Buying a used 2010. Certified or not?

This Is the link on what is included in a certified


Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program

 

It really depends on how much extra the certification costs and how good a job the dealer does with the inspection. The original vehicle warranties are transferable rather the vehicle is certified or not. Also the original warranties depend on what state the vehicle was registered in. The hybrid system warranty, for example, is 160K miles/180 months in CARB states vs 96K miles/100 months in the other states.

I would say a good inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with the Prius might be of more value than the certification. Most of the time the certification process is used by dealers as a reason to jack the price up.

If you do elect to buy a certified car be sure to tell them ahead of time to give you a copy of the certification inspection report. Then you can tell if things such as tire tread depth and brake pad thickness are really what they are suppose to be.

Here is a copy of the Warranty & Maintenance Guide from my 2010 Prius so you can see what the coverage is where you are.

 

Sounds like the only difference between the certified and manufacturers warranty is the inspection, substitute vehicle during repairs and a help phone #.

How much is that worth to you?

Peace of mind is always good, but at what price.

You need to decide.

I can say that the Hybrid introduces a whole set of complex systems that separate it from traditional cars. When stuff goes wrong it can go wrong. I tend to buy my cars new, keep them about 6-8 years and sell them

 

From the info posted by JMD, Toyota Certified Pre-owned Vehicles are covered with some extended warranty by Toyota direct for your peace of mind. Dealer certified vehicles are vehicles being inspected/reconditioned by the dealer in order to meet the minimum requirements under safety regulations. In other words, the dealer will invest as little as possible in the vehicle and sell it at the highest profit margin. Price may be a lower than the Toyota Certified vehicles but it may not be so in the long run. You really have to have your mechanic to inspect all the wear and tear level before you sign the deal. Personally, if the difference is reasonable and affordable, I'd go with the Toyota Certified vehicles.

 

As with any used vehicle purchase, change the oi/filter first thing. Also it has been proven on this site and others that the trans-axle fluid should be change first time at 30,000 miles minimum I would do that as well. Both are easy and there are threads here with the easy how to. Bump the front tires to 42 psi and rears to 40 psi. Check your spare tire pressure too. I believe that's 60 psi. Have any problems dealt with asap. Wish you the best with this purchase.

 

The cost for a drain and fill transaxle fluid is less than $100 at the dealer if your not inclined to do it yourself.

Agree this is important if you plan on holding the car awhile

 

Enjoy your Prius for many years to come. Make sure you get two smart keys, a valet key, the thick user manual, radio code card, etc. Check the trunk for things that should come with the car - tie down hook, jack and tools, etc. Check spare tire pressure and condition too. Check to make sure the trap door directly under the oil filter is not broken or missing (note: there are many threads about the easy broken trap door and there is a TSB on this. If the trap door is missing or broken, you have to replace the whole under engine cover which will be more than $200). Check the cabin filter. If it is too dirty, ask the dealer to replace it free of charge. The filter may cost up to $40+. Have fun and come back to PC often.

 

We only get two keyfobs here in the states- no valet key.

 

My apology. There is no valet key but you should get a small Key Code Tag. The steel tag is 7/8" x 3/8" with a few numbers on it. It may be required if you lost the key and want to have a replacement. I am sure the dealer may find a way to get it duplicated but it is better to have it on hand.