What it says on the tin. My budget sucks; given that I can sell my current vehicle, I can put at most about $5k toward this car. (Financing isn't going to be an option. I'm young, I have no credit history, and I work part time.) I've heard that the 2010 has issues with burning oil, but beyond that, I don't know of any other years to avoid; I'd also like to stay within about 200 miles of Chicago. (Won't be haring off to Cali for a car, sorry! Given the chance... I'd really like to find a Prius V. But my main interest right now is getting out of my older vehicle and into a reliable Toyota, ideally a hybrid. Mods, please let me know if I need to adjust my post to follow guidelines. (I'll also happily accept advice, if anyone's offering!) Thanks for your time!
A $5k Prius is not likely to be (or stay) reliable. On that sort of budget you want a simple car, skip all hybrids. Corolla, Yaris, certain Scions would all be better candidates. If you're interested in a v, maybe look at Toyota Matrix or its twin, the Pontiac Vibe. Very similar to the v for what they can do, but they stay cheap and reliable into old age.
