The top contender in my used car search is a 2015 Prius Two with 38k miles. It's at the upper end of my budget, but I'm hoping to talk down the price after having it inspected by the local hybrid specialist. I'm considering older Prii too, and the same dealer has a 2010 Prius Four with 183k miles for a price way under my budget. For this car, I'm considering keeping my downpayment cash so that I can be ready to replace the battery, along with all the other repairs it will likely need. This one will also have to get checked by a mechanic, of course. I was wondering what your thoughts are as far as reliability and maintainence (and gambling?). I'm not a DIYer, but I am a light driver, so I may only put 10k miles on in a year. I'm looking at other cars, too (Mazda3, Kia Forte, and Corolla), as I really just need wheels. But the owner satisfaction and mpg of the Prius is hard to ignore. Thanks for your help and a great forum!
Welcome. I'd recommend the 2015. Having a newer battery and a warranty is worth something. For some of us, maybe quite a bit. You don't say if the 2010 has a new traction battery, a rebuilt one, or the original. That's a major factor. But aside from the battery, the 2010 has developed a reputation as an early oil burner. We haven't seen nearly as many reports on the newer models. I don't know if that's because Toyota changed something of if it's just that the newer ones are newer.
welcome! i'd stretch for the 2015 as well. you won't have to worry about a new battery for at least 6 years, and probably much longer. all the best!
Thanks, y’all! It’s good to know about the potential trouble in the 2010. Any other flags to look for in certain years? I just test-drove a 2011 Two with 57k. It’s had three owners, which may not be a lot for a 7-year-old car, but seems like a bit of a red flag considering the high owner satisfaction. I plan on having the 2015 looked at by my mechanic tomorrow. I’ll post updates. I appreciate the advice!
All I can think of is that there were mid-cycle updates in 2012, so '12 or newer are preferred, but there are lots of still happy '10 & '11 owners.
Go for the 15...last of the gen 3. Bought a 15 model 2 in May with 37k miles for 15k out the door at a Mazda dealer in Jacksonville FL. Clean as a whistle and maintained at a Toyota dealer every 5k miles. You won’t have the inverter issue on the 15 that the earlier gen 3’s have. Put on an oil catch can as soon as you buy it to help reduce the chance of the engine becoming an oil burner with 100k + miles. Also helps to reduce the oil change intervals to less than the 10k miles Toyota recommends. I’d avoid the 10.
