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Should I consider buying 200,000 mile prius?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by twaddle, Aug 31, 2015.

  1. twaddle

    twaddle New Member

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    I've been looking for a replacement used prius for a while preferably Gen II and I've only been considering Prius's under 150000 miles because I know that after 150,000 the hybrid battery is going to go sometime soon. What I've started noticing recently was that I was finding prius with over 200000 with either cells from the HV battery replaced or rarely the entire battery replaced. I want to know if I should consider buying a prius over 200000 and what are some of the pitfalls and problems that are common with prius reaching that mark.
     
    #1 twaddle, Aug 31, 2015
  2. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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    #2 Sergiospl, Aug 31, 2015
  3. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    I am planning on getting a new 2016 and trading mine in. I will sell you mine. It has 203,000. I think you will find the the batteries last longer the 150,000 if the car is driven routinely and lot allowed to run down.
     
    #3 bestmapman, Aug 31, 2015
  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    My personal opinion is that it is difficult to evaluate the potential longevity or durability of any older used car. Maybe a little more so with a used Prius.

    So many factors can have an impact, that a general rule about when to expect Hybrid Battery failure is hard IMO to ascertain.

    In other words, I think you could buy a used Prius with 120,000 miles on it, and have the hybrid battery fail before it hits 150,000.
    I also think you could buy a Prius with 200,000 miles on it, and still be driving it on the original hybrid battery at 220,00-230,000 or more.

    Mileage is a determining factor BUT not the only factor.

    If you already own a Gen 2 Prius, I guess my question is why not just keep driving it? Unless it is demonstrating failures that make it prohibitive.

    What you should consider, is connected a whole lot to what you can afford, and what you want. Both of which I don't know.

    I guess if your fear or real underlying question is, that if at less than 150, 000 miles, but older, are you buying a Prius on the verge of Battery Failure vs. 200,00+ where cells have already been replaced or a refurbished battery installed, which is a better choice?

    I don't think you can ever really be sure. If cells have been replaced, you KNOW that it's already demonstrated battery failure, and "Band Aid" approach or fix has been applied.
    If the whole battery has been replaced, if it's rebuilt then that is a gamble as well.

    So I suppose the general rule of all used cars is probably most applicable....usually, not always, but usually the newer, and with the least amount of miles is best.

    BUT when you start talking about 7+ year old vehicles, in the range of 100,000-200,000 miles on them? There's no guarantees.
     
    #4 The Electric Me, Aug 31, 2015
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