Looking at a 2011 prius with 92k miles

Mechanically, the Prius is a very reliable car - most make it to 200K miles with no engine or transmission issues (assuming the
proper maintenance was done regularly).

Hybrid cars used in hot climates tend to have lower HV battery life than those used in more moderate climates. Same goes for terrain. Flat is better than hilly for longer life.

So, if the 2011 you're considering has been driven in MS for the past five plus years, the HV battery might not last more than a few more years and/or 50,000 miles before the HV battery has issues that require repair.

When I bought my 05 almost 6 years ago, there was no warranty remaining for the HV battery (it had 134,000 miles) so I was winging it when I bought it; still, this particular 05 had depreciated to only 25% of its MSRP so it was a real bargain at the time.

How much is the 11 going for? If it's more than $10,000 I would recommend a non-hybrid since fuel prices are low right now and non-hybrid fuel economy has improved substantially the past few years. My midsize 2014 Nissan Altima gets 39 mpg highway. There are many nice vehicles to be had for $10,000 with 92,000 miles on them.

But if you really want a Prius, I understand the attraction. I bought one and still have it.

 

Mechanical Issues?
The Prius is a machine and vulnerable to break down as is any machine. But has the reputation of being a very reliable vehicle.
There's no magic number that you pass and suddenly everything is going to break, much would depend on previous maintenance and the previous owners driving habits.

The Battery itself is a chemistry based component. There's nothing to really break, it will just eventually fail with age.
My recommendation to anyone with a Prius beyond HV battery warranty is if purchasing or owning...make sure you are willing and able to make the investment into replacement if needed.

Mixed bag of stories from people installing re-manufactured. Never really heard a complaint from someone installing a new OEM. But cost is expensive, $3000 + or -.

You could with basic maintenance....what would be recommended at 100,000 miles, potentially get many. many more miles and years without a major issue. But once off the warranty clock, the HV battery is always a potential concern.

There is no Cinderella at midnight, point however, where Prius go from being reliable to being unreliable. Some owners have put upwards of 200,000 miles or more with few issues.

When the HV battery will fail? Is also very hard, IMO almost impossible to predict.

 

Get a Red 2010 & no extras.
Mine has 214,000 and no problems EVER.

 

The hybrid battery on my 2005 made it past 200,000 miles before failing and we chose to have it rebuilt for $1,300 and a 1 year warranty rather than spend $3,500. The other deciding factor was that we had $1,300 and didn't have $3,500! I just gave that car to my son-in-law and bought a 2011 with 90,000 miles. I'll drive it until the battery needs replacing and do the same thing. My husband does all of our auto maintenance and repairs, except for the hybrid battery rebuild, and he will keep this one running for another 90,000 miles plus.

 

Toyota rates the Prius at a 175K lifetime.

There are quite a few Pri out there with more than that on the clock. It is all about maintenance and making repairs as needed.

There really is no magic number as to when to throw in the towel so to speak. Each Prius is a machine, and is also a individual. Just because Johnny's went 300K does not mean that Joey's will too. On the other hand Joey's may make 350K and Johnny's go bust @ 250K.

It really is a simple as that.

At the end of the day, what you should be looking at is how much are you willing to spend AND what are your likes/dislikes. I try to advise folks to get what you like and what you can afford. If you don't have a lot of money, then buy used but keep money set aside for needed repairs down the road. A broke down car in the driveway serves no purpose to anyone especially if they are still making payments on it.

Hope this helps, and best of luck to you.

 

I live in the delta, which is dead flat, but no part of Mississippi is hilly. (Woodall Mt is 807 feet tall) If the car is from MS, it has never had heat issues from going up or down long hills. Mississippi is not all that hot, what it IS is very hot and humid. Since the car does not care about humidity, it just not an issue for its length of service.

i would expect 120,000 miles with minor maintenance. (120,000 mile (and 240,000) is the most expensive service)

In CO due to real mountains and AZ due to real heat I would expect reduced battery life, but MS is not a bad state for a Prius.

Many owners panic as their car runs out of warranty, but routine service keeps a Prius healthy. (I would change the ATF WS in the transaxle at 92,000 and then every 90,000 miles, never jump start another car, try not to jump start your car, and do not try to 'tough it out' and not use the A/C)

 

Just curious - why do you recommend not trying to "tough it out" without using AC? Does this play into compressor longevity?

 

if you're comfortable, so is your battery.

 

o/p, how long do you intend to keep the car, and how many miles per year? the next 92k will likely be more interesting than the last.

 

The A/C cools the HV battery as well as the passengers. Early prototypes had the battery out side the passenger space and Toyota engineers found they wanted it cooled any time the passengers needed to be cool. So it got moved inside. If you try to sweat it out, you are not cooling the HV battery, either.

In some areas of the US, overheating the HV Battery is reducing it's life.

 

Got it, thanks!