We are thinking of purchasing a used 2004 Prius sold by a private party - the car appears to have been meticulously maintained - it's in great shape, standard package (no special features) but also no major repairs or problems, has new tires and recently had brake computer system replaced due to some kind of fluke (dealership replaced for free). The owners appear to really care about it and have treated it well. It does have kinda high mileage - about 65K, most of it highway. We live in CA and this car has HOV (Clean Air) stickers, which is a major plus as they're no longer available with new cars. Kelly Blue Book has the private party listing for a 2004 Prius at 14-15K but we've read that it's not unreasonable for folks to ask an extra 4K in CA for the sticker "bonus." This car is being listed at 19K...wondering if others think this is a reasonable asking price. Any advice would be welcome!! Thanks.
We are thinking of purchasing a used 2004 Prius sold by a private party - the car appears to have been meticulously maintained - it's in great shape, standard package (no special features) but also no major repairs or problems, has new tires and recently had brake computer system replaced due to some kind of fluke (dealership replaced for free). The owners appear to really care about it and have treated it well. It does have kinda high mileage - about 65K, most of it highway. We live in CA and this car has HOV (Clean Air) stickers, which is a major plus as they're no longer available with new cars. Kelly Blue Book has the private party listing for a 2004 Prius at 14-15K but we've read that it's not unreasonable for folks to ask an extra 4K in CA for the sticker "bonus." This car is being listed at 19K...wondering if others think this is a reasonable asking price. Any advice would be welcome!! Thanks.
Hell no. If it was loaded, then yeah, but for base, I don't think so. Sprinkle a couple of more Gs and get a brand new one. Or wait for another used one to come on the market at a more reasonable price. But if you do think that a sticker is worth $4K, then go for it.
Hell no. If it was loaded, then yeah, but for base, I don't think so. Sprinkle a couple of more Gs and get a brand new one. Or wait for another used one to come on the market at a more reasonable price. But if you do think that a sticker is worth $4K, then go for it.
I second that hell no, dont give them any more than the book value. If you want this particular car, wait untill it doesnt sell for about a month then low ball them. Just because they paid over sticker does NOT mean you have to pay over book value. With that many miles, I wouldnt pay one cent over 14 for it. Check Ebay for comparison.
I second that hell no, dont give them any more than the book value. If you want this particular car, wait untill it doesnt sell for about a month then low ball them. Just because they paid over sticker does NOT mean you have to pay over book value. With that many miles, I wouldnt pay one cent over 14 for it. Check Ebay for comparison.
I own a 2004. I have the window sticker in my glovebox to show people when I'm at car shows. In 2004, a brand new base model Prius sold for $19,950. That's one Heck of a premium for those stickers. As much as I love my Prius, I'd advise that you take a pass on that one.
I own a 2004. I have the window sticker in my glovebox to show people when I'm at car shows. In 2004, a brand new base model Prius sold for $19,950. That's one Heck of a premium for those stickers. As much as I love my Prius, I'd advise that you take a pass on that one.
We bought our '04 used 18 months ago for $16,500. with 41,000 miles (now 75,000), one of the mid-level packages. $19,000 definantly sounds high. PA P
We bought our '04 used 18 months ago for $16,500. with 41,000 miles (now 75,000), one of the mid-level packages. $19,000 definantly sounds high. PA P
Thanks for the responses so far... we went to see the car and it was in excellent shape with very dedicated owners, who also appear willing to budge some on the price (we didn't make an offer yet). Ran a clean CARFAX report on it. Also looked it up in Kelly Blue Book again now that we know all its features - yes, base 2004 model, including our area code and the fact that it has 65K on it. Given that we live in No Cal, prices *are* higher around here - stickers aside. These were the listings: KBB Condition Value: Excellent $15,875 Good $14,800 Fair $13,420 Meaning, 19K is still high but not as far off the mark as we originally thought. Looking at other listings in the area, I guess it's not outrageous as a price, b/c amazingly, people really will pay 4K for stickers out here. I guess it's a matter of us deciding how much the clean air stickers would be worth to us...my husband commutes 90+ miles each way by highway several days per week, and the carpool lane would sure help him out a lot. But we definitely don't want to overpay either. Any other thoughts?
Thanks for the responses so far... we went to see the car and it was in excellent shape with very dedicated owners, who also appear willing to budge some on the price (we didn't make an offer yet). Ran a clean CARFAX report on it. Also looked it up in Kelly Blue Book again now that we know all its features - yes, base 2004 model, including our area code and the fact that it has 65K on it. Given that we live in No Cal, prices *are* higher around here - stickers aside. These were the listings: KBB Condition Value: Excellent $15,875 Good $14,800 Fair $13,420 Meaning, 19K is still high but not as far off the mark as we originally thought. Looking at other listings in the area, I guess it's not outrageous as a price, b/c amazingly, people really will pay 4K for stickers out here. I guess it's a matter of us deciding how much the clean air stickers would be worth to us...my husband commutes 90+ miles each way by highway several days per week, and the carpool lane would sure help him out a lot. But we definitely don't want to overpay either. Any other thoughts?
Does it have the extended warranty to 100,000 miles which can be transferred to second owner for $50.? One of the options we wanted on our '04 was the side curtain air bags, which are not on the base model. There is a video of the the crash test online somewhere showing with and without those airbags. You probably don't want to watch it if you are getting the base model! PA P
Does it have the extended warranty to 100,000 miles which can be transferred to second owner for $50.? One of the options we wanted on our '04 was the side curtain air bags, which are not on the base model. There is a video of the the crash test online somewhere showing with and without those airbags. You probably don't want to watch it if you are getting the base model! PA P
I would buy a 2008 instead. Even if meticulously maintained, 2004s are prone to MFD failure, which is expensive to repair and reduces considerably the car's resale value.
I would buy a 2008 instead. Even if meticulously maintained, 2004s are prone to MFD failure, which is expensive to repair and reduces considerably the car's resale value.
