New to Prius

So I had been researching the Prius about 1 year. I was considering trading in my vehicle and getting one, but on 2-16, someone ran a red light and totaled my other car. So I picked up a 2010 Prius III. It had 209k miles. It was originally listed at $5995, as a Prius I when I found it. I watched the listing for a week, and I went to drive it on 2-28. It was raining and nasty here and about 38-40 degrees. It ran fine, but it had some engine misfire codes in current and history when I scanned the computer. Dealer would not negotiate on price and I walked away.

Fast forward to March 3. It was sunny and in the low 60’s. I saw the dealer had lowered the price to $100.00 over my offer from 2-28. So I went back. I drove the car again and it still had a few issues. But the issues were dramatically reduced. I was able to get them to meet my pricing and I drove it home. 40 minutes down the highway and it was doing pretty poorly on economy. High 20’s on the display. No indicators of battery issue, but a check engine light.

I replaced the plugs, and all four coils. I also topped off the antifreeze and brake fluid. Since then I have put nearly 500 mile on it and couldn’t be happier. It is now returning 44mpg on dedicated in town to and from work commuting. I had a different dealer inspect it after I had done my work, and they asked me if I was aware that I had a III trim. I said the selling dealer told me it was a I trim. They explained the options mine has make it a III. They also asked if I was ready to trade it in. They offered more then the sum of purchase price, licensing, and the tune up.

I share my story to let anyone reading the forums for information, as I had, to say if you see a Prius that you like, go for it. I think I have even provided enough info to a co worker to convince them to get one. This is the second Toyota I have ever owned (81 Corolla RWD) was the first. But I can’t say enough good about it.

 

My original offer was $4600