Need good advice before buying

I would not pay $20K for a used Prius. You can find new Prius selling at MSRP or lower at lots around the country. If you live in an area with high demand and high prices, it is worth the plane ticket to buy out of state.

I also wouldn't pay $9K for a Prius with 150K miles. With that price range I would look for a 50K mile Corolla, Camry, Civic, Accord, Focus, Fusion, Cobalt, Malibu, etc.

Right now there are 91 Toyota Corolla's within 100 miles of Los Angeles:

• Less than $9000
• Less than 60K miles
• 2003-2007

Top of the page is a 2005 Corolla LE, 1.8L, auto with 39,6xx miles for $8,999

 

I bought a 2007 (Pkg 4 all on it but Nav) with 62k miles on it and chipped front bumper but other wise like new inside and out. Car was 16 months old and all upkeep by a local dealer. I paid 17K and still happy about the deal and the car. I personally would try to go toward newer well maintained, more miles than older, low miles on these, if possible. Good Luck

 

Since your car buying budget is only $10K or less, and the only Prius that you are likely to find at that price will either have very high odometer readings or will have a salvage title (and either case means no manufacturer's warranty in effect), then I recommend that you follow jhinton's advice and buy a newer, less expensive non-Prius vehicle covered by manufacturer's warranty. Then save up for a future Prius purchase a few years out.

Although Prius is generally quite reliable, it is also highly complex, much more so than other vehicles in its price range. This means that if something goes wrong, it will usually be quite expensive to repair as in most parts of the country, Toyota dealer service is the only reasonable choice for Prius service.

Good luck with your decision.

 

x

 

We purchased a 2002 Prius with 13,000 miles on it for $11,000 last year and are very pleased with it so far. It gets better gas mileage than the Yaris/Echo/Corolla etc, though not as good as the 2004+ Prius. If you can find a "classic Prius" with low miles, I'd recommend it over any other small car.

 

At the $10K level, I'd say go with a used Corolla. A fine economical car without the possible "big bill" repair of a high mileage Prius.

 

+1

Or if you want the hatchback format, 03 - 08 Toyota Matrix would be a good choice.

 

Hey, I am sorry to bother you -- but I just joined the forum and I can not figure out HOW to post a question. Can someone tell me please? Thanks!

 

Hi Julie,

Click on the FAQ link from the banner at the top of any page then General Forum usage then Forums, Threads and Posts.

and :welcome:

 

Mine cost $25,000 for a 2004 base model with 61,000km on the clock, I bought it 18 months ago. This was the going wholesale price at the time.

Price quoted is in Australian dollars.

 

These are what I understand are your requirements:

There are small, econo boxes in the $11-12K range that come with a warranty. Free New Car Prices, Cars for Sale, Used Cars, Car Photos and Car Reviews | AUTOBYTEL.COM reports the 10 least expensive as:

1. Nissan Versa Sedan $9,990
2. Chevy Aveo 5 $10,235
3. Kia Rio $10,890
4. Hyundai Accent $10,970
5. Nissan Versa Sedan $10,990 (duplicate)
6. Hyundai Accent $11,070
7. Kia Rio $11,495 (duplicate)
8. Toyota Yaris $11,550
9. Smart fortwo $11,590
10. Chevrolet Aveo $11,965 (duplicate)

I would then use Consumer Reports to rank them by owner satisfaction. Having a warranty is good but not having to use it is even better.

Buying a used car works best if you have:

1. backup car - so when the used car breaks, you have transportation
2. automotive skill - to avoid maintenance labor costs
3. maintenance manual - the road map
4. curiosity - a used car is a great way to learn how they work (or don't)
5. maintenance budget - parts are not free

In 2005, my primary car was lost in an accident so I was drinving our second car, my wife's Echo. I was able to find a used, 2003 Prius:

• 49,000 miles - leaving 50,000 miles on the battery and inverter
• $17,300 - about $1,000 under Kelly blue book value
• dealer - solves the title and financing

But it has become a buyer's market:

• $1.60 gas - folks are not so interested in high efficiency
• tight credit - fewer buyers
• new Prius model - the next version for sale in 2009
• different hybrids - there will be more models for sale in 2009

In life you often have to pick two from: (1) good, (2) fast, and (3) cheap. You may be lucky and find a one year old, econo-box with some part of the warranty remaining. These are rare but if you have the time to search rental car and dealers, you might get lucky. But it takes time and getting to know you're local dealers.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson