I found this Prius going for 3K. It’s sold as-is, so I’m a little nervous about it. But with my budget, this might be my only option.
Check the mileage and grab a Carfax to see if it’s been in any accidents. Definitely take it for a test drive—try all the features and take it on the highway to see how it runs at higher speeds.
Clarke said:
Check the mileage and grab a Carfax to see if it’s been in any accidents. Definitely take it for a test drive—try all the features and take it on the highway to see how it runs at higher speeds.
Yeah, I’ll be sure to do all that, thanks. From what I’ve seen on this forum, these cars seem to last a long time.
@AuroraGleam
They sure do. Toyota’s hybrid system is really good at keeping the engine healthy. Mine’s at 140K miles, and I expect it’ll hit 300K with no trouble.
Clarke said:
@AuroraGleam
They sure do. Toyota’s hybrid system is really good at keeping the engine healthy. Mine’s at 140K miles, and I expect it’ll hit 300K with no trouble.
300K miles? That’s just one oil change away for this car!
@AuroraGleam
If you hear a whirring sound near the driver’s foot area every few seconds, get out of there. Seriously, run.
Tavi said:
@AuroraGleam
If you hear a whirring sound near the driver’s foot area every few seconds, get out of there. Seriously, run.
You mean a whirring noise even when the car’s off? What does that sound mean?
@AuroraGleam
Check the 12V battery—those can be expensive. I’ve had two Priuses and never had to do any major repairs, just oil changes. I did have to clean the intake on my 2012 due to some buildup near the throttle body.
Oh, and I meant AGM battery, not lithium.
@Kimberly
The 12V battery is usually $200–$250. I think you’re mixing it up with the hybrid battery.
ace said:
@Kimberly
The 12V battery is usually $200–$250. I think you’re mixing it up with the hybrid battery.
And unless it’s a plug-in model, the hybrid battery is NiMH, not lithium.
ace said:
@Kimberly
The 12V battery is usually $200–$250. I think you’re mixing it up with the hybrid battery.
I’m not mixing it up.
ace said:
@Kimberly
The 12V battery is usually $200–$250. I think you’re mixing it up with the hybrid battery.
I’m not mixing it up.
Ignore him. The 12V battery isn’t crazy expensive—it’s priced just like any other car battery.
@Ezra
For someone buying a $3K car, a $300 battery is a big deal—10% of the car’s value right off the bat.
Kimberly said:
@Ezra
For someone buying a $3K car, a $300 battery is a big deal—10% of the car’s value right off the bat.
I just bought one for my 2014 Prius for $140 this past July. These batteries don’t seem to last very long, so always keep the receipt in case it fails under warranty.
@AuroraGleam
My 2015 Prius is running great, and I’m almost at 200K miles. Just need to top off the AC coolant soon, but that’s it.
@AuroraGleam
We just passed 300K miles on ours. Still runs like a charm.
@AuroraGleam
I’d bet the battery or the head gasket on this one is on its way out… or both. Be careful.
Good price, but that’s a lot of miles. You might get your money’s worth, but it’s probably had major repairs. Hopefully, the previous owner used Toyota parts.
Maxwell said:
Good price, but that’s a lot of miles. You might get your money’s worth, but it’s probably had major repairs. Hopefully, the previous owner used Toyota parts.
Or worse, it still needs those repairs.
Maxwell said:
Good price, but that’s a lot of miles. You might get your money’s worth, but it’s probably had major repairs. Hopefully, the previous owner used Toyota parts.
At $3K, I wouldn’t stress over whether the parts are OEM or not—just as long as the issues are fixed.