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2nd or 3rd gen

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by fledersau, Jan 30, 2021.

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  1. fledersau

    fledersau Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    montreal, canada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Hi there,
    Beginner here.
    I'm about to buy a prius, just don't know which one yet.
    I'm living in Montréal, so really cold climate is a big topic.
    Atm there are a few prius (pri-i?,-) for sale, and two tipes are in my budget.
    1: 2nd gen prius 2008 around 150000 kilometers
    2: 3rd gen prius 2012 around 240000 kilometer (and often ex taxis)...

    What do you think is generally better, when you can't have both, low mileage or a newer car?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 fledersau, Jan 30, 2021
    Steph1972 likes this.
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Two
    That's a hard question for someone else to answer. One's better in one way and the other is better in other ways.

    Gen 2 is a GREAT car for reliability. It also has more little storage places.

    Gen 3 is much more refined. But it's also more prone to head gasket failure.

    Both cars will soon be needing new traction batteries unless they have just been replaced, especially the 2008. (Age is worse than miles for the big battery.) If they have been replaced with a refurbished battery I would not want it. Those are highly unreliable. If it has the original battery, the price would need to be low enough for you to set aside $2-3,000 for a new replacement.
     
    #2 jerrymildred, Jan 31, 2021
  3. fledersau

    fledersau Junior Member

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    2008 Prius
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    Touring
    Thanks jerry for your answer! I know it’s not possible to get a “right” answer but opinions and experiences from prius owners and experts like you are worth alot! Thanks!
     
    #3 fledersau, Jan 31, 2021
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  4. Henrik Helmers

    Henrik Helmers Active Member

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    Location:
    Norway
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius PHV
    Model:
    N/A
    I used to own a gen2, which I upgraded to a 2020 plug-in last year. I don't have experience with the gen3. The things that I didn't like about the gen2 were:
    • No bluetooth
    • No nav system
    • Little low-end torque
    • No remote control for the climate control
    Some of these are fixable, and others you can learn to live with. I had no issues with the gen2 in cold climate—it behaves very similarly to the 2020 plug-in, in that the engine stays on for longer to make heat.

    In general I would say that a newer Prius is better than a low-milage Prius (as they are very reliable). However, based on what I have read on this forum, the gen3 Prius has engine issues that slowly build up. That makes me lean towards the gen2. But this is just based on what I have read here—I am no mechanic.
     
    #4 Henrik Helmers, Feb 14, 2021
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  5. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    If your budget doesn't include a repair fund that would cover a multi-thousand dollar repair, I would lean away from both cars.
    All things being equal....
    If you are able to perform your own repairs I would go with the G3.
    Otherwise, you might have better luck with the G2.

    Good Luck!
     
    #5 ETC(SS), Feb 14, 2021
    jerrymildred likes this.
  6. fledersau

    fledersau Junior Member

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    Location:
    montreal, canada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Thanks for your advice, ended up with a 2nd gen model 2008 with 160'000 km for 4000$ cad
     
    #6 fledersau, Feb 15, 2021
    JohnnyPR and Henrik Helmers like this.
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
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    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
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    Good Luck with the car!
     
    #7 ETC(SS), Feb 15, 2021
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

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    Great choice. I would’ve steered you to the Gen 2 as well. The 2008 is the 2nd last year for the Gen 2 and they were quite reliable.

    Just note that the Gen 2 has a rubber bladder inside the fuel tank so on cold days, your fuel tank will be smaller than on a hot summer day (moreso now that the car is older).
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Feb 16, 2021
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  9. ozmatt

    ozmatt Active Member

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    such a hard one, both are so good! but if you have not yet been treated with either start at gen2 and move you're way forward

    gen2 is just so reliable, specially 08, they are a noble steed of a vehicle

    then look forward to getting a gen3 next time :)
     
    #9 ozmatt, Feb 16, 2021
    fledersau likes this.
  10. Steph1972

    Steph1972 Member

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    Model:
    Four Touring
    Bonjour Montréal!!
    Félicitations pour ton achat ...
    Congrats for your purchase ...
    I’m in the Laurentians and it’s pretty sunny and cold this morning ...
    You’ Love it here, tons of information and very friendly helping people...
     
    #10 Steph1972, Feb 21, 2021
    fledersau likes this.
  11. JohnnyPR

    JohnnyPR Junior Member

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    II
    Sounds like a good deal. Congrats
     
    #11 JohnnyPR, Feb 21, 2021
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