I'm looking at getting an 04 Prius for my wife. Can any 04 owners give me some advice into getting this car? I read the thread about the display issues in the 04, but that's it. Do you think this car will go 200,000 miles fairly maintenance free? My HCH is about to hit 100,000 miles and it's been a gem!

I have a 2005 but with "only" 76,000kms.

A couple of things:

- Check that the recalls are done (fuel tank, ECU and steering wheel recall).


That's about it. Check to make sure the brakes work well. You know with these hybrids, they don't get used very often so make sure that it still clamps without any jerkiness and such.

Check for wear on the driver's door armrest and centre console armrest

Check to see if the foglights are cracked (heat issues but depends whether the previous owner used it often or not). They're heat-resistant glass (as opposed to plastic for the headlights) but apparently not heat-resistant enough.

Seeing that you're from Texas, there's intense heat in the summer, no? Check the rear brakelight area (the LED bit) and see if the black plastic is still intact. There have been a few reports (and it's very rare) of the black plastic melting (probably a reason why they switched to chrome for the 2006+ models).


Ok yeah I think that's it now haha.

Mods: EV mod, VVT-i emblem, sport pedals, OEM cargo mat, JDM Prius interior footwell lighting, Sylvania Silverstars 9003ST, DICE iPod kit, OEM all-weather mats, TomTom ONE v2, LED licence plate lights.

Hi,

With an HCH, you' re already in the club. I would suggest looking at a 2005, if you can, versus a 2004. As a general rule, the first model year of any vehicle should be avoided. You'll probably be OK but I'd look for a 2005 before a 2004.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Thanks for all the great insight, I will look into that. Besides ebay and craigslist, what are good places to find a cheaper used Prius?

local buy&sell?

Mods: EV mod, VVT-i emblem, sport pedals, OEM cargo mat, JDM Prius interior footwell lighting, Sylvania Silverstars 9003ST, DICE iPod kit, OEM all-weather mats, TomTom ONE v2, LED licence plate lights.

Local auctions?

if you're into auctions, sure.

Mods: EV mod, VVT-i emblem, sport pedals, OEM cargo mat, JDM Prius interior footwell lighting, Sylvania Silverstars 9003ST, DICE iPod kit, OEM all-weather mats, TomTom ONE v2, LED licence plate lights.

Best offer so far 05 prius, 60k, $17,100.

Thoughts?

I wouldn't know since I'm not in the US so I don't know the US used prices and what's reasonable.

if you want the others to respond, maybe try posting in another thread and give more details (what package is it for example).

Mods: EV mod, VVT-i emblem, sport pedals, OEM cargo mat, JDM Prius interior footwell lighting, Sylvania Silverstars 9003ST, DICE iPod kit, OEM all-weather mats, TomTom ONE v2, LED licence plate lights.

Not bad. The rule of thumb is: Good, Fast, Cheap, pick two of these. Considering inflation, this sounds like a good deal. What does Kelly list it at?

In September 2005, I lost my 91 Camry in an accident and needed a replacement. I found a 2003 Prius on Ebay with 49,700 miles and bought it for $17,300, $1,000 under the current Kelly price. I have never looked back with any regret.

I'm getting 52.3 MPG after 50,000 miles and it has also become my 'hobby' and quite entertaining.

Your model has some excellent high speed and efficiency enhancements. It has a lot more space and over all, a very practical vehicle. I've had to 'do things' to mine to get similar but still inferior capabilities.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.