Newbie Prius Tire-Kicker looking for advice on how to kick Prius tires...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Woodstock74, Aug 26, 2022.

  1. Woodstock74

    Woodstock74 New Member

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    I'm in the market for a new (to me) car, and I'm looking into used Prius' as they check a lot of my boxes. I have a very limited budget ($9,5-10,0K), so that means I'll be looking at high mileage, older cars; 2nd Gen at best I think. So what are these cars long-term issues, what do I need to look for, and what questions do I need to ask when looking at 3rd party seller cars?

    Additionally, what are the best enthusiast/resource websites for the Prius'? I came across Prius Chat in my googling, what are the others I need to look for?
     
    #1 Woodstock74, Aug 26, 2022
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    If you want the least problems and one of the better experiences look for a reasonably used generation 2 that's been reasonably well cared for no kidding if you can go to where old people live you will find these cars often garage and in great shape. And these people are passing daily so their cars have to go somewhere they're the ones you see on the Facebook marketplace or down at the local car lot for $9,000 or $11,000 with $64,000 mi on it and there you go
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Aug 27, 2022
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  3. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

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    Priuschat probably best resource site. Not for the faint of heart if you buy a lemon Prius. Are you a seasoned DiYer?
    Smart or stupid? My new 260k 2009 Prius | PriusChat
    What Should I do with this 2007 Prius I just bought? Help! It's been a nightmare | PriusChat

    Buy yourself a OBDII reader.
    Gen2 OBD2 app review | PriusChat

    One thing in your favor, maybe, you are close to one of our knowledgeable members @TMR-JWAP in Columbia SC.
    Why DIYers need Prius friendly scanners... | PriusChat
    Another HV battery module myth coming under fire..... | PriusChat
     
    #3 alftoy, Aug 27, 2022
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2022
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    what you propose is a very difficult task in the current atmosphere (shortage of new and used vehicles, especially high mpg because of gas prices)
    but 10k might get you a good one if you can find one.

    because they tend to burn oil, you would want a late model 08-09 with under 100k, one owner and all service records.
    good luck with the hunt! (y)
     
    #4 bisco, Aug 27, 2022
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  5. Woodstock74

    Woodstock74 New Member

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    Yes, do I understand correctly the early Gen 3s have issues with things like head gaskets?
     
    #5 Woodstock74, Aug 27, 2022
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    correct. gen 3 has had a series of problems. head gaskets around 100k, brake actuators, oil burning, clogged egr circuits.

    they put new rings and pistons in around the middle of '14. it is unknown if this has helped or not.

    we don't know what percent go bad, we only see mostly problems here.
     
    #6 bisco, Aug 28, 2022
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  7. Woodstock74

    Woodstock74 New Member

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    Looked at an '08 just now with 140K on the clock. They had recently replaced the cats (stolen during WFH/Covid) and had the hybrid battery refurbished (3 cells). This was only the second Prius I had ever driven (the first was an '04 yesterday), everything seemed ok, some cosmetic stuff as one would expect from a 14 year old car.
     
    #7 Woodstock74, Aug 28, 2022
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  8. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Fly down to Tampa, FL and get one from a reputable used Prius dealer, then drive it home.
    https://www.tampahybrids.com/listings
     
    #8 Another, Aug 29, 2022
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  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'll just say up front that I work part time for Tampa Hybrids, so I'm not impartial. But I took the job offer because they are so good that I've bought six cars from them and wanted to help them out while they find long term mechanics. Plus, fixing cars is fun!!

    This might give you an idea of the attention these cars get before they go out on the front lot.
    How did retirement lead to fixing cars??!! | Page 5 | PriusChat
     
    #9 jerrymildred, Aug 29, 2022
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unicorn^^^
     
    #10 bisco, Aug 29, 2022
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