has created this guide for the 2003 Prius. We’ll cover the costs, important specs, and benefits and drawbacks of buying used, as well as some useful tips for saving on Prius insurance with Jerry’s

expert help

Is the 2003 Prius worth it?

The Toyota Prius has become a mainstay over the decades because of its top-of-the-line fuel economy, compact styling, and outsize practicality.

With the lowest depreciation rate of

any green car

, it’s also a great option for a used hybrid. But is the 2003 Prius the car for you? Let’s dig in and find out!

Cost

One of the major selling points of the Prius is its affordability. Even brand new, the price is accessible, with the 2022 model starting at just $25,650.

Because the Prius holds its value well, used models like the 2003 Prius will be pricer than other used vehicles. While this means a higher upfront cost, you have a higher resale value when you’re ready to move on.

Here’s Kelley Blue Book’s predicted fair market range for the 2003 Prius:

Trim level	Fair market range (dealership)	Typical dealership listing	Private seller
2003 Prius Sedan 4D	$3023–$4648	$4185	$3836

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Even with its low depreciation, the used 2003 Prius is still priced at less than one-fifth of the cost of buying new. No matter what you’re looking for, a new or used Toyota Prius comes at an affordable price.

Specs and performance

The 2003 Prius is no race car, but its good acceleration and exceptional fuel mileage set it apart. It comes in one trim: the four-door sedan.

Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 114 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. Speedier than the 2001 and 2002 models, the 2003 can go from zero to 60 in 9.4–9.7 seconds.

What really sets the 2003 Prius apart is its unprecedented EPA of 52 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. At that rate, you could make it 600 miles before stopping to fill up your tank. Beyond that, it earned a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating, making it a much cleaner car than its LEV or ULEV counterparts.

Complaints

The number one issue with 2003 Prius’s is engine failure. Aside from the obvious safety risks, the cost of replacing the engine is about the same as buying a used 2003 Prius at $3,500. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, take a look at the mileage, as it's usually after the first 100,000 miles that we see this issue.

The second most common problem—a cracked engine—occurs at only 15,000 miles. Make sure you take any car you’re considering to the mechanic before purchase so you can go in with both eyes open. Finally, the 2003 Prius is known to lose power while driving at around 65,000 miles.

The bottom line: proceed with caution

While a used Prius can be a great investment, the safety concerns are noteworthy. The 2003 Prius scored a three out of five on NHTSA’s frontal crash test for driver safety and a four out of five for passenger safety. Before you take the plunge, take a careful look at the risks.

MORE:

Which Prius is best?

Is it better to buy a used Prius or a new Prius?

When choosing between a new or used Prius, you’ll have to weigh out a variety of factors, including efficiency, cost, and safety. Ultimately the right choice for you depends on what you’re most concerned about.

If you’re most concerned with upfront costs, buying used is the way to go. You can find a used 2003 Prius for $4,000, whereas a brand new one will cost you upwards of $25,000.

If you can afford the higher price tag, you may want to consider a new Prius. While the 2003 model came with automatic climate control, antilock brakes, air conditioning, power steering, power windows and locks, and keyless entry, no car that age can compete with the 2022 Prius’s Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 tech.

If you're looking to

customize your Prius

, buying new is the easiest way to go—but if that’s not an option, there are lots of

cheap and easy mods

to give your used Prius its own spin.

If your primary goal is to cut down fuel costs, buying new or used are both good options. Ultimately the 2022 Prius’s combined/city/highway mpg of 50/52/48 isn’t much better than the 2003 Prius, so you’ll end up paying less for similar fuel economy if you buy used.

MORE:

What to look for when buying a used car

Pros and cons of owning a Prius

Pros

The major pros of owning a Prius are efficiency, reliability, and affordability. The Prius’s solid reliability ratings make it one of the most reliable vehicles you can buy—new or used. The 2003 Prius also offers a spacious and comfortable interior for such a compact car.

Cons

The cons come into play with the Prius’s speed, styling, and safety—but these will hold different weight depending on your personal preference. If you’re under 6 feet tall and enjoy the Prius’s snug hatchback aesthetic, there may not be an issue.

We a zero to 60 time of 9.4-9.7 seconds, a Prius isn’t going to meet your need for speed. Its engine issues also raise a noteworthy safety risk.

MORE: How to choose an eco-friendly car

How to find the best Prius insurance

Regardless of which Prius you choose, this one-of-a-kind hybrid deserves a top-notch car insurance policy. With help from licensed broker and comparison super app

Jerry

, you can find that policy in just 45 seconds.

With Jerry, comparing car insurance quotes is about as easy as firing off a text! No unnecessary forms, no waiting on hold, and no unwanted phone calls—and the savings are no joke. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on their car insurance!