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Looking at a Prius Plug In (Advanced?)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by prius8654, Feb 22, 2021.

  1. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    I am looking into buying a third generation Prius.

    I saw a plug-in model available, and it is listed as an Advanced. I noted the VIN and called a dealer, they were unsure of how to check if it was in Advanced trim level or not.

    How can I verify?

    A few side notes:
    1) I have replaced the traction battery in a second generation Prius and I found it to be pretty easy, I do have some reservations regarding the Prius plugin battery replacement versus sticking with the classic 3rd gen of which there are a numerous quality tutorials and I'm sure the traction battery (part price) is much less expensive to replace, considering the majority of third gens sold were just the standard model not the plugin model.

    2) anybody know a place to get reasonably priced Carfaxes or free Carfaxes? I'm looking at several models obviously, considering I'm shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, trying to avoid dealers mostly so is not to pay silly fees like a doc fee. I thought there used to be a subscription model where you could pay like 40 bucks and get 10 to 20 Carfaxes for the month..

    3) Is there a lookup tool for options, by plugging in the VIN available somewhere online.. I checked Toyota's website but couldn't find anything. That way I don't have to call the dealer with each car just to find out if a car has certain options if the seller wasn't perhaps detailed enough in the posting.

    Last time I bought a used Prius, mostly everyone was using craigslist, it seems like lots have moved to Facebook marketplace, I guess I'll have to check that place out also. There weren't many on craigslist (private party).


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 prius8654, Feb 22, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2021
  2. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    The term "Advanced" is nomenclature that belongs to the Prius Prime. There was an Advanced Technology option on Trim V (five) of the 3rd Gen Prius, that included some of the features found on the Gen 4 Prius with Toyota Safety Sense (Lane Keep Assist and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, for example). For greater clarity, check the following thread:

    Advanced Technology Package confusion | PriusChat

    It's easy to see if a car you are considering has the Advanced Technology option. There will be a button for LKA and one for DRCC on the lower right section of the steering wheel. It would have to be a Trim V, which would also mean it has factory fog lamps under the Daytime Running Lights. Often salespeople will burnish their advertising with claims of options that are unsubstantiated to get a better price for the cars they are selling. It's up to those of us who are more familiar with the actual models to hold their feet to the fire.

    I have not used Carfax lately, so I don't know if they've changed their business model.
     
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  3. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Easy peasy, look on the opposite side of car of the gas flip door. You will see what appears to look like another gas door but it’s an electrical outlet.
     
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It depends on the year. Initially, the PiP was offered in base and Advanced trim levels for 2012.

    The 2013 MY saw the Advanced trim level decontented for a lower starting price. Then a "Technology Package" added all the features back. Basically, Toyota wanted a middle trim level to shrink the gap between the base and the top model.

    If it's a 2012 model, it has this:

    • LED headlamps (low beams) with headlight washers
    • Automatic headlights
    • Integrated halogen foglamps
    • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Note that LKA was not available on the PiP)
    • Pre-Collision System
    • SofTex-trimmed seats
    • Heated front seats
    • 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support adjustment
    • Premium HDD navigation with 7" LCD screen (base models have a 6.1" Display Audio unit with no nav)
    • JBL GreenEdge Audio
    • Safety Connect
    • Head-Up Display

    For 2013-2015

    The Technology Package adds
    • LED headlights, headlight washers, foglights, DRCC, PCS
    So the Advanced for 2013-2015 has all of the stuff I listed in the 2012 list except for the items in the Technology Package.


    In short, if it has power driver's seat and SofTex, it's an Advanced trim. Base models have cloth and a 6-way manual driver's seat.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what year, how many miles, how much? pip batteries are holding up extremely well, but diy replacement may be a feat.
    you probably don't have to woryy for a few hundred thousand miles. make sure it has a charging cable (evse) and be prepared to plug it in and wait a couple hours if it is a dealer. most don't know how.

    then take it for an easy spin and see how far you go before the engine fires up. if you live in a cold climate, this can be prolematic
     
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  7. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    These responses are very helpful, thanks.

    The car is a 2013, 69K miles. And from Tideland's post I now know that it is definitely not an Advanced, and it does not have the Tech package. I think I will pass on this car.

    Any thoughts on points number 2 and 3 in my OP? Thanks
     
  8. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Thanks. Does this allow me to see a full vehicle options list or only allow me to see service records? The options list is what I'm most interested in.

    Ok, if I use this tool to check each prospective car's VIN, then does that mean that in order to see service history (and even then, it will show only what has been done at a dealer) I have to add each prospective car's VIN to my Toyota Owner Account even though the car is not yet mine? I will be looking at over 10 Priuses and not sure if the site will allow me to add and remove cars just to check the service history...?
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would start by making sure the car is everything you want, then plug in the vin. shouldn't be that many decent pips available.
     
  10. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    I'm going to pass on this PIP and go with a standard Prius 3rd gen, or possibly a first gen Lexus ES300h
     
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds like a plan. be careful of the head gasket failures
     
  12. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    I assume you're talking about the head gasket failures on the third gen Prius and not the first gen ES hybrid.

    Any tips that you recommend in terms of avoiding the head gasket issue as I continue my search for a pre-owned Gen 3 (certain years to avoid, mileage above which you don't recommend, etc)?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Sorry, see above I didn't do something with the quote button correctly on the app

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can find a lot of info searching here if you are so inclined.

    yes, the 3rd gen prius, i would avoid 2010 - 2013. 14 got new pistons, and 15 got new rings.

    the egr circuit gets clogged and creates back pressure. 100k seems to be the boiling point, but no one knows why, and some never have any problem.

    keeping the egr circuit clean and adding an oil catch can is advised, but the long term jury is still out.