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Is 220,000 miles a lot? Looking to buy a 3G?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Michael Crestohl, Aug 9, 2022.

  1. Michael Crestohl

    Michael Crestohl Junior Member

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    I am considering a 2011 that appears to be in nice condition with new tires, new Green Tech traction batt, etc. Unfortunately it has 220K (miles) on the clock. Being. “Old School” I consider this to be a lot of miles and I am wondering if it is excessive.

    TIA for the wisdom. Michael
     
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  2. burebista

    burebista Active Member

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    If it's new not remanufactured it's OK I guess.
    But you still have some unknows: inverter, brake assembly and EGR circuit.
    Mine is 200k miles (bought it second hand) and it's alive and kicking without problems (knock on the wood :)).
     
    #2 burebista, Aug 9, 2022
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2022
  3. ttou68

    ttou68 Active Member

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    It's a decent buy as long it is maintained well, and priced reasonable...


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    What would you buy in place of it within reason? That's usually what I ask people is 200,000 mi Toyota dead No $200,000 mi Toyota right engines and all are just broke in well seriously most of the good Toyota's that I've owned over the 40 years went 400k some of them with absolute horrid maintenance schedules too would make you cringe if you heard the maintenance scheduled of my TE27 in 74.. t e 72 in 82 etc Gen 3's are plentiful enough and enough silly people that don't know what's happening put them down quite early because of well usually ignorance. So part should be plentiful used new whatever you should be able to take that Car 450k. With minimal work . Show me something you'll do that easier in I don't think so.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    220k is a lot for a third gen. Green tech battery is almost certainly a refurb. Could be runaway oil consumption by those miles due the low-friction piston rings (2010 to partway through 2014).

    Then there’s EGR carbon clogging and associated head gasket failure. If the the car was “religiously maintained at dealership”, that’s more’n likely neglected.

    what’s the price?
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    run, don't walk
     
  7. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    As long as you can do the maintenance like EGR cleaning, manifold, PCV, spark plugs, atf fluids, coolants, brakes, everything. Go for it.
     
  8. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    To add to what nicoj36 said

    -Head gasket
    Engine
    Brake accumulator

    with that being said most GEN three have had a head gasket by 200,000 miles or are about to.
    Sometimes they go longer but not often.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Those with EGR cleaning neglected. Sadly the majority.
     
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  10. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Being “new school” the engine has just broken in.
     
  11. KamiKKazi

    KamiKKazi Member

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    I would be wondering why they are selling it if it has a new battery because the battery is a big expense. I would think most people who replace the battery intend to keep the car.

    Keep in mind at 220k all of the original suspension: struts, shocks, end links, ball joints, steering (tie rods) and wheel bearings are likely worn out and need replaced if they have not been already.
     
    #11 KamiKKazi, Aug 9, 2022
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2022
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  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    220k is a lot of miles, even for a regular gas engine car. For hybrids, there will be even more parts to worry about when you get to that mileage and age.

    Many will buy a car like this for $5000 then put another $5000 in it later.
     
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  13. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    It is too easy to hide a head gasket/engine problem with temporary and ultimately more harmful sealer. I would only chance it for $5,000 like JC above suggests and be prepared to spend another $5,000 to $10,000 during your ownership. I certainly would not take on payments for more than two years.
     
  14. Agracer03

    Agracer03 New Member

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    If you want just my option, I have 1st hand knowledge of the poor motor design on the 2010. We bought one for 6k with 165k miles. Only lasted until 208k rings and head gasket went. Keep putting oil in it to just keep the bandaid on the oil leak with the ring issues, until head gasket went. I will say this we got the motor swapped in it from a jdm motor shipped to our house for only 1350. then another 1k for labor from a local mechanic. Hoping to get another 150k out of the car, motor that was swapped only had 33k on it.
     
  15. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Did you clean the EGR at all?
     
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  16. Agracer03

    Agracer03 New Member

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    I did not. I just found this forum and found out about all this stuff. We just replaced the motor the a low mule jdm one
     
  17. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    I sold the 2010 with orange peel paint lots of body filler and 275,000 mi for three grand before the price of cars shot through the roof. You just got repairs to do as you go so you can get 400,000 out of the car that's all. Don't think it's going to be trouble-free miles so you don't have a complete disappointment on your hands
     
  18. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    You should never take on a loan for any car ever for any amount of time. You get hammered on the interest and then you have to get full coverage
     
  19. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Check out this thread about your "Green Tech" battery. Read from beginning to end.

    Check Hybrid System - No sub codes | PriusChat
     
    #19 rjparker, Aug 10, 2022
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2022
  20. abdullah arslan

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    if you re gonna embrace diligent maintenance on it, why not for a good deal? You may learn all the tricks in this forum.
    I paid $3600 for 2010 one 3.5 years ago and getting 50 mpg on it, @ 259k now
     
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