Is Gen2 Prius still a reliable purchase in 2026?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by gafortiby, Dec 25, 2025.

Page 2 of 2
  1. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    8,112
    7,591
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    For a mission like that, I'd be looking at a 2012+ Corolla or Elantra. I wish you luck, it's tough out there.
     
    #21 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Dec 31, 2025
    gafortiby likes this.
  2. qmanqman

    qmanqman Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2020
    433
    150
    0
    Location:
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    FYI nothing is risk free. New cars are even worse. Tranny's are becoming throw away. I've watched a lot of youtubes and newer cars are money pits.

    I bought my 2007 two years ago ($2500) with 135,000 miles and the only thing I had to do was repair the combo meter. Daughter's 2007 has 320,000 miles on it and has only needed a handful of simple repairs over the 120,000 miles she's owned it. The last repair on it was a water pump after I drove it for a while and noticed no heat when winter started. It was low on coolant. She said oh ya it's been like that for a couple years. The damn thing has been running just fine "for a couple years" with coolant at the level it will be when you have a failed water pump.

    I'd buy another one if I needed it.
     
    #22 qmanqman, Jan 7, 2026 at 12:58 PM
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2026 at 1:41 PM
    Moving Right Along likes this.
  3. gafortiby

    gafortiby Member

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2015
    96
    55
    2
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Conclusion!
    I bought a 2015 Toyota Sienna LE FWD with 160k miles on it. It passed 3rd party PPI, and I also personally inspected for timing chain cover leak, head gasket leak, rust, all suspension parts front and back, sliding door recall, etc. So, I expect it to be reliable.

    Thank you for all your help! How does this Sienna meet my original requirements?
    • Yes Budget $8000 USD (in US market) which is probably a 2009 with 120k miles.
    • Yes Reliable : near 0% chance of $3000+ problems in the next 50k miles. Fuel tank? brake booster?
    • N/A Old hybrid battery is not a problem, I can DIY that.
    • Yes Toyota but not Lexus
    • Better than Yes? Hatchback/wagon for utility
    • Yes Automatic climate control (okay maybe that's asking too much)
    • Yes Backup camera (I can install it myself it needed)
    • Yes IIHS rating is GOOD for both side/front.
     
    #23 gafortiby, Jan 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM
    bisco likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    114,250
    52,078
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats, a good move, i think. all the best!
     
    #24 bisco, Jan 11, 2026 at 3:09 PM
    gafortiby likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 2 of 2