my bro is in the market for a 1st gen prius, he saw a few online locally, and all have over 100K miles i guess, the question is, what to look, or look out for, when checking these cars out? recalls, wear and tear items, operating costs, etc. or is there a more efficient way to get around town with a $10K budget? 2 kids and a wife! any info would help, thanx in advanced
This is just me, but I'd rather pay $10k for a 1 year old Yaris than for a 7 year old G1 Prius. Prii are very reliable cars, but 100,000 miles is still alot of distance. The fuel economy difference between a Yaris and a G1 Prius isn't that big, and the cars are similarly sized. Yaris might also have a bigger trunk, since it doesn't need to fit in a battery pack.
+1 The premium for a used Prius just seems way too high. If I were limited to $10K, I'd rather spend it on a used Corolla, Matrix or Civic with half the miles of that G1 Prius. Alternatively, KandyRedCoi can show his bro some love and give him the $12K differential to get a new Prius. (When I received my driver's license in 1972, my brother gave me his '69 Chevy SS 396.)
IMHO, there have been so many improvements from the 1st gen Prius to the present model, I would not really be looking at a 1st gen with over 100k mi. However, the early Prius is still a fine, reliable automobile. Sure beats most of the GM/F/Chrysler used cars out there these days with 100K mi.
Ditto that, I would look into either the Yaris or the Honda Fit before I bought a used G1 Prius. Those are my 2 cents to him
to be honest i loaned him my 2500HD duramax chevy truck, but at the current state of diesel gas prices, he doesnt want it anymore, LOL so maybe a nice lil sedan that can fit his fam, and save some gas while doing it the $10K limit was because we were just going to pay for something cash and not worry bout monthly payments looks like his gf is getting a better job so that limit may go up ill keep you guys posted, and thanx for the responses
well with a 10k limit you can get a yaris or a hyundai accent, though hyundai's quality has gone way up in recent year's, FE is still not good at all with their cars imo compared to civics or corrola you could go with a base yaris, or a 2007 yaris for under 10 k out the door..or possibly a VW rabbit, the 06 rabbit's are nice...my friend has one, and he get's 34mpg regulary. Im sure a used one could be had for around 10-12k
thought about the yaris and rabbit as well, and I personally think its cool, but he doesnt, LOL, no offense, back to square one
Well, if that limit goes up and transmission isnt an issue...there is a dealer down here that advertises 2009 Camry CE 4 cylinder with Manual for $14,500
O that sucks...i still say Yaris is the best bet, sedan version not hatchback....or just get a nice used car.....friend of mine has an 08 Scion xD...not a bad little car, gets good mileage and plenty of room and zip....he was lookin at the Honda Civic Hybrid and Prius but the price was too high and his Dodge Ram was worth shit, so he got the xD for $16,000 out the door with $9,000 for his trade...but a used Scion might be a good bet(xA, xD). Used Mazda 3?
how can anyone not like the VW rabbit? Such a nice little car, much better in looks over the yaris imo. The yaris sedan run's a bit more then the hatch version btw..so keep that in mind, either that or our local dealer is in the buisness of hiking MSRP's up..which i beilive they do after my prius deal last year. the yaris sedan is slick lookin though, i was looking at them on the lot today when i was getting the alignment done, I thought it was a corrola when i saw it from the rear, and had to take a second look at the sticker.
We recently got a 2002 Prius with 13000 miles (garaged) for $11,000, if you keep looking you might be able to find something. We've been extremely happy with it, definitely better than a Yaris or Hyundai. Avoid VW, they are money holes.
I love the Rabbit. Always have since its first incarnation. Notwithstanding its front wheel drive I submit that it handles and feels a lot like a BMW. In Italy, it is or was the working man's BMW. So much fun to drive, and practical. But yeah, that reliability problem people have mentioned is a real deal killer for me.
thanx for the responses everyone, if his limit goes up, im thinking up to $20K we will be looking for cars today and ill let you know what he comes up with looking mostly in the midsize sedan, since this will be his only car, kid hauler, grocery getter, daily driver, workhorse etc. thanx again, we really do appreciate it
well, we got our 2007 Camry CE Auto...pretty good for a base car, cruise control, steering wheel controls, CD player, etc...---for $17,000....they have the 2009 Camry LE's which add power seats for $17,900 with the automatic.