Where to find used Prius

manatee08 · #1 12-27-2007, 10:01 PM

I'm about to become a starving PhD candidate grad student, and I'm on the search for a new (used) car. I'd like something that will last me the duration of time I'm a grad student so I only have the expense of a new car once while I'm on a meager income... the Prius seems like a good choice because I can buy nice things like food and maybe even the occasional piece of new clothing with the money I'll save in gas.

I'm looking for a Prius with under 50k miles and navigation system (I am a hopelessly lost individual). My current car has a Blue Book value of about $2000, and I really would not like to take out more than $15k in loans to get the car (they'll be student loans, I'd like to keep them to a minimum).

So in total, I have about $17k to spend. Any suggestions for a starting point? Or am I being unrealistic about price?

I've looked and haven't really found anything that fits the bill...

I'd love some direction. Thoughts from current Prius owners?

Right Lane Cruiser · #2 12-27-2007, 10:09 PM

Welcome Manatee08!!

I would love to give you direction but since the Prius tends to hold its value ridiculously well (60K mile vehicles selling for nearly new prices???

) to get something in your range will likely require you to "settle" for many more miles than you may be comfortable with.

Would you consider a solid used Corolla with a stick? One of those could be had for a lot less and if you are willing to work at it you'll be able to squeeze more than 50mpg out of one with the right routes, etc. You could probably afford to get a Garmin GPS unit to go in one of those if you did go that route.

I know it isn't the answer you wanted, but it could be more realistic to consider this on a limited income?

xcel · #3 12-27-2007, 10:13 PM

Hi Manatee08:

___Although I do not know about a loaded up 04 – 07 Prius-II for $15K, you are approaching an area where a new Honda Fit or Yaris w/ an electronic add-on NAVI unit might better suit your needs? On a $/mile basis, a new or used Fit/Yaris w/ a stick would be less expensive (all-in) than a new or used Prius? I am not discouraging you to look for a well cared for 04 or 05 but considering your soon to be financial situation, your needs may be a bit less costly than the want.

___None of the above takes into account the amount of miles you may place on the vehicle over a given period. If you drive a tremendous amount of miles, a hybrid may in fact be worth your while!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

koreberg · #4 12-28-2007, 07:51 PM

If you ride alone a lot, maybe an insight could work 4 you, with a portable garmin or tomtom device on the dash.

lightfoot · #5 12-28-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manatee08

I'm about to become a starving PhD candidate grad student

Been there. Went through three (used) cars during the process. Learned a lot about car repair, but that wasn't very useful for the thesis.

I strongly second xcel's suggestion of the Fit. It's a Honda and new, so car repair probably won't become part of your studies. If you get the manual trans you can (a) save money on the purchase price and (b) do more things to get better fuel economy. The flexible interior will be handy for all the crazy extracurricular stuff you'll be doing while in grad school, especially carrying camping gear on trips (motels are expensive!!).

Tochatihu · #6 12-30-2007, 12:29 AM

I rebuild a mercedes 230 engine in the departmental wood/metal shop in graduate school. My thesis advisor thought it was not a wise use of my time. But the M180 engine was quite nice technology in its time, and I enjoyed it.

For any of the vehicles mentioned above though, time&money spent in repair is unlikely to be high.

If you can manage with the older-model Prius, you could probably find one for $9K.

DAS

99HXCivic · #7 01-17-2008, 10:01 PM

The 1996 to 2000 Honda Civic HX's are cheap and get great mpg. Plus they are very easy to maintain and are modern OBD 2. I'm very happy with mine and did a brake flush, silicone hose upgrade, more aerodynamic power side mirrors, and will get Bridgestone B381's for it. But some don't come with cruise control, so the 2001 to 2005 model are nice too but have a more complicated engine.

I would never buy a used Prius because they ask too much for the latest models used, - so I'd rather buy it new.

You won't be starving with a used HX! You'll be eating real good like me!

koreberg · #8 01-17-2008, 10:54 PM

I did not know about the hx. Looks like there are a lot of them out there, so it could possibly be a really good car for you.

atlaw4u · #9 01-18-2008, 05:56 AM

I agree, consider a new Fit or Yaris or look around for a good used Civic. Any of these choices should last you many years after grad school. Good luck with your search and keep us posted on what you find.

99HXCivic · #10 01-19-2008, 09:17 PM

The Civic HX is way better than the new Fit or Yaris. My 1999 HX is faster and more fuel efficient than the 07 - 08 FIT. The 96 to 00 models have easy maintenance, but the 01 to 05 models have cruise control!

But the HX rarely pops up on Craigslist. So I'm very lucky to get mine for cheap - $3830 after taxes but it was a salvage title [ probably from theft or hail damage ].