2007 Toyota Prius Review: A Good Year For The Reliable Popular Hybrid

Alex Showalter
May 7, 2022

The 2007 Prius lasts around 250,000 miles with headlight and oil consumption problems. At $5,240 – 7,080, it’s expensive, but a versatile and dependable hatchback.

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likeFilled The Good
Passenger and cargo space are great, build quality is excellent and it’s very efficient.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Battery pack replacement costs are high, steering feel is loose and it’s slow.

Is the 2007 Toyota Prius a Good Used Car?

  • Yes, 2007 is a good year. Owner reviews praise the affordable running costs, comfortable seats, and technology.
  • Reliability ratings are good. The 20052009 models are good choices with engine problems found on the 20102011
  • Performance is poor from the hybrid powertrain used in the car.
  • The Prius is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
  • Fuel economy is outstanding, getting up to 46 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Brian B
It is a great car, I am quite happy with it.
This car is very reliable. It's comfortable and good looking. There are also great features like the GPS, info screen, maintenance schedules and things of the like. The sound system is also great, sound quality is top notch. The fog lights are a great added feature. Cannot really complain.
accountCircle Kelsey K
Car handles so well, great gas mileage
It is a great car. Awesome gas mileage, handles well. I think the interior is comfortable and that the seats are comfortable.
accountCircle daphne b
11 years old, 194000 miles, 46.2 MPG and still going strong!
My Prius is 11 years old and I love it! I'm still getting 46.2 MPG, and I have 194,000 miles on it. Average yearly repairs are around $1000, which is still less than I'd be paying for a new car. Lots of storage space. V comfortable. Only problem is that the headlights need to be replaced about ev. 3 years. Annoying
accountCircle Kirsten B
It is a beautiful red, aesthetically pleasing car with amazing mileage.
Amazing gas mileage, comfortable yet small car. Fits five people total and has a hatchback where the seats fold down. The looks of this car are aesthetically appealing and you can fit in virtually any parking spot. This is a car I am proud to own and drive because there is less of a footprint on the environment.
accountCircle Jordan K
The prius is actually a really great sized car. You can fold down the back seats and because its a hatchback you can fit a lot in.
My vehicle runs really well. It gets great gas mileage about 50 miles per gallon. I like the back up camera feature for parallel parking.
accountCircle Jeville J
I like that it is a hybrid. I like that it has good gas mileage. I don't like that the battery is expensive to replace.
It is a hybrid and it reduces environmental pollution.
accountCircle Jennifer P
It is a hybrid with great gas mileage that will save you money.
I love the fact that it is a hybrid. It has great gas mileage and is awesome for what I need it for. I am used to driving in the snow, so I think it does fairly well.
accountCircle Jo S
I can park almost anywhere.
I love the mpg. I love the hatchback. It is very green.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Holly B
The only important thing people should know which most ready do is that it's really good on gas
It's good on gas. Too small for a family, expensive to fix.
accountCircle Haley J
Really great gas mileage really ugly car
It has been a reliable vehicle but it is very ugly. The speedometer is way far away in the dashboard and the whole design of the car is just super funky. I bought this car from my little sister for a really good price which is the reason that I am driving it. Also I have had this vehicle for 4 months and I have filled it up twice with gasoline
accountCircle Richard F
It's still running but I'm afraid it could go at any time
The battery is still good but the electrical systems work inconsistently. The radio and trunk don't work.
accountCircle Ashley S
Prius is ok, not great - small and lacks longevity, but efficient.
It seems to have problems as it gets older - needs jump-starting often, etc. And the a/c/heat does not work well (issue with it not being gas powered). It is small but comfortably fits our family of three (with car seat) and I love the gas mileage. Overall, it is ok. Would not buy again.
accountCircle Erin S
General review 2007 Prius
The Prius is a very reliable car with great gas mileage. I have had no major issues with the car and no major repairs. It is comfortable for a compact car. It does not have a very powerful engine
accountCircle Barton S
The Prius offers a great way to maximize your mileage without sacrificing range.
The Prius is great for ease of driving: it's uncomplicated and has very few issues with maintenance. Mileage is the biggest plus. The big drawback is that, at least with early models, the car lacks power.
accountCircle Lis H
Comfortable and Smooth Ride
As a passenger I would say that this vehicle drives smoothly, is comfortable and quiet and gets me where I need to go.
accountCircle Juan O
It saves money on gas in the long run if you are traveling a lot.
My prius my commuter vehicle to travel to my job Monday through Friday. It is a dependable a gas saving vehicle. It fits my needs.

What Do Critics Say About the Prius?

  • Consumer Reports likes the versatile hatchback configuration and owner satisfaction scores are high.
  • Edmunds gives the Prius a 4.6/5 liking the excellent build quality, but disliking the performance.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Prius 4.7/5 and enjoy the in-town driving experience, but don’t like high battery pack costs.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Toyota Prius Have?

Problems found on the 2007 Prius are fairly minor compared to other cars and include headlight issues, excessive oil consumption, and dash lights turning off.

Headlight problems are the most common complaint from owners at about 100,000 miles. Replacing the bulbs usually fixes the problem and in some cases owners replace the ballast as well. Bulbs cost about $65 for a set, and ballast is around $200.

Excessive oil consumption shows up on many models at roughly 150,000 miles. Toyota vehicles typically consume more oil than other cars and simply checking the oil regularly and topping it off as needed fixes the issue.

Dashboard display problems happen in the Prius at around 125,000 miles. Replacing the lights behind the dash costs about $270.

There are 4 fairly serious recalls on the Prius which include pedal entrapment, water pump failures, and steering shaft issues. These all increase the risk of damage or an accident in the car.

How Long Will the 2007 Toyota Prius Last?

A 2007 Prius should last around 250,000 miles, similar to other compact cars like the Mazda3. Battery packs tend to last around 150,000 miles, and are around $1,200 to replace. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a hybrid, at $382 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Most 2007 Prius models will have over 100,000 miles so prospective buyers should be prepared to replace the oxygen sensor for $450, A/C condenser costing $700, and the shocks and struts which cost $700.

accountCircle Rebecca P

The Toyota Prius base is very reliable as long as it is taken care of and regularly serviced. It will last forever.

accountCircle Alissa C

It is very reliable, the only problem I have had is my low tire pressure sensor light is always on no matter what. But it has had no other issues.

accountCircle Jude H

My 2007 Toyota Prius touring edition is extremely reliable with very few problems for the age of the car. I recently had the hybrid battery replaced for just under $2000 as these batteries do die off after a certain amount of time & usage, but still worth keeping this car.

accountCircle Emily L

Yes it is reliable. Old cars always has some issues but overall it is easy to maintain for me as a girl with limited knowledge of automobile mechanism. It has all the issues that other cars have: battery, brake pad, oil etc... It does not require too much maintenance, personally speaking.

accountCircle Laura R

I have had zero problems, besides having to change the bulbs on the headlights. All electrical and screens work fine after all these years.

accountCircle Jim P

Yes the Prius is reliable. The major repair was a rusted oil cap and the whole thing needed to be replaced.

accountCircle Haley C

Again, it was great until 200,000 miles and then everything broke. Additionally, due to the various issues the great gas mileage has deteriorated.

accountCircle Kathryn M

Yes, I have not had any problems in the three months that I've owned it and I bought it with a clean record and more than decent CarFax history.

How Much Is the 2007 Toyota Prius Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,240 – 7,080, making the Prius about $2,000 more expensive than a Honda Civic Hybrid or Honda Accord Hybrid. When new, the price range was $22,175 to $23,070. Depreciation is good, losing only about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Prius?

There are two models of the 2007 Prius available. Technology was last updated for the 2006 model year, with the next full redesign coming in 2010.

Base is the entry-level model with:

  • 15-Inch Aluminum Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Cruise Control
  • 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System

Touring is the more luxurious version and has:

  • 16-Inch Aluminum Wheels
  • Sport Suspension
  • Xenon Headlights

Options available on both models include:

  • Leather Seating
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 9-Speaker JBL Stereo System
  • Navigation
  • Rearview Camera
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car

What Engines Come In the Prius?

The only engine found in the Prius is a weak 1.5L-4-cylinder hybrid motor with 110 horsepower, which gets up to 46 MPG combined. Performance is poor, taking 10.5 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Prius Come In?

How Big Is the Prius?

The 2007 Prius is an average-sized compact car similar to the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, but the hatchback gives it a more open feeling than other sedans. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with plenty of legroom for adults in the backseats.

Cargo space is very good for its size, offering 14.4 cubic feet of room in the hatchback area.

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How Does the Prius Compare to the Competition?

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a popular rival costing about $2,000 less. Where the Civic stands out is with a more powerful drivetrain, but the Prius has more technology available. We recommend the Prius since it will last longer and is cheaper to own.

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car which is about $1,200 cheaper. The Corolla is sportier and styling is better, but the Prius is more advanced, offering a hybrid powertrain. We recommend the Corolla, since they last longer and don’t have an expensive battery pack.

Ranks #3 Hybrid & Electric by Owners

1
car
4.75
2
car
4.6
3
car
4.54

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Prius?

accountCircle Rebecca P

Yes. I love the space inside and the great ability to lock the door from the outside. The gas mileage is also really great.

accountCircle Alissa C

Yes, it is very efficient and does everything I need a car to do. I really like it for the gas mileage that I get from it.

accountCircle Jude H

Yes, I feel that the Toyota Prius touring edition is a very good & reliable vehicle. It is low maintenance & gets very good gas mileage at around 43 mpg.

accountCircle Emily L

Yes, based on my personal experience. It is really economically efficient and easy to drive as a car for grocery run, commute to work and school etc... Also it is pretty spacious for its size which is a plus.

accountCircle Laura R

It is an excellent vehicle. I love the gas mileage, and how well it handles turns, and how compact it is for parking.

accountCircle Jim P

It is a good vehicle. It gets good mileage, has good pickup and good customer service. It is roomy allowing people in the backseat much comfort.

accountCircle Christopher B

Yes until things start to break. I had absolutely no problems for a very long time until January of this year at 200,000 miles. I had to replace the engine and Prius battery at the same time and a few months later the transmission went. Even the tail lights failed.

accountCircle Marita T

Yes-- it gets great gas mileage for both city and highway driving and is spacious enough to use for moving, camping or groceries.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jordan L on April 4, 2021
Great mpg and dependable even approaching 200k on the odometer.
I bought my car used at around 160, 000 miles. Within a few months I have already put about 20, 000 miles on it and it still works amazingly well. The original battery is still going strong, and we haven't had to replace anything. I get great gas mileage, too!
accountCircle Kate E on April 3, 2021
Priuses are very nice for driving around town as they are great on gas and zippy.
This car is very spacious if you ever need to put something like a bike in the back. Just put the seats down. The car is zippy which can be nice when driving around town but on freeways it gets shaky when going fast. If you accelerate too hard the car stalls for a moment. This car does not have an AUX cord which is very inconvenient.
accountCircle Jeremy C on April 2, 2021
Excellent MPG and inexpensive!
I have only had my vehicle about 3 months, and I have experienced no problems with it whatsoever! I enjoy the features for why I purchased the vehicle which were of a compact size, and excellent gas mileage at 48 miles per gallon!
accountCircle Jerry D on March 30, 2021
Prius Racing Number ONE!!
I love the way my Prius drives and the excellent fuel efficiency. It's just unfortunate I've been in 2 accidents that damaged it. At least it's repaired.
accountCircle Tim T on March 26, 2021
2nd gen Prius still on the road
Great gas mileage. Gets me to where I'm going reliably. Relatively low maintenance for the vehicle. Some of the parts are expensive to repair. Some of the general maintenance is difficult to perform yourself. Things like the headlights in this model year is an involved process. That being said, the general maintenance for this vehicle should not be ignored.
accountCircle winston G on March 18, 2021
This car gets over 40 mpg.
Excellent on gas good steering control and is durable. This car easy cheap to fix and can run over 300k in miles. I has over 40 mpg and run smooth. It is comfortable and spacious and the back folds and for more added space. I would recommend this car for anyone that drive long distances.
accountCircle Gaius G on March 11, 2021
My red Prius has good mileage and is easy to park.
It is a hybrid. It has high mileage, which I like. It is easy to park. It is red, and I like red cars.
accountCircle Anna B on March 11, 2021
Toyota's are awesome. I bought this vehicle when my daughter was in college and doing her internship. We drove 200 miles everyday for 3 months. Very dependable.
To fill up tank it cost me less than $20.00 every 2 weeks. I have 162000 miles on this vehicle and still have not done anything but regular maintenance. Love this vehicle. This is the 3 Toyota U have owned.
accountCircle Ben C on March 11, 2021
It's very quiet! This leads to less stress on longer trips.
The best MPG, I love having to barely ever go to the gas station (1 time per month, or every other month?)
accountCircle Henry N on March 11, 2021
I have been very pleased with the performance, mpg and reliability of my Prius. It has more power than expected and also gets better gas mileage than listed when I drive conservatively.
It cost less to buy gas on Toyota Prius and it runs some on gas and sometime it drives on electricity. It has a camera in the back when you reverse the car. It also gave air bags and it is a very safe car. It has a nice trunk and more room in the back. Moreover, it also have dark windows so people can't see in but we can see out. It also takes a lot less money to take care off. Overall, it was great and wonderful and I really like my new car.
accountCircle Jackie M on February 28, 2021
Gas is great with this car.
I love my car because it is good on gas but I hate that my trunk is see through. I cannot keep my purse in my car because it can easily be seen.
accountCircle Harriet E on February 23, 2021
Best car I have ever owned.
The most amazing car I have ever owned. Very little upkeep. Very few repairs needed. I would buy this car again. The car is comfortable to ride in and to drive. It is also nice to look at and can carry five people very comfortably. Even people with long legs fit nicely in the back.
accountCircle Diane s on February 22, 2021
Great mileage, especially for an 11 year old model.
Love the color (red), the size, the mileage. Unfortunately, I had to replace the $3000+ battery.
accountCircle Caroline E on February 19, 2021
I love my Toyota prius and here is why.
This car is very comfortable to drive. Great on gas! Has given me no trouble. Very responsive! I would recommend this car to anyone and I will definitely buy another prius. If you get a chance to test drive this car, take it! I get 35 to 40 miles to the gallon.
accountCircle Holly B on February 19, 2021
The only important thing people should know which most ready do is that it's really good on gas
It's good on gas. Too small for a family, expensive to fix.
accountCircle Roslyn R on January 31, 2021
The mileage is not as good as Toyota claims it is.
It's comfortable. There is plenty of interior room. The gas mileage is pretty good. I don't like the hatchback
accountCircle Ryan B on January 30, 2021
Saves money on gas for the life of the car
This is one of the best cars I ever had. Only problem is the battery
accountCircle Patti W on January 29, 2021
The low maintenance. The lithium batteries are original.
No problems. Very reliable. Never had a time up, new brakes. Replaced 2 regular batteries, tire sensors and the back latch.
accountCircle Steven H on January 21, 2021
Environmentally sound and gets incredible gas mileage.
Very roomy. Great gas mileage. Technologically advanced. Dislike faulty headlight and charging ports.
accountCircle Haley J on January 20, 2021
Really great gas mileage really ugly car
It has been a reliable vehicle but it is very ugly. The speedometer is way far away in the dashboard and the whole design of the car is just super funky. I bought this car from my little sister for a really good price which is the reason that I am driving it. Also I have had this vehicle for 4 months and I have filled it up twice with gasoline
accountCircle Amanda R on January 12, 2021
An interesting detail about the car is that the car has excellent mileage, we have driven all over town moving furniture for days without refilling the gas.
The car has been unreliable in the 4 months or so we have had it. Many of the issues I have ran into are very pricey to fix, other than this huge issue the car has fantastic mileage. Working in the right direction.
accountCircle Emily T on January 7, 2021
It is so gas efficient. I commute and I only have to fill up every few weeks.
I find that every time I go to get my oil change I have to fix something else. It is never more than a few hundred dollars and I understand things need to be replaced since my car is over ten years old. Also oil changes happen very frequently. I save a lot of money on gas though so it evens out.
accountCircle Nikita A on January 6, 2021
It does well for long trips.
I love the gas saving engine. I dislike the price of the battery. I believe it is roomy with great air dynamics.
accountCircle Heaven P on January 1, 2021
It gets great gas mileage!
I got this car through a used car salesman, and he definitely didn't tell me about all of the computer issues it had when it got super hot outside. I think that if we replace the computer inside the car, it will be a good little car, but until then, I am not the biggest fan of it.
accountCircle Ashley S on January 1, 2021
Prius is ok, not great - small and lacks longevity, but efficient.
It seems to have problems as it gets older - needs jump-starting often, etc. And the a/c/heat does not work well (issue with it not being gas powered). It is small but comfortably fits our family of three (with car seat) and I love the gas mileage. Overall, it is ok. Would not buy again.
accountCircle Miki J on January 1, 2021
It's a hybrid and can take the hov lane. It's good for the environment too. It's four door.
That it is good for the environment. It can take the hov lane because of that.
accountCircle Barb L on December 21, 2020
Love my reliable and problem free Prius.
I love everything about my Prius. Average gas mileage is about 45 mpg. When new it was closer to 60. It is comfortable and easy to maneuver when parking. It is s perfect size for me. The only negative is that I will not drive it on the freeway when it is super windy, like 45 mph and higher.
accountCircle Haley B on December 20, 2020
A reliable, long-time friend.
It has been an extremely reliable and dependable car. It is never had any major problems and is over ten years old with more than 200, 000 miles on it. It is comfortable and surprisingly roomy inside with everything in a convenient location. It is an extremely smooth ride and saves me lots of money on gas with an amazing 49 mpg.
accountCircle Karen W on December 13, 2020
I have 230k on my car in 11 years and I have zero complaints.i love my car, it's been very dependable. Comfortable and roomy
Mileage per gallon! Perfect for road trips and comfortable
accountCircle Kinsey G on December 11, 2020
A Prius is an amazingly Gas Efficient and low maintenance vehicle
I love that it is fuel efficient and doesn't require extra maintenance. It's easy to drive and navigate and parallel park! Only complaint is that the hatchback makes it completely see through and the trunk isn't a safe space to store things while at work or the store
accountCircle Steve Rollins on December 10, 2020
Trouble Free
Our 2007 Prius has been fantastic. Over 250,000 miles since new, and with the exception of a few run-ins with deer, problem free. Even with a quarter million miles, the original brakes still have 50% life left in them. Normal scheduled maintenance is all we have ever had to do.
accountCircle Anna E on December 10, 2020
You only have to buy gas once a month (or less if you're careful)
I love the gas mileage, the safety features, and the storage. The display system is kind of annoying
accountCircle jim B on December 9, 2020
It is a reliable vehicle.
Excellent mileage. Reliable with no service problems. Starts right up every morning and every evening
accountCircle Lauren M on December 1, 2020
LOVE our Prius - very few issues!
I love our Prius! We used it when we moved from Alaska to Georgia. We've put 70,000 miles on it after buying it used, and it's still doing so great! The only problems we've had with it - we had to replace the primary battery which is crazy expensive (hybrid vehicle). The gas gauge also seems to just be an estimate. We've run out of gas multiple times because it gets so inconsistent at times.
accountCircle Ibis A on November 17, 2020
Why the Toyota Prius is amazing!
I absolutely love my Prius. It's energy-efficient since it's a hybrid. Also saves up a lot on gas. My 2007 Prius literally has everything cars now have, so it was a car of the future when I got it.
accountCircle Jonathan B on November 6, 2020
I should say "it is good for the environment," but in reality, I bought it because it SAVES ME MONEY.
Love the gas mileage. Love the surprising amount of space inside, wish it was a little newer, afraid of the battery going out
accountCircle Madison W on November 5, 2020
Very reliable and great gas mileage
I love my Prius. It is a very reliable car and I rarely have problems with it. I only have to get gas once a week or once every other week because the gas mileage is so great. It's the perfect size for city driving. I feel very safe when I am in the car driving as well
accountCircle Kayla D on November 4, 2020
Expect steering to have issues, electrical issues, and abs system issues.
I like the fact that it is easy on gas mileage that is a plus. I do not like the fact that it has so many mechanical issues and so many recalls.
accountCircle Madison H on November 1, 2020
I wanted a car with space and like the size of the vehicle with the seats down.
I bought the Prius three months ago used and have ran into no issues with it since owning it. It's over 128,000 miles but runs well and I don't foresee any future issues. I've taken it on road trips and it had enough room to camp in the back of it with the seats down.
accountCircle Emily J on November 1, 2020
Mountain woman loves her Prius.
It is extremely reliable. I haven't had a single problem with it that would break my bank in any way. The gas mileage is great and I do not have to change the oil as often. It is a comfortable drive/ride for people. I live in the mountains so my only complaint is the performance in the snow.
accountCircle Tom J on October 30, 2020
It has been mostly reliable. Had to replace the battery which was expensive.
Good fuel economy. Fairly nice ride. Battery replacement was expensive.
accountCircle Val L on October 25, 2020
I still have to fill up as often as before but I spend half of what I paid before.
I love the great gas mileage and the fact that I only pay half of what I used to pay. I love the way the car handles; pick up and braking is excellent. I love the practicality and versatility of the interior. I love the multiple storage spots for everything.
accountCircle Steve S on October 22, 2020
It is good on gas mileage
It is quiet running. It is great on gas mileage. It is dependable.
accountCircle Brian F on October 20, 2020
It's not very economical. Has some electrical issues.
I like the gas mileage, dislike how ugly it is. People make fun of me for driving a grandma car but it never gives me problems, runs on not much gas, and is a beast in the snow.
accountCircle R W on October 20, 2020
Make sure you turn the car off correctly before leaving it. If it beeps at you as you get out, turn it on and back off again... Otherwise you'll come back to a dead auxiliary battery.
My car gets fantastic gas mileage. It also is very roomy inside and comfortable for road trips. Maintenance costs have been relatively low over the lifetime of the vehicle. The only issue I've had is driving in the snow when too many inches fall in a short amount of time.
accountCircle Kathryn A on October 18, 2020
That it's comfortable and easy to drive. And even though it's getting old, it still has a lot of life.
I like everything about it. You can fit a lot in it. It never breaks down and it gets great mileage. And I like the backup camera.
accountCircle Erin C on October 18, 2020
Prius, my city parking hero.
With all the driving I do, I love the gas mileage of my Prius. I definitely cut down on the cost of my commute. Although the seats are pretty comfy, on longer trips or when I have been driving a lot, I do need more lumbar support. While it took me a while to get a good spatial sense of the front of the car, the back-up camera has been clutch from day one when parallel parking, especially in cities.
accountCircle Barbara L on October 11, 2020
It gets great gas milages
I like the gas mileage. I like the quietness of the ride. I like It's size. I don't like the cost of the parts
accountCircle laura S on October 10, 2020
It is quiet and gets good gas mileage
I like the fuel efficiency and comfort while driving. I wish it was a sportier looking vehicle
accountCircle Rio S on October 9, 2020
It is a hybrid car which gets excellent gas mileage.
I love the gas mileage. It is easy to drive, to maneuver and to park. My favorite part is the hatchback and vast cargo capacity - I can carry almost anything.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.