Considering this 2012, seeking 1st time advice

Run.

 

Fair warning.... Prius Gen3 Issues

Gen3 Prius with the 1.8L engine from 2010-2013 and some 2014s have bad rings causing excessive oil consumption around 150k-200k, the Brake Actuator is a $2300 failure in the same time frame, the Inverter was also defective from the factory. The brake actuator and inverter have a special replacement warranty ("customer support program") that expires ten years unlimited miles from first use OR after ten years max 150k miles starting Jan 1, 2022. The 2010 and many 2011 models no longer have the special coverage.

The hybrid battery is good to 180k-220k and the only good repair is new from $1600 diy to $3000.

Too many of these gen3 models eventually exhibit short duration and occasional "cold start rattle" that turns out to be head gasket leakage. Owners either ignore it or clean their egrs, change plugs and injectors and or add pcv oil catch cans, usually too late in the game if engine "rattle" is already occurring. Overheating or blown engines can be an end result of head gasket failure. A car flipper may use short term $10 block sealers in a can to mask the issue for a month or two.

Buy a simpler Civic, Camry or Corolla in your price range (except 07-09 Camrys which also had bad rings).

3 Reasons To Steer Clear Of A 2010-2013 Toyota Prius | Torque News

and Prius Shakes

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If you must have a Prius it is better to find a 2015 Prius or a 2015-17 Prius v wagon (still third generation) or a 2016-up regular Prius (all gen 4 engines).

 

Looks like a nice one... Go for it!
Also keep in mind early Gen3 have issues with EGR valve needing cleaning and an oil catch can will extend how long you can go between cleanings.

 

I think all 3rd gen Prius model years are prone to Exhaust Gas Recirculation clogging.

 

Considering the high cost of possible future repairs, and the low miles you are referring to, I'd say it isn't cost effective to get a Prius. Now if you just want one, then fine, but don't expect it to save you a lot of money just on gas. You're better off to get a 4 cyl gas engine that gets 30-40 mpg...over time it will cost you less.

 

Totally disagree... This is bad advice!!!

 

call out post #3 also to be consistent.

 

The Prius is a very complex and complicated piece of machinery and while it is great when it work's. When things go wrong, they can put you in a whole world of hurt.

rjparker and bettergolfer, both called it. If you are getting into a car you have never had before? You want to know what the issues are? That's kinda the whole point of car forums. What are the "issue's," with car?

EvenToyota knows they messed up with the Gen 3, while a better car I would say,then the Gen 2. They can't match the Gen 2, for trouble free miles traveled. And that is why Toyota, made changes to the Gen 3m with the Gen 4.

A 2012 with 125000 miles, most likely won't show any issues just now? And the "Inventor and ABS, thing is a maybe? But the big "issue," is the EGR system. And if you get it with 125000 miles. Taking care of cleaning that system up should be your first step and installing an Oil Catch Can.

Most likely the intake manifold, the egr valve and the egr cooler are full of sludge? And near as I can tell there is no way to know, without pulling the intake manifold and seeing what is there? If you can get ahead of it before issues crop up, no big deal. But for the most part people buying a new car (for them) and pulling it apart for cleaning stuff, is not something people are eager to do?

With a normal Corolla or Honda, you don't have the HV battery or inventors or the ABS thing. There is something to be said for KISS. And now ... you know.

 

welcome!
bad advice. if thers one thing to check, it's the head gasket. if you're happy with your civic, maybe get another?

 

I'd no doubt call out post #3 if I could see it but I suspect that person is so often a source of bad advice that I clicked "ignore" on all their comments so I don't have to see them.

 

Oh I'd say that is a mistake? All I see is he also posted a clip that called it like it is? A field of carnage from blown head gasket and people that still drove the car's anyway?
And the resultant holes is block's? A blown head gasket, should not be that big a deal? If taken care of early.

But damage ensued, I would imagine only the Dodge Hellcats, with tires that hook and don't slip,thus destroying the frame and rear end, could match it? But the Mustang crowd tries hard to match them.

 

post #9 also, cancelled!!!

 

@PriusCamper , off-topic but have to ask: are those fetching yellow tractor rims on your ride?