How to Buy a Pre-Owned 2007 Toyota Prius

Purchasing a pre-owned automobile can be a great way to save money or get a starter car for a teenager. According to Cars.com, "you avoid the high up-front 20 to 40 percent depreciation cost the original new-car buyer suffered in the first two to three years of ownership." Buying a pre-owned car can be tricky, as used cars can come with a lot of technical problems, but with the proper research and the knowledge, you can find a good used car that will run well for years.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Find a used Toyota Prius. Check the local classified section to see if there are any for sale, or look for a used car dealership that carries Toyota.

   • 2

     Research the value of the car. A good place to check the value of a car is Kelley Blue Book. Dealers and private owners will ask for different amounts, so checking exactly what the value of the Prius you have found can be a great bargaining chip.

   • 3

     Take the car for a test drive. Even used cars need to be taken on a test drive. Make sure the car runs like you want. Any defects or problems with the car can be used to negotiate the price.

   • 4

     Get the Car Fax vehicle report. Some dealers offer these for free, otherwise you can purchase the report from the Car Fax website. These reports give the vehicle history, such as if it has been in a severe accident, how many owners it has had, and other vital information about the car. All you need is the VIN number, which is located at the bottom, driver-side edge of the windshield.

   • 5

     Negotiate the price. Take into account any problems with the vehicle or anything that you will have to repair. Some dealers will offer to fix certain problems in the car if you accept a certain price.

   • 6

     Purchase your pre-owned 2007 Toyota Prius.