Thinking about a prius
 

I am thinking about buying a 2004 prius. It has 203k miles and they are asking $4500. Should I just skip past this car or make him an offer and see if he will come down some. Also, what should I look for on one of this age and mileage. I don't really need this car, so if he won't come down on price I probably won't bother. Any advice is appreciated.

I think I would pass at that price and mileage.

regards
Mech

Seems high for the miles. Even if the entire hybrid system is 100% good, you're still likely going to have to replace suspension components and other normal wear items unless they've been done recently. There is also normal engine wear and 200k isn't a tiny amount of miles for an engine even if it does turn off more than a normal one.

Look on priuschat.com for more help. They have lots of info that will help you. Imo its all based on how well it was taken care of and maintained.

I havent seen it yet. Im gonna be in the area tomorrow though.

For that kind of money I would buy a pristine, low mileage Echo manual (auto if you have to have one). At ten years age and over 200k miles, you could end up spending a significant additional amount of money, or your time if your are capable and still a significant amount of money to get it up to snuff.

regards
Mech

I agree 100%. You could also find a extremely low miles Civic VX or HX (under 100k) for 4,500. I believe there was a member here selling a VX with only like 93k miles for 3500 here a while back.

I know you live in VA but, here are just some examples of what Old Mechanic is talking about.

Something like this would serve you well, it's an auto but, still.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4552808315.html

This one is extremely nice as well.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4542120061.html

price seems high
I wouldnt be scared of the miles tho

I picked up a 2001 with 204K on it for $2200 (others are listed on C/L for $4-6K)
previous owner did the battery (from it sitting)
I've put tires on it, and driven it 15K miles so far with no concerns

Probably not 10 miles from me.

regards
Mech

2001 Toyota Clean Reliable 5-speed