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Buying advice: 2010 w/ 30k miles vs 2011 w/ 88k miles

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Prius_Buyer, Nov 10, 2021.

  1. Prius_Buyer

    Prius_Buyer New Member

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    Hi all,

    Interested in advice from the Prius hive mind here: I am looking to buy a used Prius and have narrowed it down to:
    • 2010 Prius II (30k miles) (one owner; cost: ~15k USD)
    • 2011 Prius Three (88k miles) - (two owners; cost: ~14k USD)
    Would be interested in any thoughts on older Prius with low vs high miles - things to be aware of in the 2010 or 2011 models - and what you would go with/recommend.

    Thanks!
     
  2. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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  3. burrito

    burrito Active Member

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    Use the VINs to look up each car on the Toyota Owner's website to see the service history. The car I bought had a falsified odometer reading.

    Personally, I would prefer lower miles, but find out what the difference are in the trim levels.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Test drive and have a good look over, for both.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    all else being equal, i would buy the 10. but all else is a pretty big scenario.

    also, keep in mind all the weak points of gen 3 prius, and be prepared. at least the 10 gives you some breathing room.

    otoh, an 11 year old battery with only 30k might be an issue, hard to say.
     
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I would research the gen3 problems such as bad rings, inverters, brake boosters, clogged egrs, blown head gaskets and then the relatively cheap issues like the hybrid battery. Then I would buy a nice Civic to get you through this unbelievable price inflation on what should be $8k cars.
     
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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  8. nancytheprius

    nancytheprius Active Member

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    Did you purchase one?
     
  9. abdullah arslan

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    even if 30k miles, I d not pay a 2010 car more than 10k. I think there should be a balance between mileage and year. 30k doesn't mean good to me. If a car is not regularly used, and if this is a Prius, not a good sign. I'd rather spend 4-5k for a regularly used and clearly maintained 2010-11 Prius. If smt happens like EGR failure, head gasket, not a too much loss compared to 14-15k.