How about a sticky "What to look for in a used Prius"

Hm, well if I could get a used Prius, I'd want one with at least under 100,000 miles. Navigation, bluetooth, ect. NOT LEATHER SEATS. I can't stand leather. I'd get either silver, silver pine mica, or seaside pearl on a Gen.II. On a Gen.III, I'd get either Silver, white, or blue with the light gray interior.

 

Different models with different years with different features. Fastest way is search, used.
Best thing for a newbie buyer is to read LOTS first. Prius is different. Each used car is different with miles, accidents, year, etc. Pretty hard to put it into one thread and would end up being very long. Often I've answered questions about a used car and people hadn't even looked at it other than the ad. Thats a guess with any car.
I've purchased 5 prii used. Some I didn't buy just because of the owner (vague or didn't know the last oil change).

 

Plenty of general used market advice on sites like Edmunds, KBB or Consumer Reports. Things like service records, CarFax, a VERY careful walk around in good light, (make sure it's clean so you can see any blemishes).
But specific to the Prius you may get a wide range of answers. Off the top of my head:

• 12V Battery health check; replace if weak
  
• Alignment check; rear can't be adjusted so don't accept a bad one
  (especially in your case, brand new tires may hide evidence of poor alignment)
  
• Get a list of TSBs, look out for the described symptoms in test drive
  
• Above 35-40K miles, get them to do an ATF drain and fill if it hasn't been done
  
• If they can't/won't produce service records (scary by itself) you can check them at Toyota Owners Online | Official Toyota Owners Website - just claim the VIN as yours.

.... anything else anyone?

- D

 

Here is my list that I accumulated when reading this forum before I bought mine. Points are from other users (I don't remember which point from whom: so thanks all!). In the end there are many things on this list I did not check... I bought mine with 23K miles from a first owner (pulled up the carfax for $30 bucks or so to verify that). I started to trust the owner (which can be smart or not...). So far it's been very good to us! Good luck!



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WHAT TO THINK OF WHEN BUYING A PRIUS

Take it to a Toyota service center and:

1. Dump all ECU codes

2. Dump all battery module voltages

3. Read wheel alignment


Ask or check:

4. When was transaxle oil last changed? Wrong answer: never. Negotiate a lower price.

5. Inspect the throttle (remove air cleaner) for 'crud'? Something for an early look.

6. What does the tire wear look like? Fixable, look for evidence of uneven wear. Negotiate alignment report.

7. Was the gas paddle “fixed†during the recall?

8. Check the production date in the doorplate. It may be, for instance, a 2005 model when the seller says it’s from 2006 (perhaps registered early 2006)

9. Did you ever change the ATF (Tranny Fluid)? Toyota says it only needs changing in "Harsh Use". Lab testing has shown that it should be changed every 60,000 miles. It should cost about $100 at a dealer.

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I would take the car to another Toyota dealer to have a pre-purchase complete inspection done on the car. Don't have it done at the selling dealer as they have a vested interest and may not be thorough.

You may spend $150 for that inspection, but it should be well worth it.

My 2009's window rattles when it's open only a couple inches or so, and occasionally a dash rattle will occur. Usually not, but occasionally.

If your anywhere near 6 ft., pay particular attention to the driver's seating between the 05 and the '10 as the 2010 is vastly improved. There are web pages warning of the poor seating in the Gen2, but if you like it, then ok.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5915538_problems-prius-driver_s-seat.html