Things to look for when test driving a used Prius?

With only 5000 miles it should be like new inside and out. Since you are going to get it looked at by your Toyota dealer for mechanical or electrical issues, I would just look for any interior or exterior issues, chips or dings on the paint or any spots, stains, etc. on the seats or interior. Also check the tires for any signs of unusual wear patterns.

 

Not much to worry about because it is under Toyotas bumper to bumper warranty. just take it on a good test drive make sure you like it, and listen for any noises you don't like. Also make sure the price is good cause new ones are cheaper than they have ben for years.

 

Are you buying from a Private Party? An automobile dealership? or a Toyota Dealership?

With only 5000 miles on it, my biggest question is why is it for sale? A 2010 is already 2 model years old with the 2012 approaching, and 5000 miles on that vehicle is very, very low.

You can plug in a lot of scenarios to account for the low mileage, many of them good...

But my paranoia is why? Even vehicles I have almost instantly hated, I have usually driven for more than 5000 miles.

You might not be able to get the reason. If it's a dealership, or even a dishonest owner. But what you want to try to limit is your risk. You want to make sure it's not sitting there with only- 5000 miles because it's spent most of it's life in a repair shop, or has some other hidden issue.

You said Carfax checked out..and that's good. But if you have no other back-story? Then I'd definently have it checked out by your dealer. I believe Toyota dealerships keep a VIN based history of dealer provided service and maintenance...see if you can access any history of that.

I'm admittedly just paranoid, and the worst thing you are presenting is that it's sounds almost too good to be true.

 

For me, it boils down to two simple questions:
1) Is there anything broken or out of place on the exterior or interior?
2) When driving it, does it "feel right"?

If the answer is "yes" to the first or "no" to the second, let it be. Also, never make a final "buy" decision without having walked away and thought about it for a while (at least for a half hour).

 

Things to look for when test driving a used Prius? - A Good Prius Mechanic

 

I don't know your area, BUT for peace of mind a good dealership. Ask around for one in your area.
Best of Luck to You my friend.

 

There are more and more independent shops every day. Both Toyota specialists and hybrid generalists. But you are covered at the dealer for another year. Still, it behooves you to find someone to do the maintenance, since every trip to the dealer involves a hard sell from the service advisor for fuel injector cleaning, A/C evaporator box flush, and other useless services.

There are several TSBs out for 2010, most noticeably for brakes, front caliper rattle and rear squeak, and the plastic engine undercover. They will do the brakes if you complain about them, but it will take a couple of oil changes for the engine undercover to warp/break. There is a lot of information about these issues here.

 

Man, go for it. You seem to have done your homework and that $7k savings makes the deal really sweet.

 

Alright...that explains the low miles. I'd still have it checked out, because I always think that's worth the cost. BUT...sounds like a good deal.

 

make sure it has wheels

 

Seriously, I would check all tires pressures when cold. Fluids of course too. Ok to inflate a couple or few over recommended. Get the car good and warmed up, 6 miles or so, reset the tripmeter gage, drive for several miles or more. The MPGs should come up nicely. On 3rd gen, it should be hitting over 50 MPG. It's take a few miles to settle in.

If spending a lot of money at a private party, I'd take it to Toyota for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, unless the seller is like me who shows up with a complete binder of everything to do with the car, organized and the car looks virtually new.

 

Geesh....

You gotta buy what you want.

It sounds like a good deal. But what do you want?

If now you've changed gears and are sold on a Solar/Sunroof package? Then only YOU can answer that....

My personal philosophy, is right, wrong, great or horrible...at least when you make the initial purchase of an automobile you should feel 100% good about it....

If you now think you won't...because this isn't the vehicle you want? Well only you can determine that for yourself.

 

You did good, checked it out, asked the forum and took the plunge---ENJOY!:rockon: