I am in southern california and looking a half decent prius that runs well and wont need work . It does NOT need to look like a show model. I am thinking maybe between 2004-2009 would be a good year if someone know anyone with one they are tired of and is in decent shape ?
Well I am kind of looking for a hybrid. for a few reasons. 1 they seem to work ok as a camping vehicle for some. 2 I want a vehicle that will give relativley low gas costs.
gotcha. i would buy the newest one possible, 2009 if you can afford it. you will need a safety stash of money for large repairs such as the hybrid battery, brake actuator, engine or a/c compressor. if you're an avid auto diy'er with good electronic skills, you can keep those costs way down with salvage parts and saving the enormous hourly mechanic fees.
That's the problem. You're looking at Prius 11-16 model years old. There just is no way to guarantee no work. In fact in that age range, I would say it's easier to guarantee you WILL need work at various really unpredictable times. As is often repeated, you're buying in, right in the zone of possible HV battery failure. ANY used car 11-16 years old is IMO more likely to need work, than to not need work. Answered and offered opinions on similar queries over many years here at Prius Chat. Considering other options, Non-Hybrid is a good suggestion. But people want, what they want. If you do buy a Prius in that age range, just be aware there is absolutely no way to guarantee "No Work" in the future, and IMO almost the opposite, maintenance issues WILL be appearing.
