I have the choice to get 2 different used Prius cars from 2 different sellers. I need a fuel saver to get me from point A to B. My only need is for cruise control. Both cars are under 36,000 miles but close to hitting that mark. My first choice is a 2009 Prius Base model with package 2 for $16.3K The body is ok. I had it inspected and the tires only have ~6mm left and the air filter needs to be replaced but other than that it's in fine condition. My second choice is a used 2008 Prius Base model with package 6 for $17K. The body is ok with new Integrity tires. I'm wondering which would you choose and why.
Well, the tires are about $250 . . . so for $450 you get all the extra goodies? I'm old enought to ignore birthdays in cars and women, I'd say get the nicer one and never mind the "born on date"!
I tend to agree with GuamKelly, the 08 technically has been driven less miles per year, has more options and new tires, so for a little more at the front end you have a more enjoyable car over the long haul. Kind of like buying a new 2010 over a 2011 now, for close to the same money, you can get more car (options) for the money, but both will have the same number of miles. Years from now when it's time to sell, mileage plays a bigger factor in the selling price than the age of the car, especially when there is a year or less between them, and you're not looking at a major body style change (i.e. if you were looking as an 2009 and a 2010). Have you looked at the manufacture date of the two vehicles your interested in? If the 08 was built in Aug 08, and the 09 was built in Nov 08, but sold as an 09, you're not looking at that big a difference! Ultimately it will come down to which one you feel is the better value for the money...
Since the OP says he only needs cruise control, I assume that he does not see value in the incremental features provided in option package 6 as compared to option package 2. I do not view new Goodyear Integrity tires as a selling point as I have a low opinion of those tires. An engine air filter will cost ~$20 at your local Toyota dealer's parts dept. Given the above, I would buy the 2009. However, I personally see value in the features provided in option pkg 6. Therefore my personal choice would be the 2008, along with a plan to replace the Integrity tires after 10K miles or so.
I too enjoy all the added features of the Package 6 model. More than I thought I would. I'd get the 2008 but keep the Integrities until they're shot, in another 30k to 35k miles. And I totally agree that, when it's time to sell years and years from now, mileage will be much more important than what year it is.
Another option is to go to KBB.com and price a 2004 Pk6 (or equivalent) and a 2005 Pk2 with the same miles and see which one held it's value better over a 4 year period (using the vehicles your looking at as the reference point). This may help you decide which is the better investment up front. (not that a car is normally a good investment, but you get the idea...)
