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Need advice: New Owner: Used car 2011 Prius 4

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Sam1231, Sep 21, 2021.

  1. Sam1231

    Sam1231 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2021
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I am going to get used Prius 4, 2011 model which already has 151000 miles on it. Need your advice

    Do you think its still good to have it?
    What are the basics things I have to do to maintain it in good shape?
    Can I drive to 300 miles in a day from NYC-Boston which I have never driven before on that car as buying used?

    Also, how do I know what are upcoming expenditure or what should I change in next 1000-5000K. Dealer changed the engine oil.
     
  2. Mdv55

    Mdv55 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2018
    246
    180
    0
    Location:
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    If it's been maintained, you can pound miles on it all day long, every day. Just constantly check the oil level!

    Personally, I'd want to make sure these have been done:

    1. Spark plugs.
    2. Engine and Inverter Coolant
    3. Transmission Fluid
    4. Full EGR and Intake Manifold cleaning.

    Keep fresh fluids in it, keep the brake caliper pins lubed and replace stuff as it breaks. My 2011 has been used heavily by me as a rideshare since I got it 2 years ago with 42k on it. It now has 147k and the only repairs I've done are two wheel bearings and cleaned an ABS sensor.

    I like 0W-30 for sustained use instead of 0W-20. Mine doesn't burn any oil over 15k mile oil change intervals and my mpg vs 0W-20 is lost in the noise.
     
    dig4dirt likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,473
    38,103
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    With 151K, get on this asap. More info in my signature.
     
    dig4dirt likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    head gasket
    brake actuator
    hybrid battery
    $10,000.
    i would pass and look for a corolla or somesuch
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,473
    4,373
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Listen to Bisco. Lots of high dollar expenses coming your way on that car unless the previous owner did twice the recommended oil changes and things like $800 egr system cleanings the factory does not recommend. Highly unlikely.
     
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,103
    4,032
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    :eek:

    Saving gas cost a lot of money.
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,103
    4,032
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    No test drive no buy.