Greetings from a (hopeful) future Prius owner. Also help needed!

i don't know what to say about the rust, seems like a lot on the right side there, but i can't say if it's harmful.
one owner, no accidents and service records is a good sign, as long as you're aware that any car with 220k on it can offer many expensive surprises, a prius more than most.

all the best!

 

Everything I'm seeing is just surface rust. My 2015 C with 70K miles looks exactly the same under the hood. I attribute it to New England winters. My car came from New Hampshire (I'm in Massachusetts). My car had one owner and was always dealer serviced, and otherwise looks and runs great. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Winter road salt is a beast!!! You have to clean your car so often to avoid it... Or simply live out west where it's not an issue.

 

under 6k is an initially inexpensive way to start a hybrid journey. I went to kbb.com and look at 2012 c 's and asking price looks very dependent on odometer mileage. There were 2 2012 c with over 200k and both were asking 6k and change. Some with low mileage were way up there $.
My advice ?? buyer beware and cover as many bases as possible pre sale to reduce surprises later. see bisco post above,

 

That rust looks bad, but somewhat common in the local.
I use Fluid Film on all bare metal parts, and re-apply when needed...My engines do not look like that.
I also hand wash and wax, and clean and shine up engine bay so they always look brand new.

I would have a good looksee over the brakes and even exhaust system.

note that the hybrid battery is out of warranty, so that would be an out of pocket cost if and when that happens to go.

Otherwise, it is a Toyota! at a decent price

 

and suspension parts^