Buying Advice

[St Thicket]

I'm looking for car number two (or something to replace my primary car), and is considering a prius. I've found a relatively cheap 2005 Prius Executive with JBL sound system.

I've never tried the prius and I don't know anyone that owns a Prius, so you guys are my only reference :)

1. When testing this car, are there any faults that I should look for?

2. Is the maintenace costs more expencive on a prius than on a normal car?

3. Would any of you recommend the Prius, or is it rubbish?

I appreciate any input you might have

cheers

[Chris Dance]

I would say the Prius is the best car I have owned. There are no major faults that I am aware of, just ensure the car you buy has a full service history. I had the first annual service yesterday which cost £130. I did not like paying the £8 enviromental charge for disposal of old oil; I think that is a rip off. I do not think service costs are bad when you consider what BMWs and Audis cost to service. I would highly recommend the prius; mine is a 57 plate T Spirit in leather upholstery. It is a joy joy to drive there is nothing bad I could say about it. I have found Toyota dealers very helpful in every respect. Good luck with any future Prius purchase.

[St Thicket]

I tried the Prius today, and must say that it was really comfortable, but the seats wasn't the best. It wasn't the leather seats though.

I wouldn't want to buy this particular car, since the previous owner was a smoker, so the car was really smelly. Another thing I didn't like was the stereo. It wasn't really user friendly, and it confused me. I had to spend several minutes figuring out how it all worked. Also, the stereo came with a tape player The sound was great though...

I'm considering a Prius vs. a Corolla... can't really decide which one I like the best.

[Chris Dance]

When buying a car the stereo system is not for me a major priority. Safety, running costs, comfort, and everything to hand. eg you can operate most things from press switches on the steering wheel. To be honest the CD player and radio are more than adequate for my needs and easy to use. There is a connection the central column for an I-Pod. I can understand you not wanting to buy a smokers car. I hope you get the car you are looking for; do not reject a prius because of a stereo system. I cannot understand why you say it was not user friendly?????

[St Thicket]

I cannot understand why you say it was not user friendly?????

Well, I thought it was confusing not to be able to scan for FM-channels from the screen. The scan buttons were located on the head unit itself, but all other settings could be done from the screen... I will of course get used to it, but I thought it was room for intuitive improvements.