Howdy! I just bought a Gen 3 from Carmax yesterday. I've been a lurker on this site for years, but was waiting to post until I actually owned a Prius. This site is the most comprehensive site for all things Prius, and I really appreciate and respect this community. The Prius I bought is a 2010 Barcelona Red III, with less than 5k on the odometer. It shows signs of daily use, light scratches and scuffs inside and out. Are there any items, systems or components that I should pay additional attention to? The vehicle is 6 years old chronologically, but the components are in their infancy, so to speak. I got the 5yr/100,000mi maxcare warranty, with the $50 deductible, which is waived if I take it to Carmax. Thanks in advance! J.Urie *edited trim level and warranty info
welcome! (kind of) and congratulations! sounds like you found a rare one. might want to change the oil and run a test on the 12 volt battery. all the best!
Maybe the previous owners just sat in it and "pretended" to drive? Yes, my initial concern would be the 12 volt battery. I'd go to Toyota's owners website and join up and enter the VIN number. Try to see what maintenance history, if any, it may have. It's not a bad idea to join anyway.
Either this car had the mileage turned back or the owner died 5 years ago. Spooky My 2015 has 8000 miles now and shows very little signs of use Nobody drives less than bisco, and he is way over 5000
Congratulations on the car. I would never buy a third party warranty. Did you buy coverage for another 7 years or will it expire 7 years from the original in service date? As mentioned, register the VIN at Toyota Owners Official Web Site to see the service history and to look to see if the recalls were done. It's tough to put less than 1000 miles per year on a car. Was it on display in a modern car museum?
Check the tire condition and manufacture date (there's a date code on all tires), they'll be getting on, may be cracking/drying. Or flat-spotting from protracted sitting. For reference: we're still on our original (Michelin Pilot) tires, made in February of 2009, they're showing fine cracking.
I was at the local dealer the other day picking up some parts and saw a 2010 on the lot with a $17500 sticker on the windshield. I thought that was high, so I walked up to it. It had 12 k on the clock and was a II model. I asked about it and they said a little old lady had it and hardly used it. It looked barely used and no dings or dents. It was brown though. Maybe biscos mom traded it in and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?
It was called sandy beach metallic. Probably not their most popular color, unless the target audience was the older crowd. It fit this particular car and owner combo stereotype.
my '04 was a similar color. in those days, there was an a8 month waiting list, and someone who's car came in decided they couldn't live with the color. they called me, and i went in with cash. $26,000.
Our 2010 center console arm rest shows where my elbow rests. Tried cleaning it, but would continue to show. Eventually gave up. Some choice of quality materials.
I found an 05 a few weeks ago with 4k on it! I really like it so far. Another little old lady tale. iPhone don't expect too much
