OK still trying to decide new or used! Looking at a 2004 tideland pearl 24500 miles, pkg #7 with 75K extended warranty-Are they transferable? has black bra ( not sure about that!) and wheel guards. Also what is a permanent plate warranty as it has that too? Also tax credit is for new cars right? for $20K private sale what do you think?? Thanks in advance :?
Why are they selling it? If you're serious about it, pay a Prius-certified technician (probably available only at Toyota dealers) to check it out thoroughly before you buy it. Also search for it's VIN history to see whether it's a "salvage" (that is, it got really messed up and was repaired; I would run, not walk, away from a salvaged Prius. There's just too much stuff that may not have been fixed correctly, especially by non-dealer service which insurance companies always prefer to use). There are several online services that will do this for a fee. Some states also track and report salvage VINs for free.
I don't think you will be getting the tax credit. Unless I'm mistaken, that's only for the original purchaser. A package 7 for $20,000 and it has 24,500 miles? Sounds about right but I'd make sure you have the extended warranty!! If you really want to go "used" I'd at least look for a package 9. Only my opinion but I figured for the difference in price from package 7 to 9...I went with package 9 (and really happy I did).
If you are going to finance this purchase, be aware that most credit lenders give you a better rate over a longer loan period for a new car versus used. If you have all cash, so much the better! Put 50% down and finance the balance over 3 years; you will still be ahead of the game and have the car that YOU want, instead of leftovers. YMMV
Thanks for the input, its was not such a sweet deal, so NEW it will be, now the decision is do I wait for 2006! and $3000 credit but most probably higher prices !!
Depends again on your situation: Is there a car available to you now that you like? I do not think that the 2006 models have many differences save for the still unknown tax-credit 'carrot'. Can you afford to wait for the 2006 considering what you drive now? Questions, questions....;-)
