I am about to buy a Gen 3 Prius now in these last few days of 2025, but probably Jan 2026 due to holiday timing. My requirements are odd but real. Budget $8.000 USD (in US market) 160k miles or less (=nearly 0% chance of head gasket or oil consumption in next 50k miles) Toyota but not Lexus Hatchback/wagon Automatic climate control Backup camera IIHS rating is GOOD for both side/front. As of December 2025, that means Gen 2 or Gen 3 Prius. Venza and Prius V fit my requirements but clean listings are outside my budget. So: 1. Should I avoid white exterior because of the paint peeling problem? I actually would prefer white but not if it peels off. 2. Should I only buy 2014+ with VINs after revised piston and piston rings? 3. Should I just get a Gen 2 instead? Back in 2015, I bought a 2012 Prius V and it has been amazing so far. I had not known anything about Gen 3 head gasket or piston ring problems at the time. I am only at 94k miles today, so I don't have death knock or oil consumption problems yet. I can DIY oil changes, coolant drain/fill, EGR and intake manifold cleaning, spark plugs, etc. I am also okay with replacing the Hybrid battery some day, hopefully after 2030 but earlier if necessary. The money to buy a new battery is in a separate budget.
