Gen 2 or Gen 3?

One advantage of having one of the last of a generation or model is that all the bugs have been ironed out, all the developement and improvements have been done, and you're not the "guinea-pig" for a new, untested, latest fad! (IMNSHO) Good luck!

 

Agreed with WillDavis. The late last model will be the most mechanically solid, but will have an older battery. If you go with a third gen, I would strongly avoid the 2010 model. Those have complaints of oil consumption, and that would be an issue given how much you drive a year.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Prius/2010/
vs
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Prius/2011/

 

@prius_power I seriously doubt this is anything more than a self-fulfilling rumour.

 

You're likely right, but it's enough to scare me away. I read that a person on reddit in /r/prius had an oil consumption issue on their 2010. I googled it, and there are some reports of it. Googled it for the 2011, and there was nothing. Don't get me wrong though, the numbers of 2010 Prii with that issue is also still quite low. I did test drive a 2010 with over 250k miles and it was fine.

 

Can only speak for ours, oil consumption is eerily absent, none. Only 60,000 kms, changed every 6 months. Manufactured Aug '09, purchased (new) Nov '10.

But yeah, who knows, there might have been a bad batch.

 

I went backwards so to speak. Had a 2010 and just recently got mint '06. If I were you, I'd go for a Gen 3 for the more responsive drivetrain (gen2 feels like it's in ECO mode all the time) and numerous updates and better screens. Although the G2 feels more spacious up front without the flying bridge, we have no use for that empty space and I prefer the shifter position on the G3 better.

When I was looking for a decent, low miles G2 (for the kids to drive), I found slim pickings; most have a tons of miles and the original battery.

GOOD LUCK!

 

If you're buying something like a gen2 make sure it's 2007-2009, as the warranty on the others will soon expire or already have. So, unless you're paying 4-5k for a gen2 with decent miles(less than 150k), i'd go with a gen3. Because a new battery will cost you 2-3k, something that you could of just spent upfront on a lower mileage gen3 without the hassle of going to the mechanic or DIY.

 

There are pros and cons for each. I'm personally most drawn to the Gen 2, for the styling and better off-road ability (less distance between the wheels, slightly higher off the ground). One thing I do respect the Gen 3 for is being completely belt-less. The Gen 3 engine coolant pump is electric rather than mechanical, so the serpentine belt was omitted. Leaks also do not seem to be a problem with the Gen 3 electric pump.

I personally wish the Gen 3 had retained the 1.5 engine rather than going to the 1.8 (I always prefer smaller engines), but the upside of the 1.8 is better power when the traction pack charge level reaches the minimum (happens frequently in the mountains).

With the amount that you drive, I would probably focus on finding the lowest-mile example in your price range, regardless of generation. I'm not overly concerned with the HV pack, myself. The worry for me would be the issues associated with high chassis miles (bearings, suspension, wear of other components).

 

That reminds me: no valve clearance adjustment on 3rd gen; clearance is hydraulically adjusted. And second gen adjustment is shim/bucket style. It's a relatively stable system, compared to screw adjustment, but if it ever needs doing a bit of a nightmare.

Did anyone mention the second gen bladder gas tank?

 

Interesting on the valve adjustment--I wasn't aware of that.

I don't consider the fuel bladder a factor, myself. I've never had any complaints with it, and like the idea of reducing fume production.

 

Gen3 if you don't do repairs yourself.