New Prius Decision??

Your attachment didn't open. Maybe wasn't properly done, or something?

Well, you've got to consider lots of stuffs before buying a used Prius.

You've got lots of threads on buying a used Prius on this forum.

I'm sure if you search for used Prius purchases, you'd get lots of them there.

Decipher those, and you have what info you need.


Dxta

 

welcome!

that's a lot of miles to put on a used prius. do your due diligence before purchasing. if you are in a hurry, just buy a low mile gasser that gets 30-40 on the highway.

 

Knowing nothing more about these vehicles than what you provided...buy the newest one.

 

Lots of Prius have tow hitches — for bike racks — but not so many have harnesses.

Towing can be hard on any car, and possibly more so on a Prius that does not recommend it.

Begs some important questions ....

 

My opinion?
Buy the 09.
Investigate the vehicle history @ Toyota and have a NON TOYOTA mechanic do a thorough inspection.
Make the dealer give you the usual vehicle history report.
If they didn't do one?
They're either liars or idiots.......walk.

If the owner of the '11 can provide full maintenance records I wouldn't have any problem getting that one either, but the G3 (2010-2015) has been more prone to using oil and fouling cats.
This is not a problem if you live on free soil and a VET is an expensive way to scare the heck out of a pet, instead of a state mandated emissions maintenance system.
Your call.

I would NOT use a used hybrid for hypercommuting unless I were me, which is to say that no dealership ever touches my cars and I only have mechanics intervene for advanced maintenance.
In other words......I'm able to do all routine maintenance and many of the repairs that I am likely to encounter on this car.
If you're not willing to do things like plugs, EGR cleaning, etc.....then you might want to snap the chalk line a little higher than $10K and do some deep reading on Prius maintenance issues.
The advice on getting a 30-40 MPG non-hybrid is very sound at the $8,000 price point...
If you get a Prius, get a highlighter and highlight the section in the manual where it says to check the oil every month or 1,000 miles.

The tow hitch is no factor unless there's a boat or an RV in the yard.


Good Luck!

 

I bought a 2010 with 73k miles last year and it came with a tow hitch. If the owner didn't have detailed service records showing that the transmission fluid was changed at least once - I would have walked. In fact, the owner admitted to towing a small airplane at low speeds and I was Ok with it b/c the said oil was changed twice and analyzed.

I also personally wouldn't touch an older gen 3 with over 80k miles. A plugged EGR system results in up to an 800*F increase in combustion temperatures. This can damage head gaskets and warp heads/cylinder blocks. There are reports here of a few bad head gaskets @ < 100k. Most failed head gaskets are around 150k-200k but why risk it?

 

@50k/year, how long do you hope to keep it?

 

Assuming you keep up the maintenance as you say...especially the oil/filter...90% highway driving does make for a longer more stable lifespan...even with a Prius. Reduces cycles on the batteries as well.

 

If you can immediately clean the EGR and if there's some indication that the orig owner changed the oil semi-occasionally AND if service records are available I might have to change my mind and advise that you get the G3 (2011.)
I failed to notice the Mustang Cobra moniker before (if you roll a Ford then you're familiar with wrenching on a car ) and the G3 is a better highway car that the G2, and if you're capable of doing your own maintenance then the G3 will be the better car in the long run for you.
By the time it becomes an issue for you, the traction battery replacement will be <$1,000 for the G3 and it's a DIY item for many people with more than $100 worth of tools in their garage.

Since opinions vary, Drive both types.
You're going to be spending a lot of time in the car!

I'd also try to find a Madza 3 that some kid hasn't already tried to pimp out.
I think that I heard whispering in the pine trees that they're re-jiggering the rules on the HOV lanes in your area......like actually making them HOV lanes....so you'll want to pin that down if that's influencing your decision.

I've got nearly 140,000 miles in a work car that's a G3, and they're good beaters....if you can swing wrenches, and they would still be on my short list for a commuter car.......but there are facets of Prius ownership that should be......ah.....(*) fully explored before you plunk down $10k and adopt one.

Good Luck!

Let us know how it shakes out.

 

I know people want the advice and opinion, but so often it just is impossible to determine a clear "better" deal with the information given over the internet about "similar" mileage and priced vehicles.

All the advice about getting as much information as possible, and having it checked out at thoroughly as possible is by default...good.

But also if I was considering those 3 vehicles, and really wanted to come to decision, looking at, and test driving would be imperative.
2 of them appear to be at the same dealership, so a test drive and hands on look would be a 2 for 1 trip experience.

There are a lot of factors, but some not particularly quantifiable. Sometimes with older vehicles, with similar mileage history, you can get a good gut feel, from just looking at them and driving them.
How worn is the interior? How "tight" does it feel? In general does it have the look and feel of a vehicle that has been well maintained or the tired look and feel of a vehicle that hasn't been? Even a great detailing job, can't entirely hide wear from a vehicle that hasn't been maintained well.

Sometimes once you actually see the vehicle in person, the decision can become a lot clearer. It can be as subtle as creaks, rattles, and/or just an unkept look.
But if you're asking which of those 3 is the best deal?
I certainly can't tell just from those ad's.
Good Luck.

 

Think it's already posted above, and if so moderators please delete, but I'll paste the content of initial post attachment:


http://www.rapidchevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/used-2009-Toyota-Prius-5dr_HB_(Natl)-Rapid_City-SD/3096145303

Rapid Chevrolet Cadillac in Rapid City | Chevrolet Vehicles

2011 Toyota Prius base model - cars &amp; trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

Edit: yeah last one at least appears to be the same.

 

Personally, I'd go for a well maintained Gen-2. My problem with both of the Gen-2s above is that you're paying a premium for the ultra low miles (given the year). To me that's not a positive selling point.

 

Good luck with the Maryland / DC commute. It's horrific most days, then it snows/rains and it gets worse. Sometimes 15 miles takes two hours. You are going to be hating life.

Odd that your location is Maryland but are looking at used cars in South Dakota.......

 

Listen, I’ve read this thread.... get the Prius you love. From 05 to 09 I’ve got 440,000 on mine now and I’ll have 500,000 on it in 6 months, I’ve replaced the battery twice and the engine and transmission once at 398,000 I did it in my garage and it was easy compared to the 72Jaguar/ V8 Chevrolet conversion, The 2002 BMW Rebuild, The 72 Lincoln Cougar 411 V8 rebuild the Sunbeam Alpine, The VW Buss. This car is an engineering marvel and if you commit to it you will save thousands of $$$


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