about to purchase a new prius. advice?

Just be aware that a generic code reader can't see most of the meaningful codes, they are vehicle specific. I believe something like torque or scangauge can be programmed to show them. There is also the mini-VCI route, which is what I use, if you want to see what its saying before it goes to the dealer.

Best of luck,
Rob

 

If they have an android phone or tablet, Torque is going to be the least expensive way to get codes.

The correct name for what you have called a 'cluster board' is a 'combination meter'. A lot of information about that board is available by searching Priuschat, but I suggest your read this link first:
Luscious Garage | Blog | Prius Dash Lights Out - Combination Meter Warranty Extension

Your car might be eligible for a warranty repair.

 

I presume you are asking about the engine codes that seem to come and go.

See the earlier posts re: a good code reader
So far as I know, a defective combination meter does not light up alarms and does not set engine codes. The link I gave you would say.

The common cause of spurious engine codes is an aging 12v battery. Despite the story of a replacement 12 months ago, I suggest you perform a full test on the battery. Search the forum for the procedure.

 

Sounds like those "minor" accidents caused alignment problems that are chewing up tires.

Edit: NVM, seem to have replied to an earlier post.

SCH-I535

 

^^
Yeah, I'm also suspicious that the accidents are the cause of the defective combo meter. OP is lucky that Toyota agreed to a warranty repair since accidents are specifically excluded. I'm wondering if unrecognized damage is not also leading to early 12 battery demise, and who knows what other problems. All this is just speculation of course, but I'll not be surprised to hear of more problems.

The Prius is in general spectacularly reliable, but a Prius after a frontal accident is way too often a hornet's nest of difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair problems. It is not a coincidence that insurance companies are quick to total Prius that have sustained what appears to be only moderate damage in a frontal collision.

OP: was this car a salvage title ?

 

If the battery is bad, consider a junkyard battery or a rebuilt one, should be less than half the cost of a new battery from the dealer.

 

This sounds like something from an accident. If the alignment gets off after getting it aligned it sounds like something is going on structurally.

As I read your initial post I was thinking "I wouldn't buy it" but since you already had I hope it's not going to be a loss but it sounds like at this point there will be a need for costly repairs between the hybrid battery and constant new tires.