Many thanks for all your informative responses. I live in the Phoenix area, so I'm focusing my search in the entire Valley of the Sun (I don't mind driving 50+ miles to get a quality car, honestly).

I am definitely looking to get a Certified Pre-Owned one, that's for sure, and from the way things sound I am probably going to target a 2002 model (2003 only if the price is right - but with gas prices as high as they are now, it seems that Hybrids are going up in price faster than I'd like).

My reasons for aiming for an '02 is because of what Tochatihu said about the side airbags. I have them in my current car and I don't know if I'd feel comfortable downgrading to a car without them.

Just based on prices I've seen online (at the Toyota dealers' inventory listings), it looks like asking price on most of the 02's is around $18 - $20k. I'm not willing to pay $20k for a 2002 with 50k miles, honestly.

If I could find a 2002 with 45k - 55k miles for under $17k I'd be real happy. I'm really looking forward to joining the club of Prius owners on here. I've been lurking for a while, and I'm finally at the stage where I can make the commitment.

If any Phoenix locals have words of advice or recommendations for me, I'd greatly appreciate it as well. Once again, thanks for all your help folks!