I'm going to be that person - I have wanted a prius for several years now, and the plan was to wait until I could afford a newer model but my current ride is not going to last that long. I commute ~500miles per week, 90% highway. I am looking at a '06, 54k miles, clean carfax, 1 owner, asking $10,300 (actually 10.6 - it magically jumped up $300 when i made an inquiry). Maintenance log indicates dealer maintenance about every 5k. I don't believe the battery has been replaced - car had not been detailed or washed when I saw it, so I doubt it had had anything else done either. Thoughts? Your experience is appreciated.
If the mileage is real and the odometer hasn't been messed with, it could be a good buy. When your battery fails, just buy a new one at your local dealer for $2000-$2500. So under $13000, you should have a reliable car for the next few years.
Hippopotalust – 54k-miles on a 2006 cranks out to ~6/7k-miles per year. IMHO, $10K± for a 2006 is way too much money to pay for a used Prius in Kentucky. You should be able do better. For that kind of money you should be able get a newer model year, 2007 Prius Sedan or maybe newer. KBB shows a 2006 Prius w/ 86,832 miles located in Florence, KY listed for $7,974.
...sounds a bit expensive....since KY is not CARB you are off warranty for the battery. Somehow the low miles does not always equate to the hybrid batt lasting longer. I guess if it's Toyota certiifed used with 1-yr warranty on batt that helps.
Thank you all for your input so far. And for the welcome from bisco JC - I would like to avoid buying a car with the intention of buying a new battery if at all possible. For 2.5k more I can probably get a 2010 model in the area - better idea? I plan to have the battery checked by a Toyota mechanic, but I do not know how effective that will be. Catgic - I cannot find that particular car on KBB. I would like to see this car if anything to use it as a bargaining tactic. I am aware of a listing for a 07 in Florence that the dealership claims has 34K, but the carfax says 46K and the dealership won't reply when we question the discrepancy. At least 2/3 of the prius' available locally have been in an accident, which I would like to avoid. wjtracy - it s not certified used with a 1-yr warranty on the battery as far as I know...?
$10K seems a little steep for an 8 year old Prius even with low miles. But if you must have one, we understand.
It's not at a Toyota dealer... and if I understand the carfax correctly, it doesn't qualify for certified pre-owned (which may be why it is at the ford/ mazda dealership and not at toyota across the way!). It isn't at a toyota
Well, I was getting emails from the sales man even though he knew I was taking it to the mechanic on Tuesday to come take another look and 2 hours later they had sold it to someone else. So that decision has been made for me. May be a blessing in disguise though, I've found a very nice 2010, higher mileage, but about the same price as the asking for the '06.
