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buying (high?) mileage Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Yzvessel1, Nov 14, 2021.

  1. Yzvessel1

    Yzvessel1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2020
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    Yea this one has 70k miles. Ran the vin and turns out it’s a 2010 not 2011 don’t think that matters much.

    still going to have mechanic check it out to be safe.
     
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  2. PTS

    PTS Junior Member

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    Location:
    Austin, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Interesting input
     
  3. Hi_prius3

    Hi_prius3 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Honolulu,HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I liked it. It mainly highlights good common sense and checking the maintenance history.
     
  4. Yzvessel1

    Yzvessel1 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    Thanks everyone for all the help.
    The update so far is I didn’t go with the 2010.

    I’m currently waiting to hear back about a camry hybrid and recently found a 2015 Prius with 80k miles in budget.

    For my sanity can I get a confirmation that in theory 2015 shouldn’t have many issues like earlier Gen 3.

    thanks!
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    A 2015 has the improved rings and pistons along with five years newer than a 2010. The video above by the Toyota MasterTech suggests its a good compromise over a 2010-14 when a reengineered 2016 is not available. Note he has comments about early Camry hybrids as well.
     
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Partway through model year 2014 is when the piston ring rev happened. See attachment for VIN’s.
     

    Attached Files:

    Yzvessel1 likes this.
  7. 1Utila

    1Utila New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2021
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    Location:
    Southport, NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    II
    My first post! I have a 2013 Prius with 218,047 miles on it and it runs great with no mechanical issues. I bought it new and have always taken it to the dealer for regular service.
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Have you looked into EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) circuit cleaning, including the intake manifold? Toyota issued a Warranty Extension a few years back, but Toyota's attitude seems to be to wait until there's an appropriate code, or pronounced misfire symptoms. And then start replacing parts.

    My 2 cents, EGR cleaning should be done preemptively, by 100K miles (at the latest(, and then every 50K miles (at the latest) thereafter. Further, that waiting for codes or symptoms, you're basically waiting for head gasket failure, brought on by the clogged EGR.

    Here's one (of many) threads on the subject:

    Toyota USA Refuses to Honor Extension of Warranty Coverage for Sticking EGR | PriusChat

    Many, myself included, are installing oil catch cans (aka air/oil separators), patched into the hose between PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve and intake manifold.

    See the first link in my signature, for more info/links.
     
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  9. want2know

    want2know Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2020
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    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 2005 which had 285K miles on it when I purchased. I have never considered a car with that many miles. However, I didn't have a lot to spend, did some research and talked with a hybrid shop that services Prius over 400K miles running strong, saw that the owner had receipts for fairly (about a yr) new 12v and hybrid batteries. Given the reasonable price (pre pandemic), I decided to go for it. The car has been great, and smooth driving! Ive been consistent with oil changes and just had one maintenance thing yesterday. I figure even a few years of use was worth it given the reasonable price.
    Bottom line, you can get a better price with higher mileage typically and it could be worth it.
     
  10. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    2012 Prius v wagon
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    I would buy a 2005 with 285k before I bought a 2010 gen3 with the same miles. Especially if it had a recent new hv battery. New as in really new, not rebuilt, reconditioned, repainted, Dorman or straightout honest used.