Looking at a Prius Plug In (Advanced?)

I am looking into buying a third generation Prius.

I saw a plug-in model available, and it is listed as an Advanced. I noted the VIN and called a dealer, they were unsure of how to check if it was in Advanced trim level or not.

How can I verify?

A few side notes:
1) I have replaced the traction battery in a second generation Prius and I found it to be pretty easy, I do have some reservations regarding the Prius plugin battery replacement versus sticking with the classic 3rd gen of which there are a numerous quality tutorials and I'm sure the traction battery (part price) is much less expensive to replace, considering the majority of third gens sold were just the standard model not the plugin model.

2) anybody know a place to get reasonably priced Carfaxes or free Carfaxes? I'm looking at several models obviously, considering I'm shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, trying to avoid dealers mostly so is not to pay silly fees like a doc fee. I thought there used to be a subscription model where you could pay like 40 bucks and get 10 to 20 Carfaxes for the month..

3) Is there a lookup tool for options, by plugging in the VIN available somewhere online.. I checked Toyota's website but couldn't find anything. That way I don't have to call the dealer with each car just to find out if a car has certain options if the seller wasn't perhaps detailed enough in the posting.

Last time I bought a used Prius, mostly everyone was using craigslist, it seems like lots have moved to Facebook marketplace, I guess I'll have to check that place out also. There weren't many on craigslist (private party).


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These responses are very helpful, thanks.

The car is a 2013, 69K miles. And from Tideland's post I now know that it is definitely not an Advanced, and it does not have the Tech package. I think I will pass on this car.

Any thoughts on points number 2 and 3 in my OP? Thanks

 

Thanks. Does this allow me to see a full vehicle options list or only allow me to see service records? The options list is what I'm most interested in.

Ok, if I use this tool to check each prospective car's VIN, then does that mean that in order to see service history (and even then, it will show only what has been done at a dealer) I have to add each prospective car's VIN to my Toyota Owner Account even though the car is not yet mine? I will be looking at over 10 Priuses and not sure if the site will allow me to add and remove cars just to check the service history...?

 

I'm going to pass on this PIP and go with a standard Prius 3rd gen, or possibly a first gen Lexus ES300h

 

I assume you're talking about the head gasket failures on the third gen Prius and not the first gen ES hybrid.

Any tips that you recommend in terms of avoiding the head gasket issue as I continue my search for a pre-owned Gen 3 (certain years to avoid, mileage above which you don't recommend, etc)?

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Sorry, see above I didn't do something with the quote button correctly on the app

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