I'm fairly new here, though I've lurked for many years, and I wanted to ask some advice. I've owned a 2005 fully-loaded Prius for about 9 years and am considering a 2011 Prius with 67k miles at a local mom and pop car lot. I drove it today and was very impressed. I think it's a Prius 4, but it could be a 5–not sure–and it's priced at $12,690. It's a family owned place and I dealt with the son, who seemed a little cocky for my taste when I was asking about fees. He said something like, "Let me be clear, the price is $12,690 and not less." Before I drove the car the father had mentioned that they had an appointment with someone tomorrow that seemed very interested and yes, I know this is a sales ploy in general. But he seemed nice and I got no other inklings of pushy salesman behavior. It seems like a good price, though I'd rather not pay the full price in principle, just because of the pushy guy. However, I'd love any feedback that anyone can give. The features include: Leather, sunroof, backup camera and navigation, front heated seat with lumbar. Is this a 4 or 5? KBB shows a Private Party Value at $11,706 and Fair Market Range of $12,305 - $14,328 with a Fair Purchase Price of $13,317. It also says that suggested Retail Price is $13,448. It really seems like a good price but the pushy young guy irritated me so I'd love to offer him less. I don't love the color–Sandy Beige I think. It's similar to my Driftwood Pearl 2005, but looks more Gold, which I'm not a fan of. Pushy young guy said, "Didn't you see the color before you came here?" Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
idk how hard it is to find decent pri in your area, but if i'm forced to make a quick decision, i check my emotions and walk away. i don't trust 'mom and pop' dealers, there have been too many horror stories.
P.S. I forgot to mention 3 things 1) I'd be paying cash 2) I forgot to ask for the CarFax when I was there so I called back and talked to the father–the really nice guy–and he pulled it while I was on the phone. He said something like "Very minor damage" to the front right side of the bumper in May 2015. He mentioned something about under the front edge of the bumper. 3) The car is immaculate in every way.
Thanks bisco. I could be ok with dealing with the dad, but I see your point. One thing that makes this especially worthy of consideration is that, for such a low-mileage Prius, I can pay cash for it, which I'd prefer doing.
I bought a oaded 2012 4 a year ago with 24k on it with clean carfax and certified by Toyota (didn't want this) for 18k. Thought it was a bit high but it all comes down to mileage, history , and dealership. I would be careful. Good luck. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
It sounds like a reasonable price to me, especially with the options. Can you get the VIN number checked at a toyota dealer to see what service and warranty history shows up? Maybe have the area where it was damaged checked at a body shop or mechanic to better understand what the damage may have been. Let us know what you do.
I actually took a photo of the VIN and there was paperwork in the glovebox that had the original owner's info and some service information. I plan to call tomorrow morning. I just found a red 2011 a couple of hours from me that is giving me something else to think about. –I still don't know the difference between a 4 and 5 Gen3 so I don't know what either of these is. However, the red one has 65k miles and is priced at $8500. It has heated leather seats, nav, BU camera, but I don't think it has the solar/moonroof option. I also have no idea if this one has a clean CarFax. –I just happened to see it a few minutes ago. I just looked at it again and it says "Title Status: Rebuilt." Oh well. My current car was rebuilt but I would only buy another if it was from the same seller that I bought my current one from.
Quick tip: Read a carfax or alternative before purchasing the car. The car might be good on surface but who knows what it is hiding.
Difference between a 2011 4 and 5 -17in rims on the 5, 15in rims on the 4, that's the easiest way to tell the difference.