I am considering buying a used 2007 Prius from a private owner. I'm a first time car buyer so I pretty much I'm not very experienced with buying cars in general. I was hoping you all might be able to help me! Car info: - Year 2007, used, 2-owner - 97,000+ miles. - $6,500 but willing to take $6,000, no less. - I believe it's a base model with back-up camera and keyless entry. - The car has 2 open recalls but seller says he's willing to get them fixed before finalizing sale. Based on the provided information and the attached CarFax, should I be worried about anything? Any red flags in the CarFax? Is the price ($6,000) a fair price? Any other advice in general? Thank you!
you say private owner but carfax listed as for sale by a dealer just last month? As with any used car, I would have it inspected by your mechanic/Toyo dealer first (carfax doesn't count) but price seems fair if the body/interior is in good shape. We have a 2007 base prius and it does not have backup camera and no Smart Key (where the door unlocks as you open the door without hitting the clicker/FOB). Assuming this one is factory then I think its at least a level II or III trim.
Package 1 has the backup camera and smart key (base has neither). Package 2 adds vehicle stability control (VSC light on startup). Yes, it does look like it had two private owners and then a dealership took ownership (possible trade-in). Are you purchasing it from Ciocca Subaru? Watch the traction battery state of charge in the energy flow screen as you test drive. It shouldn't change level very quickly--it should stay fairly steady. I didn't see the 12v aux battery replacement in the maintenance report, but I may have missed it, or it may not have been recorded. If it truly is original, it is past its life expectancy. It's not a huge deal--usually about $200. Have a look down the passenger side of the gasoline engine for the large black pulley. Look around and behind the pulley for pink crusty buildup, which could indicate a failing engine coolant pump. The price looks quite good, if all is in order.
