Hi there, I need to make a decision urgently (today/tomorrow) on an 08 at a local dealer with 102k on the clock. It's in really nice cosmetic shape. They've come down to $11750, which to me seems high but all the Prius's round here (Bellingham, WA) are high, no private sales available, and it's around Edmunds value, so I guess it's okay. Here's some questions for you experts: 1) Definitely need to get it checked by a Prius-trained mechanic? I'm kinda in a hurry and this is a good, reputable Toyota dealership, but I'm not in that much of a hurry that I want a lemon on my hands obviously. And the service history doesn't seem great - nothing but an ABS repair back '11 listed on Toyota owners website. 2) Is it worth getting an extended warranty on this vehicle? It was first bought in California (in WA now) so I guess it has the 150k hybrid warranty though I will be asking the dealer to confirm that in writing. It recently was auctioned in Nevada - don't think that invalidates the California warranty, does it? Really appreciate your quick advice on this one! Thanks a lot.....
If it was ever registered in WA or NV, it no longer has the CA warranty. http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/T-MMS-08PriusWI/pdf/2008_Prius_OWI_lr.pdf (Page 9 of the PDF, page 7 of the manual) (I would never get an extended warranty, they always do not cover your particular failure, I think because they cover nothing)
Hi there, thanks for your answers. Jimbo, I think you have made up my mind - I was really kind of counting on the 150k warranty for this one and the dealer has confirmed that there is no warranty on it now. I think I'm going to go for one down in Everett that has 65k on the clock, and a religiously complete service history. It's costing me, of course - $15,750 on a 2010 base model - but I feel more comfortable with this kind of mileage with a bit of manufacturer's warranty left on it. Issue now is getting this vehicle without having it checked out with an independent mechanic. For transport reasons I kinda want to take it home with me tomorrow - yup, that's a Sunday. Would I be crazy? I'm thinking that the complete service history protects me - Carfax also shows the dealer just replaced the battery (presumably the non-hybrid one), serviced the other one, and other obvious maintenance.... Think I can trust this Prius?