Prius 2003 with 120000 miles

I would check the KBB on prices and get as much information from the dealer as you can. Buying online can be troublesome as well a traumatic. I purchased my 2007 Prius with 114,000 miles "online" from a reputable Toyota dealership near Seattle, I lived about 70 miles away and asked all sorts of questions but still ended up with a problem that occured the day I purchased it in the dealership, while the guy was fueling up the car for my trip home (free tank of gas) the air sensor light came on, was then told service reset it after checking all the tires and that after about 5 miles it should clear, well it didn't and it ended up being an issue with the computer so I had to take it back and they reset and reprogrammed the computer (thats what they told me was wrong) so hopefully if you live close enough you can ask them the questions you need to ask and see lots of pictures, get a car fax report too. Good Luck

 

Sounds like a good enough deal. I would try to get it for 4500 out the door. The Gen I's have been around for a while and repairs may be necessary but, at that price, you should be able to afford any repairs. My '01 is almost 12 yrs old and it's still chugging along (and getting 43mpgs). Others have reported problems with their Gen I but, I always say, "its better to have any Prius than no Prius."

 

I have a 2008 with 103,500 miles on it. I was talking with the service manager at the Toyota dealership I use in Santa Rosa, CA, about the cost associated with replacing the hybrid battery, which has 150,000 mile warranty. His experience seems to indicate vehicle age rather than mileage determines hybrid battery life. Also, once a vehicle goes over 100,000 miles, things seem to start going wrong. I'm not sure whether High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights were available on the 2003 models, but if the vehicle you're looking has them, ask to have them replaced before you buy the car. I just replaced mine and the bulbs were $180/each. Having the dealership replace both bulbs cost almost $500. Also have your dealer check the struts (rear) on the car you're considering. If they're leaking you'll be looking at $800+ to have them replaced by a Toyota dealer.

 

The first gen Prius (before model year 2004) DID NOT have a 150K mile HV battery warranty. It only started w/the 04 model year and more states were added over time. The 10 year/150K mile HV battery warranty ONLY applies in CA and CARB states anyway. AFAIK, FL is not one of those.

HV battery is 8 years/100K miles in non-CARB states and for the 1st gen Prius.

As for HID lights, I bought Philips D4R bulbs on Amazon (sold by Amazon, not a 3rd party reseller) and there were <$55/each. I received a check as a result of Toyota Prius Class Action Lawsuit | Toyota Headlight Lawsuit | Girard Gibbs LLP for the cost of 2 bulbs from Amazon. I believe HIDs were not available on the 1st gen Prius. Luscious Garage | Blog | Prius headlight problem, D4R HID bulbs *still overpriced, not covered under warranty* could've done the bulbs for you cheaper.

I would not recommend a 1st gen to the OP, if the car's on the original HV battery, esp. since FL is a hot climate. See also Going to be looking for a 2001-2003 Prius...Seeking some tips. | PriusChat.

 

All of this is way off. Most can be done DIY with used parts for a fraction of the cost posted. If I had to pay these kind of prices for repairs, I wouldn't even own a car.

Additionally, there is no alternator on a Prius so scratch that one out. The timing chain requires no maintenance so scratch that one as well. I can't see a xmission costing that much (except maybe at the dealer). All other things are typical failures for a 9-10 yr old car (the prices listed are waaaayayyy offfff baaaaassssse).

 

i sold my loaded 04 w/ 94,000 for $7,400. is 5K your max? i would jump to the gen II if i could, it's a huge difference.

 

The gen1s' can easily run to 180K miles plus - if you change the trans fluid at 60K intervals - trans should give you no problems. I think battery failures are slightly more common in gen 1 but still few and far between - and can be replaced from a totaled car for much less than cost of new one. I try to stretch a bit to a 2005 gen II (not 2004 model) - but even there 100K miles is still relatively young. Get a carfax to make sure no wrecks - and I'd have a Prius mechanic check things over to make sure no major obvious issues.