Im in Virginia and ive been looking around for a used car. For some reason im drawn to getting a used prius. My budget is about $4-6000. Im seeing only a few around here for sale but ive only really paid attention to ones that have "leather" interior. I went and checked one out today and drove one for the first time. It was alright. I didn't fall in love with that particular one. Price was $5.2k out the door but i wasnt there to buy i was there to see if i hated the car after getting the bug to get one. The 3-4 ive found around here are between 4-5400. And a 2012 for 6500. Most have between 120-180k miles with around 150k being average if i included the cloth seat models. My question is, is a 2007-2008 prius with 150k miles for around $5k seem correct? What things should i be looking for? Battery service records? The last car i owned was the complete opposite , an 06 300c with hemi. At 180k miles the suspension amongst quite a few things had to be replaced. Nearly 3k What are some things that are notorious on the prius for going out after 100 or even 150k miles? Are they well made? Should i slap myself and put my money elsewhere or is a used prius worth spending $5000 on?
welcome! prius are one of the most reliable cars ever made. that being said, what you are looking at will probably need a hybrid battery some day. $2-3,000. if you can diy, that will save you a lot. most mechanics don't understand hybrids, and the ones that do charge commensurately for the skills and knowledge base. other expensive repairs can include a/c compressor (electric) brake actuator, and combo meter. even simple repairs like waterpump can be $5-600. at a dealer. idk how that compares to non hybrid. you can find average values for your zip at kbb.com all the best!
Find private sellers and particularly ones that have had hybrid battery service. I’d say your better off with a 180-200k mile car with the service done versus a 140-150k car without it. Check for cracks in the roof area by the trunk and for water leaking into the 12v battery compartment and spare tire area (you can see my thread on that). Hypothetical scenario, you find a 2007 with leather/nav, 180k miles but documented battery replacement, I think $4000 is a fine price assuming brakes and tires are good and the car seems well kept etc. Good luck! iPhone ?
Hello fellow Virginian! I recently (April) purchased my Prius it's a 2005 and so far have loved all the tech. I would strongly recommend one especially if you travel a lot of miles as gas savings (even though currently cheap) is great. I wouldn't focus on leather or cloth but instead on the mechanical being right, test the battery out on the test drive, does the engine sound odd, when you press the brake does it make a weird groaning sound? Looking at a 12-15 year old car expect some wear and tear. If you are half decent with wrenches changing seats is a breeze 16 14mm bolts and you can easily upgrade your interior. Or even do leather seat covers. For reference I bought my Prius from Marshall, VA. It lived it's life in MD and had an awesome service record all done at the dealer. It had 140000 miles on it. It did not have a leather interior but will after this weekend. I prefer leather as well and to be honest I don't mind putting it in myself as you can find nice seats for them. Total out the door to buy the car was $4500. Leather upgrade was $400. I do wish it was an 06 as it has more durableand softer plastics. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Nothing personal but someone who has only owned their Prius for a month should not be giving advice. Come back in 2 years.
If it’s rust free and lower miles Gen II are among the most reliable Prius just plan for a battery and some wear items.
If you do, be sure to protect your catalytic converter. Otherwise, it will be stolen. Cat Security™ 2004 - 2009 Prius (ALL ORDERS PLACED BEFORE NOON SHIP SAME DAY, excludes weekends)
