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[Advice] Should i buy this? 2015 Prius, 150k miles

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by kenlav, Sep 11, 2023.

  1. kenlav

    kenlav New Member

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    I found this prius that supposedly just had its hybrid battery changed. Its a 2015 base prius, with 150k miles. Selling for 7.5k looks decent cosmetically on the outside. it belonged to a family with several kids. they said they just switched the battery and bought a new car, but then why sell the battery, and why not trade it in? so many questions.. makes me wonder if they changed the battery, but it didnt solve the problem and now they just wanna get rid of it.. anyway its my first used car, and im just trying to get as much info as i can before i physically go take a look. I will get a pre-purchase inspection, but anything i can look for or ask BEFORE i pay 200 for that?



    Assuming they really just wanted a new car and everything else is fine, Is it a good deal? how many miles do you think it will last? and what maintenance should i be prepared for down the line if nothing catastrophic happens? of course i know i cant count on anything but just asking about maintenance, routine services at 160k? 180k? 200k?



    thank you for any advice.



    edit: also, ive heard prius batteries last for like 200k miles or more... especially the newer generations. why did this one not last as long? is it a red flag? thanks.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If this car is in California, the battery has a 10 year, 150k miles warranty. So your question really should be if this battery was replaced by Toyota under warranty
     
  3. kenlav

    kenlav New Member

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    this is in California, does that mean it was probably just replaced through warranty? If it was, and they have the paperwork to show it, should i be worried about anything else? is it likely they just wanted a new car to drive around and are selling the old one?
     
    bisco likes this.
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You should confirm with them on the battery, some people don’t even know they have a warranty and they go out and buy a used battery and call it “I just put in a new battery”
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if it has a new oem battery, the only other areas of concern are the head gasket, brake actuator and inverter.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Any 3rd gen with 150k, for sale, I’d be worried about head gasket failure. If the intake manifold and EGR components have not been cleaned, that’s just about the miles they blow at. It may also have head gasket sealant (added to the coolant), to temporarily seal the head gasket, and mess up everything the coolant flows through.

    this is not for certain, but with cars for sale of that vintage there’s a good chance.
     
  7. kenlav

    kenlav New Member

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    Im definitely going to get a pre-purchase inspection for the vehicle, even if this isnt the exact car i choose. Are the things you mentioned all routine for the inspection? will the mechanic be able to check and see if the head gasket, intake manifold and etc are all in good/decent condition, or is it something thats a gamble even after inspection? I have a very trustworthy mechanic, but How reliable is an inspection? Is it still a gamble after inspection? Will the car be able to last.. for.. lets say 50k miles (from 150k to 200k)? Of course, once its in my possession, ill be doing routine maintenance.
     
    #7 kenlav, Sep 11, 2023
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2023
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    It’s tough to check if they’ve put in a stop leak product to mask a failing head gasket. Not sure if a typical mechanical inspection would help, if the symptoms are temporarily masked.

    To be candid, I’d avoid it. Could be ok, but it’s a crapshoot, that gen, those miles, and “reasonable” price; all say run.

    which is sad. And Toyota doesn’t want to know about it.
     
  9. kenlav

    kenlav New Member

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    thanks so much for your advice.

    I know this one is probably going to be another one to avoid.. but its in my budget and what i need. Id like your opinion please.

    im 2008 prius with 134k miles. Salvage title. But its only $3,700.

    He "said" runs fine, hes only had it for 2 years and hasnt done any major maintenance. and after searching it, there are 2 collision reports. Also, the license plates for California are super new for a 2008 car.. starts with an 8.
    Date of loss
    2018-02-14
    Cause of loss
    Collision
    Date of loss
    2017-11-13
    Cause of loss
    Collision

    please and thank you for your thoughts!
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    are you an excellent shade tree mechanic with all the tools and electronics knowledge?

    is there a reason you want a hybrid vs a regular gasser?
     
  11. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Batteries wear based on age and miles. If it has a new Toyota battery with warranty, that concern is mitigated. Otherwise a used battery will be unreliable for you.

    In all likelihood, the owner knows an old gen3 hybrid can be very costly to repair. Brake booster, head gasket, excessive oil consumption and or complete engine replacement . Which is why they are selling it. Probably for many thousand more than a dealer would offer as a trade-in

    Most mechanics and even Toyota can’t judge a $2500 brake booster or a $2500-$8000 head gasket before it happens. Both are high risk on a gen3 Prius.

    A 2008 gen2 Prius is an old car and also has hybrid battery aging and brake booster issues. Sometimes excessive oil consumption as well.
     
    #11 rjparker, Sep 12, 2023
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2023