Option #1 - 2008 Prius 5 with 120K miles for $11.9K (private party) Option #2 - Certified 2007 Prius package 6 with 77k miles for $14K + dealer fees + tax. Dealer said he could go down to 13.5k on the phone. Maybe less in person if I can negotiate.
As you have seen in your quest for which Prius over the last week that there are a lot of options out there. My best advice is to buy the Prius "you" like. If you can get one with a warranty (CPO), you are better off as long as the "price" fits your "budget". With all cars, it seems that newer and lower miles is usually the best answer. In the above case, if I had to chose between the two choices and nothing else was available I would take the CPO. One thing I have learned in the used car biz. If you wait, the one you were looking at sometimes gets sold, but wait again and another will sometimes appear. Honestly though, what one man likes another man may not. It really is up to you, as you are the one who will be ultimately responsible for all decisions and payment thereof.
I choose # 2 Lower miles and inspected. If you have the vin number you can look up the service record of any Toyota See if the cars were taken care of Service History Online - Toyota Owners
Ummmm last September, I paid $13k for my 2007 Level 5 (everything but leather but Ive since added that). The car had 54000 miles on it, new tires, and a brand new set of winter tires on steel rims that came with the car! I dont know where you live, but unless thats the going rate in your area, I'd walk and find a cheaper Gen2 low mile unit. If you have to pick from only those two, I'd go with #2 and offer $13k.
"Will" is a strong word, "may" would be a better choice in this case. Even if the HV battery needs replaced the day after buying the car, it'll still be cheaper than new. You'll still have to pay taxes if you buy from a private party. I would take #2, but it also depends on the overall condition of the cars and their service history.
