1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Newbie looking at 2010 Prius - thoughts?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by redcliffs, Jul 10, 2015.

  1. redcliffs

    redcliffs New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2015
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    Sydney, NSW
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi all,

    I am actively in the market for my first Prius, which strikes my partner and I as a great choice for a one-car family in the near suburbs of a major city. While we are considering purchasing a new 2015 -- unfortunately, can't wait either for Gen IV or for the prices to drop on the last of the Gen IIIs -- my local dealer also has a 2010 i-Tech with 90k km (so...55k miles?) for about AU$19K (about US$14K, though I don't think it really translates in terms of car prices). The price seems about right and, from what I read here, the mileage is no trouble.

    My primary question is about the 2010 and first years of new models -- were there issues with the 2010 that would make looking for a slightly later year a better idea? Are there updates that appear in subsequent MYs that make those more desirable? Are there specific problems, repairs, or recalls that I ought to ask about? FWIW, this is a Toyota dealer, so I'm assuming recalls have been dealt with (though I will ask...).

    Many thanks in advance for your advice!
     
    #1 redcliffs, Jul 10, 2015
    Priusguy78213 likes this.
  2. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2009
    2,938
    2,288
    0
    Location:
    Silicon Valley
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I had a 2010 (until a month ago). I also have a 2012 PIP. (Previously I had a 2001 and 2004 as well).
    There were no issues with the 2010 AFAIK. It still ran perfect with 40K miles on it. I sold it because I got a Leaf to take advantage of the solar PV I just got.

    Mike
     
    #2 3PriusMike, Jul 10, 2015
    redcliffs likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,762
    48,971
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    rear brakes can be an issue in road salt area's, but shouldn't be an issue for you. some had a lot of interior squeaks that were ironed out a bit over the years, again, more in cold weather. they changed the armrest/cupholder in 2012 i think. no biggies i can think of, a lot of happy 2010 owners.
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 10, 2015
    redcliffs likes this.
  4. redcliffs

    redcliffs New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2015
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    Sydney, NSW
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks for the replies. It may also be that a 2010 is actually the second year of the Gen III here -- cars listed as 2009s appear to have the new body type already. In any case, no salt, not much in the way of cold weather -- sounds like it'll be just fine! Thanks again.
     
    #4 redcliffs, Jul 11, 2015
  5. ilikethempgs

    ilikethempgs Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2014
    42
    12
    0
    Location:
    Northern, NY
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I have a 2011 and love it. I do have road salt so ran into that issue after I bought it last summer. The dealer ended up putting new pads rotors on it for free. Will think about a brake cleaning service this winter.
     
    #5 ilikethempgs, Jul 12, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,762
    48,971
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    all the best red!(y) keep us posted.
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 12, 2015
  7. Cloude1

    Cloude1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2014
    23
    3
    0
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi Redcliffs,
    Was the car from Mosman Toyota?
     
    #7 Cloude1, Jul 16, 2015
  8. hornedfrog

    hornedfrog Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
    32
    2
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I love my 2010 Prius III - not rattles and only 50K miles so far. Original battery and tires.
     
    #8 hornedfrog, Jul 16, 2015
  9. A617

    A617 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2014
    213
    95
    0
    Location:
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I got a 2010 prius I bought it with 58k miles in 2014 and now I'm at 80k miles it haven't given me any trouble, as long you maintain your car on time should be trouble free.
     
    #9 A617, Jul 18, 2015
  10. car78412

    car78412 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
    284
    32
    3
    Location:
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I purchased my 2010 new in 2011 and got a great deal. 60K miles and still loving it.
     
    #10 car78412, Jul 19, 2015
  11. wheelsup

    wheelsup Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2011
    82
    12
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    We have 91k miles (not km) on our 2010 Prius. At 87k the inverter failed, Toyota replaced it under our USA warranty (100k miles) for free. Was a $2200 job on paper.

    To date that is the only issue we've had.
     
    #11 wheelsup, Jul 19, 2015
  12. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    1,787
    944
    0
    Location:
    Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    Go for it. (y)

    Prius are wonderful, economical and highly reliable cars.

    I guess though get the newest and lowest mileage Prius that you can afford comfortable though. That's how I would go into the shopping experience if buying used. But as seen above not many if any issues if you choose a 2010 :)

    Post pics of your new ride when you get it pls.

    All the best...
     
    #12 Blizzard_Persona, Jul 19, 2015
  13. Sporin

    Sporin Prius Noob

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2010
    576
    293
    0
    Location:
    Vermont, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    No major issues on our 2010.
    • 90k miles in 4 years.
    • Did both front wheel bearings plus front and rear brakes over the last 8 months or so.
    • Ours is a bit rattly, particularly in the cold of winter.
    • Not a single driveability or reliability issue ever. Rain or shine, hot humid summer, or deep snow of winter (dedicated winter tires). It's never let us down.
    • We drive it much less now and plan to keep it as long as possible.
     
    #13 Sporin, Jul 20, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2015
  14. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,674
    6,493
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Greetings!

    I haven't had any issues with my 2010 so far at 85,000 miles, except for the weak 12v battery.
    It's a company car, and so it definitely sees a little rougher service than POVs.

    lIIRC there was an issue with software and the inverter that Toyota solved in part with a warranty extension. You'll want to check to see if your prospective G3 has or needs the same warranty mod. I'm thinking that there was also a brake recall for some 2010s, but my memory is a specious tool.
    I can't remember what I had for breakfast and it's 0853 here.

    If your car dealers are anything like our car dealers (and politicians!) ASSUME NOTHING where warranties are concerned.


    How long are you going to keep this car.....really.
    If I were going to buy a used G3 I'd be tempted to get 2012-2015, provided that you keep it long enough to recoup the additional expense. Gas is a little more expensive in AU than it is here. I'm thinking a little over one of your dollars for one of your liters.
    We use our dollars, our gallons, and we drive on our side of the road! :)

    The point is that Priuses make good sense up here in America.
    Even more so if you're down there!

    Good Luck!
    Post pictures please when you're done.
     
    #14 ETC(SS), Jul 20, 2015
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)