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First car shopping. need advice.

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Sazla, Apr 12, 2017.

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  1. Sazla

    Sazla New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2017
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    Location:
    27703
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    this will be my first car and since i'm in college it will have to be cheap. i'm currently looking at a 2008 prius (not sure what the trim is) with 118k miles for $5,000.
    someone please tell me if this is a good deal and if there are any problems with the 2008 I should be looking for.
    also any other advice on which years have major problems. i.e. the 2010 oil consumption.
    thanks in advance!
     
    #1 Sazla, Apr 12, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome! 2008 is a great year. i wouldn't go any earlier. sounds like a good deal.
    here's what to do: learn how to reset the average mpg. then go for a good long test drive under varied conditions, and see what the mpg's are at the end.
    it also might be worth taking it to a dealer and paying a hundred fifty bucks for a once over.
    all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 12, 2017
    RCO and Sazla like this.
  3. Sazla

    Sazla New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
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    N/A
    is there anything wrong with buying a prius if it's more than 10 years old? like the battery? or does the battery give out with miles instead of old age?
     
    #3 Sazla, Apr 12, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    the consensus is that time is harder than miles, but i don't think there's any data, just anecdotal.
    we are seeing a lot of 2005-2007 issues, but also, some are having great luck with them.
    like anything mechanical, the more years/miles, the higher the odds are that somethings will break.
    my daughter has an '08 with 100k. it's been a perfect vehicle, but who knows what the next 50-100k will bring?
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 12, 2017
    RCO likes this.
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