Hey everyone, I need some advice. I’m considering buying a 2012 Prius with 200k miles for $5,000. Here’s what the seller says:
The hybrid battery has never been replaced. The car looks good overall, but I’m a bit worried about its reliability with that kind of mileage. What do you all think? Worth it or should I keep looking?
I’d recommend getting an OBD2 scanner and running some diagnostic tests with apps like Dr Prius. Check for light body damage or rust, but nothing too serious. Gen 3 Prius batteries can fail faster than other models, so you might end up spending $1k or more on a new or refurbished battery. Also, give the suspension a test—push down on the hood and trunk to see if it bounces or pops back up smoothly. During the test drive, keep the music off, roll down the windows, and listen for any weird noises. It’s also good to ask the seller about the car’s history and if they have any receipts for the work done. Better to ask now than regret later!
Head gasket and ABS brake module—if these haven’t been replaced, you could be looking at $2-4K each to fix. Also, check on the wheel bearings and suspension since they tend to wear out around this mileage. Make sure the seller has receipts and maybe even some warranty info if they’ve done these repairs.
@Florence
Yeah, I had to replace the ABS module on my 2011 at 220k and all the wheel bearings by 250k. Haven’t needed a head gasket yet, but on my parents’ 2012, the head gasket went out at 180k.
The hybrid battery isn’t too expensive if you go with Green Bean—about $1,200, and it’s a pretty easy install if you’re up for doing it yourself.
Ozzie said:
The hybrid battery isn’t too expensive if you go with Green Bean—about $1,200, and it’s a pretty easy install if you’re up for doing it yourself.
I’d recommend spending $400-500 more to get a brand new OEM battery instead of going with Green Bean.
@Florence
Really? I thought the OEM batteries were way more than $500 extra.
Ozzie said:
@Florence
Really? I thought the OEM batteries were way more than $500 extra.
Nope, but you’ll need to transfer over the ECU and other components. Remanufactured ones are hit or miss—most I’ve seen don’t last, even under warranty.
@Tristan
I just put in a new battery without doing anything with the ECU. Worked fine for me.
Ozzie said:
@Tristan
I just put in a new battery without doing anything with the ECU. Worked fine for me.
Maybe things have changed, or it varies. Normally, you have to move over the ECU, fan controls, and other parts when swapping out the battery, especially with OEM replacements. Green Bean includes them, but it’s still good to check for corrosion. Personally, I upgraded to Gen 4 battery modules for my Gen 3, and it’s been a nice improvement.
Ozzie said:
@Tristan
I just put in a new battery without doing anything with the ECU. Worked fine for me.
He’s right about the ECU and other components needing to be transferred when installing an OEM battery. Green Bean usually has these included, but I’d still be cautious and check them over.
Ozzie said:
@Florence
Really? I thought the OEM batteries were way more than $500 extra.
Just to clarify, I meant $400-500 more than the price of a Green Bean battery.
I bought a used Prius like this, and within a year, the hybrid battery and catalytic converter failed. I ended up spending $5-6k on repairs, and with potential head gasket problems, I didn’t see the point in fixing it. Bad first experience with a Prius.
I got a 2011 Prius last year with close to 200k miles. Left it parked for about a month, and as soon as I started using it again, it needed a new battery. Definitely plan for the possibility of having to replace it.
Honestly, Gen 3 Priuses at this mileage are ticking time bombs. I own one with 437k miles, and I’m just riding it out until something major fails—probably the brake booster or head gasket, which I’ve already replaced once.
@Tristan
Ride together, die together… Bad boys for life?
@Tristan
I’ve seen people swapping in Gen 4 engines to get around the head gasket issues on Gen 3s. It’s a temporary solution, but we’ll see how it holds up long term.
@Tristan
Brake booster replacement isn’t too hard. I got a used one for $150 and did it myself. Not a big deal.
Might be time to look into cleaning the EGR and PCV systems.