I'm looking to purchase a used 2015 Prius v (wagon). I have a few concerns and need advice. 1.) It is a 2015 model year and has 74,000 miles. 2.) The CARFAX report says it was used as a taxi. 3.) The price is $17,595. The main reason I'm considering purchasing this Prius is because of the price, model year, and trim level (Five). I know Prii have the ability to run hundreds of thousands of miles, so the 74,000 miles don't scare me. I am, however, scared of how many miles were put on the car within such a short time frame. I also am somewhat concerned about it being used as a taxi. I realize Prii are designed for in-city driving primarily (which I presume this car mostly did), but I still won't know how bad the previous owner abused this vehicle. The price seems awfully low considering the area and market in which it's being sold. I wonder if it's because it was used as a taxi and maybe most people steer clear of vehicles like that. I'm going to contact a local mechanic to see if I can get it inspected before I buy, but I really wanted to read your opinions first before I do anything. With all that being said, the car has a clean title, had one owner, and seems to have been well maintained based on pictures and 5 maintenance records. For those whom are experienced with Prii (especially the V) please give me your opinions and/or thoughts on this situation. It will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I Have 2012 hatchback, not V, so just some ideas: Having a mechanical inspection would be vital, and talking with original owner would be valuable if that is possible . Did one driver put on all the miles or was it driven by several drivers? Taxi drivers vary a LOT from gentle to rough. Checking brake wear might help decide that because a gentle driver would be using more regeneration to slow the car and have less brake pad wear, whereas a rough driver would have worn the pads down in 74,000 miles. Mechanic should check for any signs of damage that has been repaired as it doesn't always get reported. Thorough check of engine, eCVT, and HV battery condition would be advisable. If you can contact owner, ask why he/she sold the car. Taxis rules vary by state but autos can usually be used for several years and several hundred thousand miles as taxis, so why did they quit using this one?
I'll need to contact the dealer to see if it would be okay with me bringing a mechanic and finding out details about the original owner. I know how to do basic auto repairs/checks, so I'll definitely check out the condition of the brakes, tires, oil, etc. Thank you so much for the advice! I really do appreciate it!
So the one your looking at.... is it a 2, 3, 4 or 5 optioned car? With 74K mileage and taxi use...I do disagree, I personally think it is over price at $17K...only $10K off (if a model 4) from new with 74K miles and one year depreciation. Noting the 2017 model reaches dealers typically in Sept...so now two years depn. Maybe Blue Book the car and report the value. Then consider taxi and Car Fax when you resale. That's my two cent opinion. I wish you luck in your purchase decision.
The trim level is 5 with advanced technology package. Do you think it would be harmful to shoot a low ball offer after the mechanic and I assess the vehicle? KBB rates it anywhere from $20K-$24K.
welcome! the reason you get a good price is taxi use. same with rentals. if you want one with less abuse, you have to pay more. it's just economics. it never hurts to lowball, it's not like they won't sell it to you if you come up, because you offended them. all the best!
Taxi's, Pri or not, lead a hard life and suffer more abuse than a non-taxi would. So go into this purchase know that, maintenance was likely kept up well, but look for anything out of the ordinary, have the underbody inspected well for scrapes/damages/signs of hitting potholes and curbs, etc. I was in Vancouver Canada and Prius v's were the primary taxi vehicles. They zip from one light to another with no care about fuel economy except for the fact they don't idle at lights.
Thank you all for the wonderful replies! It means a lot to be a part of this community. I'm going to check out the car myself to see if it can even pass my basic evaluation. I've been wondering also about two Prius v's that have a rebuilt title. I've read about the dangers, horror stories, and terrible experiences of people purchasing vehicles for dirt cheap (yet in seemingly good, almost brand new condition), but I'm balling on a budget and need a second vehicle. I plan on taking my next vehicle purchase (hopeful it'll be a Prius v) to the grave. I will keep it until it's no longer able to be driven.
Does anyone know if these are factory weldings or repair weldings. The reason I ask is the rear bumper's paint coat is off. It's more of a matte color than a shiny. I'm suspicious this car was in a wreck, but the wreck wasn't reported. Any ideas?
View attachment 115333 View attachment 115334 Does anyone know if these are factory weldings or repair weldings. The reason I ask is the rear bumper's paint coat is off. It's more of a matte color than a shiny. I'm suspicious this car was in a wreck, but the wreck wasn't reported. Any ideas?
I think the main factor affecting ur decision shud be the current condition of the car not that it was used as a taxi Bcz some ppl tend to wear out cars faster than any cab company driver So u might want to scan it for any fault codes & check for any mechanical or body repair Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
So with all things considered, I still might offer the dealer $10k. Does that seem too low of an offer? I really think this would be a wonderful second car. Although it has 74k miles, I still feel like it will last at least another 200k-300k miles (hopefully). What are your thoughts? Should I wait for another prius v Five with ATP and fewer miles? I'd prefer to have the panoramic moonroof and DRCC. I feel like now is the perfect time to buy a hybrid because they are cheaper now (low gas prices). I've just never bought one with anything over 40k miles. I'm not hurting for a car right now, but I would like it for transporting people and gear (I drive a Chevy coupe). I will see if I can borrow a friend's auto code reader.
Based on KBB for my '12 v Three with 34k miles trade in price, I think your 10k offer to a dealer will be not accepted.
