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Greetings from a (hopeful) future Prius owner. Also help needed!

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Faust, Nov 30, 2021.

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  1. Faust

    Faust New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2021
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    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    Hello everyone! I have been looking for a used Prius for awhile now and I have recently stumbled upon a 2012 Prius C with 220k miles on it. The vehicle looks fine for the most part and drives wonderfully from what we had in test drive. There was a maintenance required warning but the dealer is looking into this as he believes it's an oil change that's needed (plus I want to get my hands on an OBD2 to see what pops up if it isn't resolved). That said however one issue that has me somewhat concerned is that the engine shows signs of rusting but I am not sure if this is something that I should be worried about. I hear some say that this is more cosmetic and can be replaced cheaply and I hope that's the case but I don't like to assume anything.

    The car itself has no accident record, has a maintenance record and had one owner which was located most of the time in Maryland (a few states away from me). It's a reasonable price for the year (sub-6k) and I want to consider it but only if it's something that isn't going to make me regret the purchase If it ends up being a larger problem that is on borrowed time.

    Also as for certified technicians, there really isn't many out this way. It's a matter of trying to figure things out from the knowledge I have amassed over time on these cars and in general the opinion on what I should do next.

    Also here is a picture of the engine.

    Thank you in advance! 1731-JTDKDTB38C1021876-11~2.jpg
     
    Caesar753 likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i don't know what to say about the rust, seems like a lot on the right side there, but i can't say if it's harmful.
    one owner, no accidents and service records is a good sign, as long as you're aware that any car with 220k on it can offer many expensive surprises, a prius more than most.

    all the best!(y)
     
    NJ2018PRIUSC likes this.
  3. Caesar753

    Caesar753 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2021
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    Location:
    Quincy, MA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Everything I'm seeing is just surface rust. My 2015 C with 70K miles looks exactly the same under the hood. I attribute it to New England winters. My car came from New Hampshire (I'm in Massachusetts). My car had one owner and was always dealer serviced, and otherwise looks and runs great. I wouldn't worry about it.
     
    bisco likes this.
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Winter road salt is a beast!!! You have to clean your car so often to avoid it... Or simply live out west where it's not an issue.
     
  5. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2013
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    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    under 6k is an initially inexpensive way to start a hybrid journey. I went to kbb.com and look at 2012 c 's and asking price looks very dependent on odometer mileage. There were 2 2012 c with over 200k and both were asking 6k and change. Some with low mileage were way up there $.
    My advice ?? buyer beware and cover as many bases as possible pre sale to reduce surprises later. see bisco post above,
     
    bisco likes this.
  6. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    That rust looks bad, but somewhat common in the local.
    I use Fluid Film on all bare metal parts, and re-apply when needed...My engines do not look like that.
    I also hand wash and wax, and clean and shine up engine bay so they always look brand new.

    I would have a good looksee over the brakes and even exhaust system.

    note that the hybrid battery is out of warranty, so that would be an out of pocket cost if and when that happens to go.

    Otherwise, it is a Toyota! at a decent price
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    and suspension parts^
     
    dig4dirt likes this.