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Advice for buying used 3rd Gen and PPI

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by elpolaquero, Sep 4, 2020.

  1. elpolaquero

    elpolaquero New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2020
    1
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    Location:
    Houston, Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I am currently looking to buy my first Prius after living for two years in Houston, Texas. So far, after reading as much as I can on the forums, I have decided to go after a 3rd Gen with the following criteria:

    - Under $7K
    - Under 170K miles (ideally under 150K, as I understand this is when you are supposed to clean the EGR system, clean the PCV valve and replace the spark plugs)
    - Trim level is not important (any trim equal or higher than Two would be sufficient for me)
    - Model year between 2012 - 2015 (trying to avoid issues with the inverter, as well as issues with oil consumption that as far as I know, tend to mostly happen during the 2010-2011 model years)

    Based on this criteria, I have three candidates:

    - 2013 Prius Two, $7K, 120K, private seller, located in Houston, Texas
    - 2013 Prius Three, $7K, 135K, private seller, located in San Antonio, Texas
    - 2013 Prius Three, $7K, 170K, private dealer, located in San Antonio, Texas

    I also have considered a "dark horse" option, a $4K, 240K, private dealer 2012 Prius Three option, but I am not willing to check this option out unless I can find a very good Prius-specialized recommendation, and so far I've had no such luck. Any advice on whether I should take this option or not? I should disclose, I am looking to put almost exclusively short-trip city miles on this vehicle by supplementing my income with rideshare services.

    Other than the considerations above, is there anything else I should consider when checking these cars out? Would you be able to recommend any Prius-specialized pre-purchase inspection mechanics in the Houston and San Antonio areas? Anything else I should consider?

    Thank you very much for your help!
     
  2. Majafamily

    Majafamily Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2020
    66
    41
    0
    Location:
    Elk Grove, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    EGR does have issues but another thing to be concerned about is the hybrid battery (also 12v but that's minor)