Cheap used (C.R.A.P.) Prius hunting adventure - UPDATE: got one!

[2009Toyotoad]

I actually took a hard look at the Prius a couple of times. the first time was 2004 or 2005 when my wife ended up ordering a Civic hybrid, the second was 2009 when added/replaced a car in our fleet. My big compliant about all small 4 doors is they were never designed with tall people in mind (6'3 and above) I'm a big fan of the Toyota Yaris 3 door. Like the smart car it starts with a strong but light weight unibody, at just 524 lbs. with a powertrain weighly less than 150 lbs (5spd MT) They have been very successful in Europe including gas, diesel, and hybrid versions of both. I even like the Yaris Hybrd R which is the racing concept vehicle with 420 HP. Base weight for the 2007-2009 models was at 2200-2300 lbs depending on options. but based of the unibody weight you have lots of excess weight which could be removed without compromising safefy.
I thought the Metro XFI was a great basic transportation back in its day. The only thing it suffered from was the GM bean counters, which put to many plastic parts in critical spots, like door handles and window cranks.

Unfortunately the Metro never really got the aftermarket support or following it should have. Where as Coopers, Fiat 500s, Honda Fit and Civics have gotten that support. Up until recently so did the Yaris which has put me in a bit of a scramble to find key parts to continue upgrading my own.

[MetroMPG]

I was waiting for you to chime in, Vman. Thanks for the numbers.

[MetroMPG]

Toyotoad, you should make a garage entry for your Yaris: Add new vehicle

[BabyDiesel]

The prius seems like a good car but is already at its peak potential.

Oh I agree they are great cars to drive and own but they also are all automatics.

Yeah, having an automatic is not an mpg killer by any stretch of the imagination. My gas/gravity hybrid Escort is at nearly 80% EPA with the auto. It would be easier with the manual, but not having one is no excuse for not trying to get the best mpg!

[Xist]

I need to catch up on plenty of messages here, but Metro! How will you fit a fourth car in your avatar?!

You might as well start working on that while you look for a car...

I recommend a grey outline with dotted lines, but what do I know?

(Like I am one to talk about avatars...)

[California98Civic]

Here is one posted in theLos Angeles area a few minutes ago: 2007 Toyota Prius Hybrid

[MetroMPG]

The asking price is average, but this line from the ad is somewhat promising:

Has to go by Tuesday night, moving to Hawaii can't take it with me.

---

Yesterday someone an hour away re-posted a 2001, but with no price. I contacted them with "What are you asking?"

Their reply: "What are you offering?" Sheesh.

I replied: "It could be worth anywhere from $500 to $3500 depending on many things. I'm not going to make a trip to see it without knowing what you're expecting to get." They didn't answer back. It's been for sale for a couple of months, so it appears they're not eager to sell.

I also got in touch with the 3 closest Toyota dealers and asked if they'd let me know if they got any "wholesale grade" Prius trade-ins with high kms or cosmetic issues. Two replied right away:

"How much are you looking to spend?"

I replied: "Depends on the car."

Fun game.

[War_Wagon]

1st gen. Low KMs. Hasn't run in a couple years and needs a Prius style "jump" start. Epic eco road trip back across Canada. Why is this still a question? haha

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

2008 Prius that had a full-length, dent/gash on the driver's side

Nothing that couldn't be easily fixed at home, but I'm not sure if I would ever consider paying $4000 for that.

[nimblemotors]

How a 2007 for $700....

2007 Toyota Prius #42