I have found a 2010 model with 140,000km (nearly 90k miles) on it for a decent price ($13,500CAD all inclusive) but I am feeling very nervous about that mileage. My other option is the Prius C, brand new, but I test drove it and it feels VERY small. My main concern with buying a new car is fuel economy and these are both good options. The 2010 Prius has no accidents and I would still get it checked by a mechanic, but what do you all think, in terms of whether or not it's a gamble? I don't want to save on cost just to be hit with repairs.
I have always believe that a car with 100k+ miles on it is is on the back 9. It needs a great deal of TLC to keep going and a major repair could be needed at any point. The Prius is a very reliable car and chances are you would have a period of trouble free driving, but you just do not really know.
90k isn't horrible, but there is always the potential for problems. how many miles a year do you expect, and how long to keep it? hybrid warranty is 8 years or 150,000 miles in a carb state, although, if you're doing km, check it out. why not look at an 08 or 09 with lower miles? those are great cars. all the best!
+1. Also, if your area does not get the 150k mi battery warranty, then you have a big exposure that you must plan for. iPhone ?
Don't worry to much about the big battery, you can get one at a bone yard out of a damaged car for about $600-$700 if needed! Personally I like new, But thats just me.
Of course it's a gamble. What little warranty remains will be gone in about 10K miles (traction battery - non CARB state). $13.5 is at least $1000 overpriced for 90K miles. I'd offer no more than $12K. If you are nervous about the miles (and you should be), look for one with 50K miles or less. They can be had for about $15.5K. But probably not close to you.
A impeccable service record would be paramount in making a sound decision. If the owner can't supply you with the service record, I would be reluctant. The car with that kind of mileage is approaching it's peak reliability period. It may stay level for a time but there is the inevitable down turn. If maintenance was kept according to recommendations, the better in the long run. Price, of coarse, can weigh in,too.
The only maintenance needed would have been oil changes every 10k with 0w-20. In the absence of records, other than pulling the valve cover, it is difficult to verify oil change history with most used cars. iPhone ?
The cost of used batteries has risen to $1200+, plus the supply of viable used batteries decreases every year. iPhone ?
Where do you shop for your used traction batteries, Neiman Marcus? Traction batteries from wrecks are still plentiful. Saw a couple on car-part.com, each for $700 from a 2008 and a 2009 each with less than 30K miles on them. So tempting. Too bad I don't need one. Gen 3 traction batteries will be even more plentiful for many years ahead.
I have read on PC that if a Salvage Battery has been in the yard awhile the battery is most likely completely depleted which brings on many other issues if you decide to install this in your Prius. It may require a charge from Toyota which is chargeable. This may also not work. Evidently if the battery is not in constant use problems occur. Perhaps the better solution is to purchase a rebuilt traction battery with a warranty. Cost is about $1,800 plus labor to install. Hybrid High Voltage Battery Specialists
No. The battery is a current production part. The number of viable used batteries won't decrease substantially until production of the genIII drastically decreases or is stopped. $1200 sounds about right depending on market conditions where it is being purchased.
