Buying a used 150k mile Gen3 Prius in 2026

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by gafortiby, Dec 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM.

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  1. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I had a gen1 HCH. Didn't care for the CVT, much improved on the gen2. Got the traction battery replaced around 70K miles under warranty, sold it and switched to Toyota.
    Honda knows how to make engines, but their HCH was a fiasco. They finally got it dialed in, moving the electric motor out of the torque converter position and into the transmission like Toyota. IMHO...
     
    #21 BiomedO1, Dec 24, 2025 at 10:02 PM
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  2. indel

    indel Member

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    Do you know if they used Toyota patents for MG1/2 or they have their own separate tech?
     
    #22 indel, Dec 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I have a 2002 1zz Corolla w 535zk miles in great shape I'm are doing engine now rings rods mains etc new head . Original transmission and alternator still working perfect.. 3 row desert cooler aluminum radiator . All this stuff is from 2002 and I'm near perfect shape a lil dirty .
     
    #23 Tombukt2, Dec 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
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  4. gafortiby

    gafortiby Member

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    I get the appeal and logic of getting a Corolla in my situation. I bought a new 2005 Corolla (9th gen) and drove that with zero problems until I sold it in 2015. I had the ECU replaced with a TSB and it did need a huge engine repair after the water pump bolt sheer off of it... But still very low cost car. BUT given how much I love the hatch of my Prius V and how much I miss it when I drive the Civic sedan, I can't see myself going back to a sedan.

    BUT all the discussions so far is leading me look for a Prius Gen2 instead of a Gen3... :D
    OR maybe a Matrix?
     
    #24 gafortiby, Dec 25, 2025 at 12:43 AM
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Matrix kinda lotta gas do not know why maybe body style ..and the big engine XR thingy oh my lotta gas.
     
    #25 Tombukt2, Dec 25, 2025 at 3:10 AM
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The 2nd gen Prius will not be as refined as a 3rd Gen. But they both have their expensive brake actuator and hv battery issues. But the good thing is the 2nd gen is so old, you can find cars with both those items replaced (new toyota part only).

    on the 2nd gen you'll be faced with burning oil, bad combination meter, inverter pump failures, water leaks, etc

    I have both generations and the 3rd gen is miles better with the 1.8L engine vs the 2nd gen 1.5L. Also you'll have a tough time finding a good 2nd Gen, the good ones are not being sold, they go on the market when they start to developing issues.
     
    #26 JC91006, Dec 25, 2025 at 9:50 AM
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  7. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    don't rule out the Pontiac Vibe if your considering a matrix - they're usually $1K+ cheaper, rolling off the same assembly line. They did that with the Corolla and Geo too.
    Yes, it will burn more gas when compared to a Prius, but those old CIVIC HX was doing 40+ mpg with a stick shift and hand crank windows in the late 80's early 90's. They had more Getty-up than a gen1 Prius. IMHO
     
    #27 BiomedO1, Dec 25, 2025 at 10:32 AM
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    At least one Matrix/Vibe generation is a veritable cargo van: with the backseat backs flipped down you’ve got a totally flat, easy-sliding, durable plastic deck.
     
    #28 Mendel Leisk, Dec 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
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