comparing two 2008's

Skip the 2008s altogether and buy a 2010. You might find one for $15K.

 

Lots of things to consider. KBB estimates an excellent condition well equipped 2010 Certified Pre-Owned with 75,000 at $16,800 asking price. The same from a private party is $14,200. The 08 from a private party is $12,100. Being cost conscious I would likely go for the savings in an older Prius. I just purchased my 05 with 96k and not too concerned about the miles because it was serviced well and was a one owner car. During the search I ran across several private sales that were good deals, though I did have to broaden the search area eventually to 200 miles. How many miles a year you drive is a factor too. How long will it take to get to 150,000 miles, 200,000? How long will you be financing it? Just some things to think about. Oops, you were confused. Maybe you don't need more to think about.

 

The two sound like about equal value. I've never had a warranty pay off, so I'd tend to go for the higher mileage car. But then it has about 25k miles less life in it. Lots of Prius go 150k miles with minimal problems.

The 2010 has an adjustable height driver's seat. But if the 2008 fits you, that's irrelevant. The 2010 has a console that totally divides the front into driver and passenger areas. I don't like that, but you may not care.

How about the tires? That could be a $600 hit in the near future if they're worn down. Does the 2008 have HID headlights? They're great when they work, but expensive to replace. The 2010 has a lot of radio problems, while the earlier ones just work.

 

are you spending 13-15 grand to move from an 07 to an 08?

 

The changes are not minimal. To get the stuff in a 2008 package 6 you'll have to go up to a 2010 IV-NAV or V-NAV. The differences between a V & a IV are fog lights, LED instead of halogen headlights, 17" wheels instead of 15", and a "touring" suspension. The IV is available with a moonroof. The V is available with an Advanced Technology package. Both cars are going to be quite a bit more than a Gen 2.

 

my brother picked up a private party sale of an 05 with 215k miles... couldn't be happier. problem free for the last 6 months.

with the money you save, you can buy a lot of parts... ok.. not a lot if they are from toyota.. but you can do a major repair.

if you really wanted to, you should be able to go on the toyota members webpage enter the vins and see the service records. (or at least i think you can add any vin you have on hand... maybe you have to own it though.. not sure)

btw, where are you located?

 

It wouldn't surprise me if traction battery life is more a function of time and heat than miles. So it may well be that both cars have the same potential traction battery life.

A friend of mine has a 2002 Prius with about 150k miles on it. He did have the "triangle of death" come on, and he assumed something drastic, like the traction battery. For $150, the dealer service identified and corrected the problem. It was a leaky gas cap. He's still on the original traction battery.

I'd recommend paying an independent mechanic to evaluate any car that you're serious about buying. They should examine the vehicle for crash repair, remaining brake pad life, and apparent level of regular service.

A Prius with 100k miles on it will generally still be on the original brake pads. New (or seriously worn) pads indicates a rough life. Vehicles in snow areas may have rust problems on the brakes, but not pad wear.

Both cars are due for a change of transmission fluid. Dealers normally don't do this, but used oil analysis suggests otherwise. The car will certainly last longer than the warranty without such service, but you're looking for another 100k miles. A wheel alignment is another service that will save money in the long run.

 

i would probably consider the lower miles 2008 ...given that both 08s high voltage batteries are probably very similar in condition...the less miles 08 with new tires and newer 12v battery would probably be less hassle, because if the other 08 hasn't had the 12v battery replaced...that will run you probably $150 to buy and replace if you have a dealer shop do it...brakes won't be an issue, unless they were abused by the previous owner...we just replaced brakes at 177000 miles and still had 1/4 of the disc pad left...back shoes didnt need replaced...i would go in and offer only $500 more on the less miles 08 ...given there is room there for the dealer...most used car prices have a$ 3-6k markup...so there is plenty of room for conversation...(i know...because i used to appraise)...so dont let them buffalo you in saying there is no room for price reduction...its a function of how bad do they want to sell it to you...so whatever the price is on the less miles 08...keep in mind they probably have it marked up 3-6 k...

 

New tires are probably $400+, plus the alignment. If the new 12v battery is Toyota's it is covered for 1 year/unlimited miles and is probably $150-$200. You seem impressed with the balance of the extended warranty. It's a Toyota & it's a Prius. The probabilities are that you won't have a covered failure.

What is a mile worth? If a leasing company charges 10c per mile over the lease limit the mileage difference is worth $2500.

From my point of view you are paying a lease rate for the mileage & getting the newer parts tossed in. If I had to choose I'd go with the lower mileage.

 

gotcha. your info says 2007 prius.

 

Susan, how long is it going to take for you to put 25000 miles on the car? If the answer is two years then the lower mileage car should be expected to last two years longer for you. For me, the balance of the warranty is not a big factor because the probability of the covered parts failing is low. The Prius is a low maintenance car but at 100000 if you haven't spent a little bit on maintenance you are going to have to start.

You are entitled to the way you feel and it is YOUR car. A minor thing to you could be a major deal to me or a deal breaker to someone else. I believe the price differential between the two cars is fair. I'm not going to comment on whether or not the asking prices are high or fair. If I have "new" parts in the car then I expect to recover at least some of the cost with a higher sale price. Again, by saving $500 on a car that needs tires you'll break even when you pay the shop $500 for a set of tires.

Just to be sure, how did you verify both cars are a 6? Did the owners keep the window stickers? Are you getting two fobs and the owners manuals? The cars should have leather, fog lights & nav.