Just Bought a 2010 - Newbie Prius Owner

Hello

I logged on before to ask questions about Priuses.

Finally bought one. I would have loved all the bells and whistles but I'm also a practical guy.

So I bought a 2010 Prius Trim Level 1

75,000 miles.

Needs two new headlights, which I will install, and new tires.

Plus about 8 hours of me detailing the interior.

Bought it for $4900.

Feels like a good deal. I'm kind of torn. I usually keep vehicles for a very long time. I've had my 1998 Tacoma for 17 years and 210,000 miles. I don't know if this car is the keeper one for me.

So I plan on bringing it back to mint shape, enjoying the 40+ mpg, 4 doors and a hatch (driving my daughter and GF around in a small pick up is brutal).

Thought I'd say hello.

 

Thank you. Sorry about your Camry hybrid.

I am definitely looking forward to the 40+ mpgs considering my truck gets around 18.

I'm hoping the previous owner was kind to the car so that it lasts a long time. As you can see by my truck, I like to drive my vehicles for awhile

After seeing the condition of the interior I checked the cabin air filter... and there was none. Just put that in.

Am waiting for the OEM headlight assemblies to show up so I can install those. While I'm at it, not knowing the condition of the low and high beam bulbs, I'll replace those too.

Thanks for the recommendation. The other night I spent about two hours reading threads about tires here

Discount Tire recommends Continental Contact Control Touring. I've read decent reviews about those as well. Plus next week they're going on sale so out the door with warranty and tax I'm looking at around $475. No bad.

As for noise this car is definitely louder than my truck cab (I sound deadened that to near professional audio competition level). I will definitely be adding sound deadener and ensolite to the Prius in much smaller, but strategic, quantities.

I'll also upgrade the head unit and speakers while I'm at it.

 

So far so good.

One thing I've noted in all my years of vehicle ownership: Brand new tires always sound perfectly silent. I'm more interested in what they sound like after 10,000+ miles.

Haven't undertaken the sound deadening project yet but the four doors will be the first phase. Should make a very significant difference. it did in my 98 Tacoma.

 

When I do a VIN search it says Trim Level I

It really has no bells or whistles. Literally nothing. But it seems to have some sort of funky aftermarket (or dealer option?) hands free bluetooth connectivity for the phone. Only uses the two speakers near the windshield, on the dash, with a mic located just NW of the push button start. Also will interrupt the signal from FM/AM/AUX source when being used.

I honestly have no idea. I'm not as well versed with the Prius as I am with Tacomas.

 

It's not the vehicle itself as much as not knowing the previous owner's commitment to maintenance.

I've never seen a more disgusting interior in my life. Granted they have two kids and may be of the ilk who really don't see their vehicle's interiors as needing to be cleanly. But I typically judge how well someone cares for/about their vehicle by all aspects of upkeep... with the cleanliness component being the only visible one. Granted that maybe superficial of me but it's first impressions that count.

I hope it works out. Only "comfort" I'm desperately missing is in the seats. These stock seats are brutal on my back.

 

Agree on all fronts.

I admit I'm a bit on the OCD side when it comes to clean interiors (and exteriors really). But I understand a vehicle gets dirty. My truck does in winter.

But this goes beyond just uncleanliness. It was abusive