1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Newbie needs help picking year model

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by StephenJ, Aug 20, 2017.

  1. StephenJ

    StephenJ Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2017
    186
    54
    0
    Location:
    Birmingham, AL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Hello! I'm new here, never owned a Prius, but looking at them for my daughters first car. I'm looking in the 5k-8k range and have noticed most of them seem to be 2007 up to 2010 and anywhere from 80k miles up to 165000 miles. Are there any years between 07-10 that seem to be more reliable than the others? I saw that 2010 is the first year of a new generation, I'm always leery at that.

    Hoping you guys can help me decide which year would be best.

    Thanks!
    Stephen
     
    #1 StephenJ, Aug 20, 2017
  2. Moving Right Along

    Moving Right Along Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2016
    690
    541
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    The 2009 model year is recognized by Car Complaints and Dashboard Light as more reliable than the surrounding years, although True Delta and Consumer Reports did not note any substantive differences. That's part of the reason why I got one. There's also a notable drop in traction battery failure rates from roughly 3% to zero or practically zero going from the 2007 to the 2008 model year and more recent. This could be just a factor of time, or it could signify 2008 and more recent batteries were adjusted or changed in some way that made them more resilient. I also got a 2009 model because it's the last year in the 2nd generation and I figure they worked out all the bugs (or as many as possible).
     
    #2 Moving Right Along, Aug 20, 2017
    WilDavis, bisco and srellim234 like this.
  3. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    819
    358
    23
    Location:
    MI
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Mine is a 2007 with 206K running great with no issues...Had a 2008 and it was really good too.

    I personally think over $5000 for a gen 2 is just too high (unless really low miles and superior shape).

    I recently sold my gen 3 (2011) for $5200 but it had almost 190k miles.

    Gen 3s supposedly get better gas mileage (mine didn't), it does look more modern, it is more comfortable, it has better resale value, and they come with working satellite radio which is a minor perk.

    I don't see why you wouldn't be able to get a 2011 for $8000....On Friday a 2011 with 110k miles and solar roof went for $4400 at dealer auction..Thought I had saved pics but not seeing them on computer.

    I'd recommend gen 3 over the gen 2 if similar prices.
     
    #3 MilkyWay, Aug 20, 2017
  4. StephenJ

    StephenJ Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2017
    186
    54
    0
    Location:
    Birmingham, AL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    MilkyWay- A lot of the Gen 2 have real high miles 150k or more. I've found a few around 100k miles but they are close to the same price as a 2010. I'd like to get a 2010 with 100k miles or less but with the oil consumption issues I'm a little leery of the 10. My daughter does prefer the 2010 it feels more current. I just don't want to sacrifice reliability of a 09 for look. I'd like whatever we get to easily cross the 200k without major issues.

    I actually found a 2011 with only 76k miles in my budget but it has a rebuilt title from a wreck. The wreck wasn't THAT bad, but still concerns me so I'll probably skip it.
     
    #4 StephenJ, Aug 20, 2017
  5. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2013
    1,160
    392
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    2010 and 2011's have issues with burning oil, motors need rings and rebuilding.. I have has good luck with 2007,08,09.. 150000 miles isn't a lot for a prius, avoid rebuilt titles unless the car is dirt cheap.. no one wants rebuilds as trade ins or will finance them, the rebuilt title takes away 30% of its value
     
    #5 Beachbummm, Aug 20, 2017
  6. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    1,198
    1,687
    0
    Location:
    Laughlin, Nevada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I don't know where you are in AL so I just punched in Prii within 200 miles of Birmingham on http://www.cargurus.com . Filtering out cars with accidents reported, salvage titles, 153k or more miles, etc. It came up with 38 listings below $8k. One looks very good in Alpharetta, GA. It's a 2009 with only 78k miles on it for $6,900..
     
    #6 srellim234, Aug 20, 2017
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    109,101
    49,595
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    my daughter has my old '08 with 100k. she uses it to commute from manhattan to to here, or weekends to the mountains.
    i'm comfortable up to 150k or so, and will recommend something newer after that.
     
    #7 bisco, Aug 20, 2017
  8. StephenJ

    StephenJ Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2017
    186
    54
    0
    Location:
    Birmingham, AL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Yes, the one in Alpharetta, GA and a similar one in Huntsville, AL are the 2 2009 models I'm looking at. The one in Huntsville is also low mileage but about $1000 more than the one in Alpharetta.

    Thanks!
    Stephen
     
    #8 StephenJ, Aug 21, 2017
    srellim234 likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)