Used Toyota Prius Hatchback 2003 - 2009 review
Proves that going green doesn't have to be dull
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What's the used Toyota Prius like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Prius like?
The second-generation Prius is more practical with the four-door saloon body of the previous car ditched in favour of this five-door hatchback. True, the boot is not massive, but it can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. And, when those seats are upright, they provide plenty of room for six footers.
As with the previous Prius, you can go green without having to make any sacrifices. The car's low emissions will help you do your bit for the environment and the hybrid electric/petrol powerplant is easy to live with.
Overview
Proves that going green doesn't have to be dull
Pros
- Safe, practical family car with high-tech interior and low emissions
Cons
- You'll struggle to match the claimed mpg
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1.5 T4 CVT 5dr
£1,949
Toyota Prius
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£1,950
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1.8 VVT-h T Spirit CVT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,990
Toyota Prius
1.5 T Spirit CVT 5dr
£1,995
Toyota Prius
1.5 T4 CVT 5dr
£2,195
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£2,249
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The performance is lively enough and fine on A-roads. Unlike its predecessor, this Prius copes well enough with motorway hills, and the ride and handling are on a par with conventional-engined rivals.
Inside, it's all suitably high-tech, which some people will love, but others may take a while to figure out. For instance, there are a total of 16 controls for the stereo, air-con and other functions on the steering wheel.
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Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Prius?
The Prius's official 65.7mpg fuel economy looks fantastic and compares very favourably with rivals. Toyota's excellent 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, found in the Corolla, returns 49.6mpg while Honda's 1.3i-VTEC petrol/electric hybrid Civic claims 61.4mpg.
However, it's not all quite as sweet as it sounds. As with any car, obtaining the official claimed mpg is near to impossible and if you can get mid-50s mpg you'll be doing very well indeed. Also disappointing is the fact that insurance, at group 8, is pricier than what you'll pay to cover the Corolla or the Civic. However, the big drawback as the miles begin to mount will be the cost of replacing the Prius's very expensive battery. At least you have the assurances of the 100,000 mile, eight-year powertrain warranty.
At least, the Prius will prove cheaper to service than its aforementioned rivals, although remember you will have to take it to an official Toyota dealer.
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Tips & Advice
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Prius should I buy?
There are three diferent trim levels to choose from, and even the base T3 comes with excellent safety kit. Eight airbags are standard, as are anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and Toyota's vehicle stability control. Climate control, all-round electric windows, a CD player and electric windows are also part of the standard package.
Step up to T4 and you get cruise control, front foglamps and a six-disc CD autochanger. The T-Spirit is the top version and gets a sophisticated sat-nav system complete with voice control and a Bluetooth interface to hook up to your mobile phone.
We'd go for the entry-level spec. The used car section of your local dealer is a good place to start looking.
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How reliable is the Toyota Prius Plug-in ?
Toyota Prius Plug-in
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Toyota Prius
1.5 T4 CVT 5dr
£1,949
Toyota Prius
1.5 T Spirit CVT 5dr
£1,950
Toyota Prius
1.8 VVT-h T Spirit CVT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,990
Toyota Prius
1.5 T Spirit CVT 5dr
£1,995
Toyota Prius
1.5 T4 CVT 5dr
£2,195
Toyota Prius
1.5 T Spirit CVT 5dr
£2,249
Toyota Prius
1.5 T3 CVT 5dr
£2,249
Toyota Prius
1.8 VVT-h T Spirit CVT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£2,295
Toyota Prius
1.5 T Spirit CVT 5dr
£2,399
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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