Toyota Prius EX 2010 (First Prius questions)

I don't know much about it, but I've read that the EX is the previous model (Gen 2) Prius which was kept in manufacture only for sale in Japan. Hence the 1.5 litre motor, when the ones sold here in Australia were the new Gen 3 1.8 litre from 2009.

I assume they sold cheaper new - but you might want to check what the current value is, and how being an EX would affect future value. Though, I hear that there are a lot of grey-market used cars from Japan in NZ, so it mightn't be the issue it would be here.

The issue we would have here is in having work done by factory dealerships, and I'm not sure if that could cause a problem on something like a Prius. Having more grey imports in NZ might have a solution there.

Toyota releases new EX-grade second-gen Prius in Japan

 

The EX marking is just a package specifier for the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market)

NZ new Prius were sold in NZ from 2004 with the first Gen II models as Base mode, Base with extras e.g. Cruise Control the most popular and iTech.

Around 2010 the Gen III was introduced.

As far as I am aware, it was a similar marketing strategy as that adopted by Australia.

As far as the OP's question, he will need to research what service he can expect from TNZ on a Jap import.

My advice, be very cautious about buying a Jap import and make no assumptions.

There is a good post by respected member here that you can do with no equipment necessary:

How to test HV battery state of health on your Gen 2 (answer)

 

"Assume the worst, hope for the best." -Author unknown.

Do a price comparison of the JDM Prius + a new HV Battery replacement vs a used NZ market Prius. Which one will be cheaper?

My money is on you will be fine buying the JDM Prius. I lived, worked, and drove in Japan for a year. Japan has a very through vehicle inspection & registration process, called "shaken." When a vehicle passes it, it is good for two years and includes basic auto liability insurance. [On a side note, people do get supplemental liability insurance, and there is only one type: unlimited liability!] Because the shaken fee is expensive, many people choose to simply get rid of the car, after a certain point in time, and buy another new or a few years old car. Because of the fast turnover rate, it is rare to see vehicles older than 10years on the road. Thus the flood of JDM cars to right hand drive countries like the UK, OZ, Kiwi-land, and many other countries. Also, the Japanese as a whole, take very good care of their cars inside and out; I would confidently buy a used JDM car, unseen, vs buying a used car from any US seller.

 

The 1.5L engine strongly argues against it being a Gen3. The JDM 2010 Gen2 EX linked in post #2 fits better.

 

Unfortunately, unless the HV battery is teetering on the edge of failure, you are not going to see much from a test drive. If it was at that point you might hope to see the battery go from full green bars to purple bars and back again and the car would also feel a bit gutless, slow to accelerate etc.

The test I linked to in my previous post (#4) could be done on a test drive, I do believe it only takes 15-30 min.

 

#1 is a Second Generation Prius (2004-2009). It is NOT a 2010 model.

#2 is a Third Generation Prius (2010-2015). Notice how the body looks different. The interior will be equally different as well. There will be more creature comforts, and the front seats will be way more comfortable than the Gen2 seats.

The price difference between the two is $4695 ($13,995-$9,300). This difference represents a NEW HV Battery and then some. But you would have to get the Gen2 Prius which also has lower miles as well.

Life expectancy of the original HV Battery is all over the place. Some people get fewer years/miles than the majority, while some get more years/miles than the majority. If you take the USA HV Battery warranty as an indicator (8years/100K miles for non-CARB States, 10years/150K miles for CARB States), this is what you will likely get: 8-10years/100K-150K miles. If you can not accept this reality, and can not afford a new Replacement HV Battery (for maximum troublefree operation), when the time comes, the Prius is not for you.

Longevity of the car is good. 200K+ miles seems to be easily achieved. Very few original owners seem to hang onto the car long enough to hit 300K+ miles.

 

Yes, it is a Gen II and yes, it is a 2010 - see link in post #2

 

1 - Toyota Prius EX Hybrid 61700 kms Excellent Co 2010 | Trade Me
Agreed its a Gen2, for ad #1. Exterior, interior, and 1.5L engine, all reinforce a Gen 2 (2004-2009 model year)
You and ad says its a 2010 model year? How can that be? I say they ad lists the wrong year.

2 - Toyota Prius S Touring New shape 2010 | Trade Me[/QUOTE]
2010 was the first model year of the Gen3 (2010-2015).
Pictures and specification listing for the ad #2, all point to Gen3:Exterior, Interior, and 1.8L engine.
This one is a true Gen3, and the ad is correctly listed.

 

I say that you didn't read the article linked in Post #2. JDM 2010 Prius EX is very clearly a Gen 2.