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2009 Prius gen 3 caveats

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Bibster, Feb 5, 2020.

  1. Bibster

    Bibster Junior Member

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    Hello everyone. I'm going to see a Prius later today. The owner says it's from 2009. It is definitely a gen 3. I've heard about some known engine troubles on the 2010 Prius. Is this vehicle also potentially affected by those problems since it's 2009? Are there any caveat specific to the 2009 model?
    Thanks a bunch for any advice. Also if you have any other suggestions about what to look for when I why look at the car it will be very welcome.
     
    #1 Bibster, Feb 5, 2020
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    If it is gen 3, yes, be abundantly cautious
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 5, 2020
  3. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Since miles driven is still a secret, what if it only has 5,000 miles?
     
    #3 Grit, Feb 5, 2020
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    In the USA, 2010 was the first year of the Gen 3 but for most other places 2009 was the first model year; hence some confusion.
     
    #4 fotomoto, Feb 5, 2020
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    plan on a new battery?
     
    #5 bisco, Feb 5, 2020
    Grit likes this.
  6. Bibster

    Bibster Junior Member

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    Thanks for the replies. The mileage is 127k miles and the price is USD 7,300. There is a bit of wear on the break pedal but I believe that's not out of the ordinary. So, being the first year of production, it is still at risk for that engine fault.
    I'm really torn about it. The mileage seems to not have been tampered with which is rare for a Prius over here. It may take weeks to find another Prius with "real" mileage.
     
    #6 Bibster, Feb 5, 2020
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    can you get a compression test done?
     
    #7 bisco, Feb 6, 2020
  8. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    mmm...that should be the least of your worries with this car.

    Test drive may be next best to figure out how it sounds, smells and feels.

    You familiar with prius? if not, bring someone that knows them to take a look and drive.
     
    #8 dig4dirt, Feb 6, 2020
  9. Bibster

    Bibster Junior Member

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    Thanks a bunch for the advice, guys. The possible engine problems and high price considering how old it was made me pass on it. I ended up spending $2k more for a 2014 hybrid Auris TS with which I'm very happy so far.
     
    #9 Bibster, Feb 8, 2020
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