benefits, I’m truly stoked! But here’s the thing: I’m currently looking at a used Prius from a private owner. Like the thread title states, it’s an 06–and it has 177k. He’s asking for $4500. My question is, should I be weary of the mileage? And also, is the price reasonable? It does check out with kbb, I suppose. I really want to purchase this car, but I of course don’t want to waste money! I’ll upload some pictures. The owner mentioned that the hybrid battery was “serviced” last year, so I asked what they meant specifically—I included a picture of their response.
I don’t understand how the pictures address your question. There is no legitimate servicing of the hybrid battery. At that age, plan on 3k to replace it at some point. Brake actuator can be a few thousand at a dealer, combo screen a thousand, etc. As with any used car, buyer beware
Sorry, I should’ve specified. I was showing the pictures of the actual car just to show what it looked like. As for the picture of the response regarding the battery, I was hoping someone would be able to decipher what the owner meant—that’s all. All in all, you seem to think it’s not a wise purchase, correct?
You can PayPal money? I smell a scam. My guess is it’s PayPal friends and family. You don’t get any recourse paying that way. Scammers use that all the time. Also the battery is shot. Expect to have to buy a new one within a year.
Purchasing advice here will always err on cautionary side. I bought an 06 with 119,000 miles 1.5 years ago for a similar price. I don't see PayPal as a red flag, but the blurb strongly suggests a P0A80 in its past which might mean another is not too far behind. I'd interrogate the owner whether the hybrid battery was reconditioned to remedy a P0A80. If he cops to it, I'd try to get the price down to 3k and change.
It just says they replaced a bunch of cells (or is it the verb "sells?" LOL!) Was it a full set of new cells? If so, that's good. If used cells, that's trouble especially if they are old or mismatched. It sure looks clean on the outside, so that's nice. Don't know about the interior, though. At that mileage and with an unknown battery condition I think I would build some repair expenses into the price. A brake pump, air conditioner, or new battery job can quickly make that not such a good deal. And you don't know how it was maintained. If it was well maintained and you can get the price right, it might be a good purchase.
Looks extremely clean and borderline mint. A lot of people are going over 300k without a major issue. Price is slightly high but probably reflects the immaculate condition. You can go get one for $8000 with 40k miles and it still won't be as clean (although you posted tiny pics so hard to conclude it is mint). I'd say go for it if it is the best deal you can find. Very reliable. Typically if it is running fine now (whether 180k or 250k) it will be running exact same way in 50k miles without putting a single penny in it. That has been my experience with all the priuses I have owned. Low maintenance vehicles.
Thank you ALL for your responses. Over the last few days, I continued my Prius search & found this pretty thing. It’s an 09 with 160k—still a bit high but less than the previous. It’s priced at $6999 (which I think is a bit too high) but idk, I could be wrong I suppose. Regardless, the dealership said they’d negotiate a much better price, plus add a 90 day warranty. So I think this is what I may take initiative towards. Lemme know what you all think. Thanks in advance!!
There is a post on Priuschat for a 2005 Prius with 85,000 miles for $4,600. 2005 Prius for sale - original owner 85k | PriusChat That seems like a good deal. Almost 100,000 miles less than the first one you posted.
That’s an awesome deal! Seems to be in Canada though, unfortunately. Thanks for letting me know though. I appreciate it.
As we don’t know where you live we really can’t comment on if it’s a good deal or not. USA really doesn’t help much.
What area of the country are you in? The South? Adding it to your profile would help. Canada is near lots of places in the US.
Ah, sorry about that everyone. I haven’t updated my account info. I’m in the Southeast! (North Carolina)
