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Buying a used prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by joelt42, Mar 21, 2009.

  1. joelt42

    joelt42 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    We are looking to buy a used Prius as we have a fixed amount of cash we're willing to spend on a car.

    We have been offered a certified used 2007 BASE model (no backup camera, no iPod auxillary port, etc) with 23K miles for a total of $18,000 which includes taxes, tabs, fees, etc. That makes the car price something like $16,500.

    We have also been offered a certified used 2005 Package 6 for the same price, but with 58K miles.

    Any advice on which is the best deal, if either? We're somewhat concerned about the hybrid system warranty running out in only a few years on the 2005, and the only think we like about the Package 6 2005 is that it has side curtain air bags.

    Why someone would pay extra for a 6-disc CD changer in these days of the iPod is beyond me, but that is for another post.
     
    #1 joelt42, Mar 21, 2009
  2. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    Location:
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    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    the 05 model does not have an auxiliary in.. that's an 06+ thing.. (explaining the 6 disk changer)

    any 06+ model has semi better suspension setup than 04 and 05 models.. plus.. tire pressure monitors.. standard rear wipers.. and a few other little things... (i'll think of them later...)
     
    #2 V8Cobrakid, Mar 21, 2009
  3. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    Persona
    2007 base with 23,000 for $16.5 k is a good price i think. i have 2006 pkg 4 which will have around 39,000. its market value is around $18.5-19.5 k.

    the 2005 is a fair deal
     
    #3 DaveinOlyWA, Mar 21, 2009
  4. joelt42

    joelt42 New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Thanks for the quick replies!

    I think it is coming down to a decision between a brand new 2009 matrix for 18K "out the door" or the 2007 Prius BASE model for the same price.

    I suppose if we go with the 2009 Matrix, This will be my last post on this forum...
     
    #4 joelt42, Mar 21, 2009
  5. joelt42

    joelt42 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Thanks for the quick replies!

    I think it is coming down to a decision between a brand new 2009 matrix for 18K "out the door" or the 2007 Prius BASE model for the same price.

    I suppose if we go with the 2009 Matrix, This will be my last post on this forum...
     
    #5 joelt42, Mar 21, 2009
  6. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    that would be wrong. you only have to have an interest the Prius and its associated technology.

    the matrix, if you buy it, probably wont be the last car you buy. keep the Pri in mind. maybe next time

    i sincerely hope that your purchase decision is not based on the current price of gas
     
    #6 DaveinOlyWA, Mar 21, 2009
  7. spitinuri

    spitinuri Member

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    Joel,

    The Matrix and the Prius are two totally different cars. I had a similar challenge when I bought my Prius. Both are good vehicles and very reliable. That being said, the Matrix will go down in value quite dramatically over the next 3-5 years. The Prius will retain more value and possibly with a gas price increase (which will come) possibly even be worth more than what you paid for it. I think you will probably be happy either way.

    Best of Luck!
     
    #7 spitinuri, Mar 21, 2009
  8. joelt42

    joelt42 New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I do have a continued interest in the Prius, so maybe I'll keep monitoring to see when, if ever, Toyota will role out the plug-in hybrid.

    Thanks again for the quick advice.

    JT
     
    #8 joelt42, Mar 21, 2009
  9. Worthington

    Worthington New Member

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    Location:
    Roswell New Mexico
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    2008 Prius
    I have priced new and used Prius's for the past 6 months and think you can get a newer car for less money. I just bought a 2008, level 2 , vehicle skid control, rearview back-up camera, AM/FM stereo,
    w/CD player, MP3 playback, (6) speakers, and Smart Key system for $17,800 out the door. The car has 20,300 miles on it, and runs excellent with no body damage at all. I aslo saw an 09 New car sell on ebay, leval 5, for $20,500 5 mounth ago. You just have to take you time, look around, and have the cash when needed. Good luck!

     
    #9 Worthington, Mar 22, 2009
  10. PriusForThePeople

    PriusForThePeople Member

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    Pleaseeeee don't buy a Matrix for the same price. You'll be sorry in the summer when gas prices are back into the 3's (or 4's, depending where you are). :(:(:(:(:(
     
    #10 PriusForThePeople, Mar 22, 2009
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