Looking at used 2015, battery questions…

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Paul E. Highway, May 18, 2026 at 7:10 PM.

  1. Paul E. Highway

    Paul E. Highway Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2020
    210
    130
    0
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Aloha!

    2015 plug in I’m looking at has 79,000 miles. Runs like a top, but battery does not go over 18% charge after running for 15 mins in maintenance mode.

    Also, Carfax shows one owner, only 57,000 miles, no oil changes, just emissions checks. Toyota offered free oil/filter changes for two years on this car. Body, paint, interior are perfect. Title is good.

    Any opinions on battery and Carfax info appreciated!

    PEH IMG_3669.png
     
    #1 Paul E. Highway, May 18, 2026 at 7:10 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    10,710
    6,723
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    The system only partially charges the battery when not moving. The accurate look at it is when driving and it can take 5 miles or so.

    Don't drive in maintenance mode.

    Carfax would show free dealer oil changes. A lot of other places or diy do not report to carfax. There is no legal requirement to report to carfax. A comprehensive set of records in a folder or in carfax is good. However the lack of records proves nothing.

    The best indicator is if the engine does not burn oil in 5,000 miles.
     
    #2 rjparker, May 18, 2026 at 8:25 PM
    Last edited: May 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    114,932
    52,557
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    sounds like a gem! I would plug it in and see how far you can go on battery until the engine comes on. you should get a good 10-15 miles on back roads around 30mph
     
    #3 bisco, May 18, 2026 at 9:16 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)