2010 Prius brake booster? issue and replacing to a newer Prius

I hadn't checked this site for a while and here I am, my previous thread is here if anyone interested:
Should I repair my 2014 Prius or let it go? | PriusChat

I feel very dumb, so after buying an used 2010 Prius III for a very good deal back in Nov 2019, I think it was within 2 months or even sooner, I noticed that infamous(?) noise/feel from the brake pedal occasionally when I step on it. Then in Feb 2020 I took it to a shop for oil/tire change (wasn't a hybrid specializing place) I was advised this repair was something called "Brake booster hydraulic system" and it would cost me about $1500. Was told not urgent, so I kept driving it and didn't care much since pandemic hit and I was working from home a lot. Then in Dec 2020 I did another oil/filter change at a different shop, casually asked for their opinion about the problem. The guy said the same thing, and told me it would be fine as long as I drive gently. No warning lights are on ever so far.
I did my own research and found out about the warranty thing online but my VIN didn't qualify and it was expired anyway. I wish I had fully inspected this car before the purchase back in Nov 2019...
Since the noise/feel on the brake seemed getting worse, I went to a shop that specialized hybrid cars, especially Prius, last weekend. The guy there was super knowledgeable, already knew everything about the issue without even looking at my car. He said, while no lights are on, take it to Carmax and they would give you a pretty good cash offer, just take it, and get a newer car (if it's Prius, get anything beyond 2015) because the parts only would cost $2k~, and sooner or later this 2010 Prius would have other issues. Mine is at 113K miles currently. He offered to scan codes for free, no error codes. He then reassured it was a better idea to just sell it now.
I did a Carmax online quote choosing "no mechanical issue" because there's no error code, it gave me $6,500 cash offer. Shift gave me $7,200 but they can't come to my home. Either way I'm sure once I take it to the appraisal they will test drive it and feel/hear the noise and reduce the offer amount...or not?
After just 1 year and 5 months, I can't believe I'm dealing with this kind of trouble. My love for Prius is slowly fading away but nothing beats the gas mileage, even with this issue mine still gives me 52mpg average...living in LA an efficient car is a must (but not ready to go electric). So I think I will be getting another Prius. (but for sure with pre-purchase inspection. Not thinking a brand new because of insurance cost)

I guess I wanted to just vent..but also wanted to see if getting rid of it now was really a right way to go. Any advice I would appreciate!

 

Thank you, I found this 2017 Prius Two with very low miles on it for about $16K which is a really good deal and I'm planning to take it to a pre-purchase inspection tomorrow. It is a lot of cash out (I won't be financing it) but I'll keep it for the next maybe 10 years with good maintenance hopefully. Clean title, test drive was amazing. I will still make sure with a pre-purchase inspection so I won't make the same mistake!

Carvana online quote was only $5,155 (probably worse once someone looks at it). I think I will take it to Carmax. We'll see how the actual offer will be different compared to the online one.

 

Glad that I took it to the pre-purchase inspection! No wonder why it was so affordable, 2017 Prius Two for $16K had so many issues like weak battery power and repaint jobs and the guy at the shop said he wouldn't buy it. Took it back to the dealership and roughly explained what we found and the dealership owner was like yeah we did have to jump-start the battery before,,,but initially they printed out the Experian history report showing everything clear! I'm so glad I was able to walk away. Now starting over the search for a replacement car but it's so hard, Carmax gave me $6500 offer in-person but that's not the final offer until I'm ready to redeem it, and they will for sure test drive it before finalizing the sale, so I'm sure they will adjust the price.. but the inspection guy was telling me Carmax may stick to the offer price since there's no error code so far. Anyways unless I find a good replacement I can't sell it yet and I have to be still super nervous driving this like when am I going to have a serious problem or all of a sudden the brake won't work or anything like that.