Shopping For Our First Gen 3, tips appreciated

From what's been reported here more recently, regarding the revised oil ring being wider, I think now it's very likely the pistons and rings were revised at the same time, some time through 2014 model year.

 

During a cold start and warm up, the timing is a little off on purpose, so generally you hear "tapping"
I and others would consider it normal, BUT without us knowing the sound you are experiencing, cant say if it is truly normal.

Just make sure to keep an eye on your oil level with the dipstick.
Warning...there is no "low oil level/pressure" light on the dash.
The time the Prius lets you know about your oil situation, it may be too late.
Not trying to scare, just trying to nudge you to check the dipstick every fill up or whathaveyou.

about the occ results, I dont have xp in that division, but I would assume it is rank with all the exhaust etc lol.

 

My '14 was produced in March. That means I have newly improved rings and pistons... or neither?

 

Near impossible to tell, and to what end?

On this Toyota parts site, model year 2014 shows both old/new pistons/rings:


CRANKSHAFT & PISTON. 2014 Toyota Prius Three HYBRID | Toyota


But no indication about production months. And no clarification, ie: which goes with which. From what I've heard hear, I don't think you can mix and match, it has to be old pistons and old rings, or new pistons with new rings.

I woudn't sweat it.