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Gen 3 Buying Advice.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by piefa0, Dec 31, 2023.

  1. piefa0

    piefa0 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I am a satisfied 2006 Prius owner (141K miles and no issues with the engine or HV battery). Unfortunately, my car was rear-ended (non-consensually) earlier this week and I am in the market for another Prius. My preference would be to go with a Gen 3 or V for the utility (cargo space) and economy. I have seen concerning reliability reports on the Gen 3 that have me worried.

    Can anyone guide me on what to look out for? Would the 2015 model year be a safer option to purchase?

    Appreciate any wisdom/guidance this board can provide.
     
    #1 piefa0, Dec 31, 2023
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    2015 for sure has the updated (higher "tension") piston riings. Which I suppose shows up as a Fuelly rating dropped ever so slightly: 0.2 mpg. Earlier year owners paid dearly for that 0.2 mpg feather in Toyota's cap.

    The change actually came partway through model year 2014. This TSB shows the VIN change point:



    With an earlier 3rd gen, with the low-tension piston rings, a short block replacement may be needed down the road. In particular if previous owner stuck with 10K oil changes.

    For head gasket integrity, I would stick to gen 3 with less than 100k miles. And be prepared to clean the EGR and intake manifold ASAP by that mileage. See first two links in my signature for tips and info. On a phone turn it landscape to see signature.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Dec 31, 2023
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It really depends on the previous owners maintenance on how great of a car you’ll end up buying. I just bought a 2012 with 210k miles from a forum member that’s meticulous with his maintenance. Has done everything necessary and recommended. Even at 210k miles, I paid $5000 for the car. I feel that’s high for the mileage but the brake booster replacement was completed and EGR cleaning was just done. So you can still find decent examples, maintenance records being really important
     
    #3 JC91006, Dec 31, 2023
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I look forward to reading your posts and everything with the Gen 3.
     
    #4 Tombukt2, Dec 31, 2023
  5. piefa0

    piefa0 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2010
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two

    Thank You! - Would the same precaution also apply to the V model? I believe they are the same engine. Should I expect same risk with a V up to 2014 and assume the 2015-2017 models addressed the reliability issues?
     
    #5 piefa0, Jan 1, 2024
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    The Prius v VIN at which the piston ring change happened is in that attachment as well.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jan 1, 2024
    bisco likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, the v got the updated rings, but you still have the waterpump hot spot problem i think, and of course the brake actuater and clogging egr circuit
     
    #7 bisco, Jan 1, 2024
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    #8 bisco, Jan 1, 2024
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Sceptical…
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Jan 1, 2024
  10. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I wouldn't assume anything with the new Toyoda. It looks like they're going the way of many of the auto manufacturers just put it out there see what happens sell sell sell Not the Toyota I grew up with but everything is a changing I couldn't assume the ZZ is fixed in 2015 or 16 May just take longer to happen. Plus most people are dumping these things at 100,000 they can't stay in the car that long anymore so this doesn't affect most people only the diehard Toyota drivers and they'll know better
     
    #10 Tombukt2, Jan 1, 2024
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