Hi All, I currently am driving a 2006 Prius 2 with 172k miles. I am looking to upgrade to a newer Prius but I am not sure whether I should worry about the mileage as much as the upgrades in the car since these cars last so long. For example, I am test driving a 2011 Prius three tomorrow with leather, satellite and navigation with 135k miles for $6995. I am also looking at a 2010 Prius 2 with 98k miles for $8495. I am trying to figure out what I should be focusing on more. I love the look of the three with the leather and navigation but I am trying to buy something that lasts so I don't have a car payment for the next several years. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
With both, test drive, listening carefully, look under the hood, look at the underbody, check the tire condition, review the interior condition, pull the hatch floor cover and check out the spare, the 12 volt. Maybe after all of that you'll be tipped one way or the other, by deficiencies in one or the other.
The 3 didn't come with leather in 2011. What size wheels does it have? If they're 17" it might be a 4. The 2 probably doesn't have a rear camera. Because of that, and the younger age of the 3, I'd go with the 3. Or keep your '06, as was said!
My '06 exterior is not in good condition and the interior has a bad smell to it like something is burning. I don't know what it is. I went to have the car repainted at Maaco and they said that it would run at least $1500 for a decent paint job plus getting everything on the interior being detailed and shampooed would be an additional $100. I figured instead of paying $1500 for a smelly car to look nice that I would upgrade to a newer one. I just don't know how much I should worry about mileage on these cars compared to upgrades.
NEVER buy a "used car" for the Options or Package. The car itself is the same for all trim levels. Concentrate your decision on condition and mileage.
From the posted mileage, the 2010 has one/two more years of life in it. But beware that some 2010s start to burn oil around 100K miles. As others have said, inspect and drive both. Good luck with your car search.
If the condition of the two are comparable, I'd go with the '11 with satellite and leather (the navigation is terrible, IMO). The decision would be even easier if the '10 doesn't have a rear view camera. I'd put the savings of $1500 towards a major repair or a new traction battery in the future.
Keep your '06 if you can stand it. Fix it up and pay to make it what you want. You know the vehicle and have history with it. You don't know what you're getting with used in that mileage. Or...save up a bit more to purchase a 3rd gen with lower miles. I've seen some with 30k miles for around $12-13K.
Thank you all for your replies. I found a 2011 prius 4 with 130k. I took it to a Toyota dealership for an inspection and it passed with flying colors. The battery is still almost at 100%. Brakes are at 70% and tires are at 80%. It is in great condition inside and out. Carfax states that it had never been in an accident and that maintenance has been done routinely on it. I truly appreciate the advice and I feel like I found a reliable car that will last a long time.
Great! You'll love it. But.... it's a 3 not a 4 if it is a 2011. And the 2011 IS available in Softex ( "leather" ). My 2011 (left in profile photo) has it.
I bought a car once that didn't have the options I wanted and regretted it even though it was a nice car. JMO
Not gonna lie, bought mine wanting the options because I drive all my previous cars into the ground so at least features help me sleep at night. No reselling rule I follow
