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2011 Prius For Sale - What do you think?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by An2TheTwan, Mar 22, 2023.

  1. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

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    2011 Toyota Prius - VIN: JTDKN3DU1B1355281

    This dealer has been sitting on this Prius since last summer. I wouldn't pay sticker price but may consider paying 12k for it.

    One of my biggest concerns is the hybrid battery. These cars are made to drive and if its been in a sales lot for almost a year, I am worried it may have impacted the hybrid battery.

    There is that 150k warranty hybrid battery warranty Toyota offers, but not sure of all the details.

    What other concerns should I have?
     
    #1 An2TheTwan, Mar 22, 2023
  2. Kramah313

    Kramah313 Active Member

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    I think you’re wise to worry about the battery in that state. I would definitely drive that one before buying it, preferably long enough to see if the battery is charging/discharging at a normal rate and not top to bottom and back again every couple minutes.

    Man I cannot believe how expensive used cars are right now.
     
    #2 Kramah313, Mar 22, 2023
  3. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

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    It's actually much better than it was this time a year ago. Still crazy high no doubt.

    I had a 2011 and had several recalls/warranty enhancements. One in particular was my headlights burning out. In general, does anyone knows what happens when you buy a used car, the recall/warranty enhancement has expired and that particular issue was never corrected?
     
    #3 An2TheTwan, Mar 22, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think the warranty ended in 10 years unfortunately.
     
    #4 bisco, Mar 22, 2023
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    A used Prius sitting that long may well have deteriorated battery. With Dr Prius app (and a Carista OBD Bluetooth adapter) you could quickly do the static assessment.

    FWIW, our 2010 had build date August 2009, and we bought it new, in November 2010, had about 10 kms on the odometer. It’s been problem free. But that’s sitting when brand new, so not sure how applicable.

    Other possible issues:

    the 12 volt likely a goner

    rusty brake calipers

    flat spotted tires

    mildew interior
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Mar 22, 2023
  6. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

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    Took her for a test drive and was pleasantly surprised. I can purchase a pretty comprehensive warranty through the dealership which will cover me for about a year. After that I will consider CarShield or something similar. I have heard mixed reviews on them but I live in a medium sized city so I should be able to find someone who accepts it.

    Going to likely purchase this as long as I can get a loan. Apparently lenders don't like approving loans for rideshare drivers:rolleyes:
     
    #6 An2TheTwan, Mar 23, 2023
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  7. tw0leftskis

    tw0leftskis New Member

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    I too, found a 2011 Prius w/ approx 92k mi.
    Worry about the hybrid battery cells.
     
    #7 tw0leftskis, Mar 23, 2023
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    We’ve got a ‘10 with 96k kilometres, no hybrid battery problems.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Mar 24, 2023
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'd worry more about the head gasket than the battery
     
    #9 bisco, Mar 24, 2023
  10. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

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    It's a family run business who I am buying from. They have sold Prius's before and know having the hybrid battery sit unused is bad for it. They have been driving it periodically.

    I don't like most used car sales people. This is the first time I have liked working with one. Really seemed to care about my situation. Something just feels right about this one.
     
    #10 An2TheTwan, Mar 24, 2023
  11. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

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    Car was silent on startup. Oil and coolant looked normal. I plan on immediately cleaning out the EGR circuit and I will be purchasing a warranty on the car as well.

    I only need this car to last me a year, if that. It's possible I could get a decade or more out of it.
     
    #11 An2TheTwan, Mar 24, 2023
    bisco and Mendel Leisk like this.
  12. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    I had the Toyota Platinum warranty on my Prius and it didn't cover the hybrid battery. No warranty, to my knowledge, covers the hybrid warranty beyond the warranty that Toyota offers. This Prius has surpassed the warranty period. However, an OBII reader and the Dr Prius app can let you know how much life you are estimated to have left.

    Either way, good luck and report back how the car works out.
     
    #12 MelonPrius, Mar 25, 2023
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