2005 vs 2007

There are no major differences between an 05 and an 07. But the 05 has a lower resolution screen then the 06/07. It also has blackened tail-lights and a slightly different interior (only textutre I believe). It might be that the 06/07 are the first with an aux-in port and charger port in the arm rest compartment (good for ipods).
The 07 also come in a "touring" edition with different spoiler and wheels. I'm sure there are color differences. These are all the changes I know.

What package options are you looking at?

 

There's the hybrid badges on the front fenders, and a chrome grill bar, too, I think. Minor at best. I'm always suspicious of a car with very few miles on it. I bought an '05 late in the model year, and think I drive less than a lot of people, and already have 18K on mine. That said, $5K is $5K, though. Good luck.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(phillyguy @ Jan 24 2007, 11:43 AM) [snapback]380092[/snapback]</div>

Depending upon which packages they have - whether you are a buy and hold or a lease and return type of guy - i would opt for the '07. You must inquire as to the warranty available on the '05 too.

would like to know more if you don't mind.

 

Another question is tax rebates. If you buy a used car you might not be entitled to tax rebates (not sure what they are on 07)

 

If both have a NAV system, your passenger won't be able to enter information while you're in motion in a 2007, unless you cut a wire or add a gizmo. The 2005 has a workaround (ie touching certain spots on the MFD) which overrides that.

An advantage of the 2007 over the 2005 is a rear view camera, which activates when in reverse.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Jan 24 2007, 01:11 PM) [snapback]380153[/snapback]</div>

iPod integration too.

 

We just went from a 2005 to a 2007 (only a few days experience with the new car). I believe there are more airbags (two little ones that are on the sides of the driver and front passenger seats). As mentioned already, the back-up camera, higher resolution display,, audio auxilary input, and slightly different interior colors. I think other than that, you have to compare packages. (Some of the information display is different--for instance, you can no longer see the fuel gauge from the passenger seat, but you wouldn't "know" that to be able to "miss" it.)

You should be able to negotiate a good deal on either one. Apparently there are new financing incentives on the 2007's, plus the federal tax credit (I think it's at half its original value now). But if the 2005 is Toyota Certified, it probably comes with a better warranty.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Blurry @ Jan 24 2007, 11:08 AM) [snapback]380187[/snapback]</div>

The higher packages in 04 and 05 included those.

However, I am very suspicious why a dealer would want to sell you a used car over a new one. My guess is that they are making a bigger profit on the used car.

For a $5,000 difference (before the tax credit), I would opt for the new car.

 

There is a 1500 tax credit for 07. I would be a little skeptical on why they have not been able to get rid of a 2005 car with that low milage!!! That is almost two years old. I know some people don't drive very much but that is just a little to weird. I agree that 5K is not enough of a difference to get a 2 year old car. I would go for the 07.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Jan 24 2007, 12:51 PM) [snapback]380137[/snapback]</div>

Used cars do not qualify for the Federal tax credit. There are some pretty deep discounts being advertized for the 2007's. Contact the Internet Sales Managers at several dealers. Offer invoice and see what you can do as there's no shortage of cars on the lots. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

And back to the original topic...

You have stabilizer bars... er.. sway bars. I know 05 was better than 04 and 07 is supposed to be even better.

Want to make the ride even better, change the tires and add the BT Tech stiffening plate. Official sponsor to Priuschat.

Rear view camera, and tire pressure monitors. I'm not exactly sure if the 05 has the monitors.

The entire display unit is changed. Yes... higher resolution.. and a new layout.

You get the badges that read "hybrid" on the side of the car, along with the changes in the front and rear lights.

My favorite is the interior. I believe the 04 and 05 have the same interior... which is a painted.... er.. laminated platic.. When really hot.. or really hot and dirty.. it can peel. The newer models are actually covered with a softer material.. not hard platic. Much better to feel.

Aux input in the stereo.

Did they do away with the tape deck on the newer models? I have the 6 disk and tape on my 04.

Some say the newer models have better speakers.. not much better.. but still improved upon.

Then there is the tax credit... only new cars get it.

If i remember any more.. i'll add them into this list.

 

If there's a $1,500 tax credit on the 2007s then your savings are only $3,500. If I were in your shoes I'd tell the salesperson that I'll buy the 2005 if they'll take $6,500 off, otherwise let's start negotiation on an '07. ... But that's just my, 'bang for the buck' style.

By the way, yesterday when I was in getting my Prius serviced I noticed 10 or 12 new Priuses on the lot. Seems to me that one could negotiate down from MSRP.

One other point .. I looked at this several years ago .. Aren't there sites where you can mention exactly what you're looking for and they then find the best price for you. This usually gets you to the fleet salesperson if I remember correctly.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Jan 24 2007, 11:11 AM) [snapback]380153[/snapback]</div>

What are those "certain spots"

Thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CyJak @ Feb 11 2007, 01:37 AM) [snapback]388340[/snapback]</div>

Look through www.carbuyingtips.com.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Feb 11 2007, 05:29 PM) [snapback]388633[/snapback]</div>

Could you be a little more specific? The web site you referred me to is about buying cars and there is no search engine on the site. I looked at several pages and the site map but nothing I could find was about navigation systems on the Prius.

Thanks

Cy

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CyJak @ Feb 16 2007, 06:29 PM) [snapback]391817[/snapback]</div>

The website JimN sent you to has nothing to do with the question that you asked.

To reach the override command hit the "Menu" button and select "Volume." In the volume screen, touch the upper left corner followed by the lower left corner and repeat twice for a total of three sets of top and bottom. A service screen will appear. "Override" will display in the middle of the left column. Touch and hold it for a couple of seconds until a beep sounds and the Override button is highlighted. Then, touch the "Back" button and proceed to use any NAV function.

Warning: Do not explore any other service menu selections. You may lose use of your navigation system and you will need an expensive dealer's visit to return the system to functionality.