Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
For about a month now, I've been looking into possibly replacing the Matrix with a 04-09 Prius. . . .
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In September 2005 I had to replace a crashed Camry and bought a used, 2003 Prius. Take these suggestions for what its worth:
- Ebay completed sales - unlike Kelly Blue Book, the Ebay completed sales show what vehicles with different ages and milage have been going for.
- Dealer trade-in, one owner vehicles - there is no guarantee in life but a single owner vehicle taken as a trade-in will not have passed through the usual 'wholesale' sales lots. You also have a reasonable chance of getting at least a limited warranty.
- Try to sell your own - the dealer offed $2,700 but I found a co-worker who bought our 29,500 mile, 2001 Echo for $3,000. Mostly it was just letting folks know it was available. If you can, sell the older car soon rather than later when there may be more financial pressure.
You are right to go after the 2006 and later Prius but don't discount a good 2004-05. Just be aware of the warranty limits:
- 3/3600 - the standard bumper-to-bumper, primarily used for infantile problems.
- 6/60000 - drive system, ordinary
- 8/100000 - hybrid system including the traction battery. Understand that the 2004-09 Prius have a redesigned traction battery module that is much improved over the 2001-03, the NHW11.
I always expect to replace the tires in the first year and the 12 VDC lead acid battery is good for 3-4 years. It is the way of the world so don't be surprised.
In my case, what was a two year old, 03 Prius came in at $17,300. After adding 70,000 miles, and now on my second set of tires and an Odyssey battery, I've been happy with my 52.1 MPG. It now has 120,000 miles and continues to do excellent service. In fact my first modification, a 1 kW inverter has given us over 24 hours of emergency power service ... we camp out in our home.
GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson
ps. This chart was accurate in 2005 when I bought my 2003 Prius. Use it as a suggested approach for buying a used Prius:
