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2012-2015 Prius V Oil Burning Issue

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by BonelessChips, Apr 30, 2020.

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  1. BonelessChips

    BonelessChips New Member

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    Hey all, I'm looking to purchase my first hybrid vehicle and am eyeing Prius v (the van) for it's increased capacity. However, I've been hearing horror stories of 2010 Prius burning oil and some early Prius v seem to not be updated to resolve the issue. Am I getting the correct information here?
    Also, I'm deciding between a 2012 with 64000 miles for $14000 (trade-in at a local dealer) and 2014 with 130000 miles for $9000 (private seller). Any advice on which one should I pick would be greatly appreciated as well.
     
    #1 BonelessChips, Apr 30, 2020
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Yes it is true, a lot of Gen3 Prius engines will burn oil, usually getting bad around 150-175k miles. So I would buy the lower mileage car and only if you will drive it less than 150k miles total. We call them "wagons" instead of vans and overall they are good cars. A 2016 or 2017 would be a better bet as some engine parts changes were made to improve the situation. But the 2017s are rare as they were made in low volumes because the older generation Rav4's were stealing their thunder.

    Many are now going with the 2019-2020 Rav4 hybrids for almost identical mpg, more standard safety features and more horsepower. If you are getting a loan, the new car rates are way down which might help compared to used car rates. I would think a better deal than $14,000 for a low mile v might be out there with the current economic slump and low gas prices.
     
    #2 rjparker, Apr 30, 2020
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you can afford the 12, the lower miles are better. either way, read up on the egr and head gasket in the gen 3 forum.
     
    #3 bisco, Apr 30, 2020
  4. BonelessChips

    BonelessChips New Member

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    I agree, $14000 is a pretty bad deal but I want to avoid blowing the engine during my ownership as well. Thanks for the info on Rav4 Hybrids, they seem to be sitting at around $20000 and up but I'd much prefer a car that will last longer. Since you've mentioned it, did Toyota resolve the oil issue on Rav4 hybrids ?
     
    #4 BonelessChips, Apr 30, 2020
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    You want the new gen Rav4 Hybrids starting in 2019. The mpg and technology of the older Ravs was not as good.
     
    #5 rjparker, Apr 30, 2020
  6. djasonw

    djasonw Active Member

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    About a year and a half ago I bought a 2013 V with 82k. I drive a lot and now have 124k. I change the oil every 5k with synthetic and I do not burn any oil. I also had the EGR cleaned. My car was very well maintained by the previous owner. I have no idea whether additional miles will result in oil burning eventually. All I can say is try and find a well maintained vehicle. This is my third Prius and they are extremely reliable.
     
    #6 djasonw, May 1, 2020
    BonelessChips likes this.
  7. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    NO.......................... $14,000 way to high.... great car till 150,000 + how long do you want to keep one...
    very expensive and hard to work on. And you might get a Oil Burner.
     
    #7 Tim Jones, May 3, 2020
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  8. BonelessChips

    BonelessChips New Member

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    Hey all, I decided to wait and see if any better deals pop up for a prius v. I did not purchase either of these vehicles since I wasn't in a rush. I did end up stumbling upon a 2012 Prius v five with 64000 miles for $8500. It's got a lot of paint damage but I don't really care about those. I created a new thread to regarding that vehicle. Thanks again for the help, it's been very helpful!
     
    #8 BonelessChips, May 9, 2020
  9. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Good. Don't look for a Gen 3 Prius..... to many $$$ things to go wrong if you want to keep it a long time. Not a junk car but no where as easy as ECE in cost and difficulty to repair.
    Car not worth it when gas prices are so low.
     
    #9 Tim Jones, May 9, 2020
    Last edited: May 9, 2020
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