I'm no longer working remotely, which means I'll be commuting again in the next few weeks. With gas prices so high, I'm looking for a hybrid car that isn't too pricey. How do I buy a used Toyota Prius?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The Toyota Prius is a very smart choice! You can purchase a used Prius through a dealership or a private party.
Here are some tips for purchasing a used Prius that will make the buying process easier for you:
First, you should test drive the car to make sure you like it. Driving a hybrid is different than driving a normal car in most aspects, even
! Hybrids tend to be quieter and less connected to the road, which may take some getting used to.
Decide which generation is better suited for you. The Prius is now on its fourth generation, so you’d likely be looking for a second (2004-2009) or third (2010-2016) generation vehicle to get a good value. While the latter offers up to 50mpg combined, it’s a little more pricey than the earlier generation.
Earlier generations were also prone to recalls, some of which posed major safety risks. This includes the possibility of the accelerator getting stuck under the floor mat and causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Toyota fixes all recalls free of charge, but keep in mind that you’ll have to make time to go to a service center if you choose a model with an open recall.
No matter which Prius model you decide to buy, you’ll need to get insurance. Luckily, the
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