buying a used prius that was a rental car

If the rental car is a base model, the price of a new 2009 base Prius starts at $22K (not including dealer incentives) so a $3K to $4K depreciation hit after 20K miles seems reasonable.

Also remember that an all new 2010 model will be coming out in a month or so, so the model change will cause a further hit to values of existing vehicles.

 

I've been shopping in Tampa Bay area recently and you can get a brand new base Prius now for well under $20,000, so forget the used rental and head for a dealer who has a lot full of 09s.

 

During my March Prius shopping spree in the Tampa Bay area I saw numerous low mileage 08 package 2 Prii at dealer lots between 16.9 and 18.5K, so I'm not sure you're looking at an unusual deal.

The prevailing opinion has been to never buy a rental car used, presumably due to the temptation to do things with/to a rental that you would never do to your own car. However I have bought two rental cars in the past, and both of them turned out to be excellent cars. The plus side is that as a rental they receive regular maintenance and attention.

 

i for one would never buy a rental. but, that is because of the way i drive them. the wear and tear on rentals are usually more than a regular used car.

also, the deal you are getting doesn't sound that great. you should be able to buy a new base for around $19,500 new these days. i have even seen pkg 2 going for $20,000. this is in chicagoland.

 

I picked mine up in Dec for $18.4k with 7.5k miles

 

Except for the last rental I had. Back wiper was off its post

 

My very first 04 Prius was a rental from a Toyota dealer. It had 9k mi. on it when i got it and aside from a few scratches from going thru the car wash alot it was a very trouble free car. Never had a problem in the 54k mi. I put on it.

 

I bought an 08 with 18K miles from a used car dealer (who is a good friend) package 2, for less than 19K. Had brand new tires and was extremely clean on the outside and inside...pretty certain it was rental or low mileage "program" car. I buy nothing but used low mileage cars...they make a better option for me.

 

My 2007 was also a rental car with 40K miles on it when I bought it. Besides having several scratches, a few dings and other minor imperfections, the car runs just fine. However, I am missing the tray that goes in the upper glove compartment. Didn't realize there was supposed to be one until someone posted about having two trays! So it's a good idea to check inventory of all the detachable items of the car if you are buying a used one (rental or otherwise). I'm just glad the spare tire and tools aren't missing.

 

IMHO, I think that anything less than 19K, depending on the package is a good deal. But, I am not a professional in buying car (but I like to trade about every 2 years...). If you have the $, and don't mind some depreciation, the 2010 might be a better choice. For me, I liked getting a good car, low mileage and the depreciation is already gone. Just my opinion.

 

advice on buying used car prius

Dealers selling used cars

On the whole, a dealer with a new–car franchise for the make you're interested in is probably best, although there are many highly respected used–car dealers around.

1. Choose an established dealership with a good reputation they'll want to maintain.
2. Check that the extras a dealer includes, such as warranties, are competitively priced.
3. The best way of finding a dealer is through personal recommendation.
4. If you need to borrow part of the amount, don't automatically take the dealer's finance. It's always worth getting alternative quotes.
5. It's vital to check the warranty:
* a mechanical breakdown warranty will probably cost extra and won't cover everything
* find out exactly what is and isn't covered, for how long and for how much.


________________
Tucson Used Car