I am in the market for a used Prius and have come across a dilemma. I have checked out two different cars: a 2004 with 67k miles and a 2006 100k miles. Assuming both are equal in terms of features such as a navigation, and what not, which is the better buy? I live in California and both cars appear to be solid. They are both within my price range of 10500.
They couldn't be totally equal. Backup camera and aux input jack wasn't available until the 06 model year. The 04 probably has a tape deck while the 06 shouldn't. The dash material is different starting w/the 06 models. People say the traction control is less overly sensitive on the 06s and beyond. http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html might help you a bit. http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-forum/100759-buying-first-prius.html#post1427516 should also help. Assuming the 04 has HID lights, it should be more reliable than those on the 06-09s (http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ius-owners-w-hids-how-long-did-they-last.html).
Thanks a ton. I read over those threads--great stuff to keep in mind. But any thoughts as far as the power train difference? I've looked over the technology between the 04 and 06, I can't find a significant change. Thus, I am leaning towards the 04 because of the lower mileage.
Don't worry about mileage so much. The Prius can handle that easily. I would not like the dash and door material that has a tendency to wear off and chip as well as look purple in certain lights on the '04 No power train differences I can see. '06 was a refresh year and as such has the back up camera, the better navigation screen resolution, the more up to date navigation, the aux input for the stereo and the big thing in my book is that the 06 is simply a newer car. It has been proven many times over that its age that affects hybrids way more than mileage. Yes, the taxi's we all hear about that have over 200K miles and still run like new may LOOK like an amazing testimony to the cars durability and in some ways it is... but most cars can handle that much mileage in a short period of time. Its what it can do over the long haul that would impress me more.
pdm66 is correct that the 06 marked a mid-cycle refresh. The higher res LCD (if you have the backup camera) looks nicer. The aux input jack is a big thing. Do keep in mind the 10 year/150K mile HV battery and 15 year/150K mile emissions warranty on cars bought and operated within CA and CARB states. No, there was no powertrain difference until Gen 3 (started w/model year 2010). The potentially dodgy MFD on 04-05 is a minus (assuming it wasn't replaced/fixed already) unless you can get someone to fix it for you cheap or you can get a refurb cheap. BTW, my 06 is package NL, so I have every option except for leather. 06 also marked the first year that factory leather became available.
Hi Everyone! As a newbie myself, I have a similar question whether I should buy a 2008 prius with 113K for 12K. It has the alloy wheels.
I tend to shop by mileage. If you look at values on KBB you will see that with the same model a comparion of one older car with lower mileage will be worth as much or more than a newer car with higher mileage. My 2005 Prius which I bought a year ago with 10K miles was worth more than a 2007 with 60K miles.
Depends on how much you drive daily. If you drive very little, buy a high mileage ones to save money. Otherwise, buy a low mileage. You want to sell it later at "average mileage for the age". That's the best way to get most value. BTW, those are very good price in my view.
You haven't said if these cars are private sales or from a dealer. If they are private sales, you should have them checked at a dealer. You need to do some checking on the history of the cars: Get a CarFax on each - check for accident damage. Do not consider a "salvage title" car. You need to see some maintenance history: Receipts from the owner for routine servicing You need to have a dealer run the vehicle's VINs to get an "official" Toyota history to see what if any Toyota Service Bulletins -TSB - have been accomplished. Given their age, either/both cars may need a new 12V battery, about $250 dealer installed. Depending on it's service history, the 100K miles car may be in line for some extensive routine maintenance. Recommended reading if you've got the time: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...70-what-services-you-need-what-you-don-t.html http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...77-common-2g-problems-what-do-about-them.html
