Hello! I'm new here, never owned a Prius, but looking at them for my daughters first car. I'm looking in the 5k-8k range and have noticed most of them seem to be 2007 up to 2010 and anywhere from 80k miles up to 165000 miles. Are there any years between 07-10 that seem to be more reliable than the others? I saw that 2010 is the first year of a new generation, I'm always leery at that. Hoping you guys can help me decide which year would be best. Thanks! Stephen
The 2009 model year is recognized by Car Complaints and Dashboard Light as more reliable than the surrounding years, although True Delta and Consumer Reports did not note any substantive differences. That's part of the reason why I got one. There's also a notable drop in traction battery failure rates from roughly 3% to zero or practically zero going from the 2007 to the 2008 model year and more recent. This could be just a factor of time, or it could signify 2008 and more recent batteries were adjusted or changed in some way that made them more resilient. I also got a 2009 model because it's the last year in the 2nd generation and I figure they worked out all the bugs (or as many as possible).
Mine is a 2007 with 206K running great with no issues...Had a 2008 and it was really good too. I personally think over $5000 for a gen 2 is just too high (unless really low miles and superior shape). I recently sold my gen 3 (2011) for $5200 but it had almost 190k miles. Gen 3s supposedly get better gas mileage (mine didn't), it does look more modern, it is more comfortable, it has better resale value, and they come with working satellite radio which is a minor perk. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to get a 2011 for $8000....On Friday a 2011 with 110k miles and solar roof went for $4400 at dealer auction..Thought I had saved pics but not seeing them on computer. I'd recommend gen 3 over the gen 2 if similar prices.
MilkyWay- A lot of the Gen 2 have real high miles 150k or more. I've found a few around 100k miles but they are close to the same price as a 2010. I'd like to get a 2010 with 100k miles or less but with the oil consumption issues I'm a little leery of the 10. My daughter does prefer the 2010 it feels more current. I just don't want to sacrifice reliability of a 09 for look. I'd like whatever we get to easily cross the 200k without major issues. I actually found a 2011 with only 76k miles in my budget but it has a rebuilt title from a wreck. The wreck wasn't THAT bad, but still concerns me so I'll probably skip it.
2010 and 2011's have issues with burning oil, motors need rings and rebuilding.. I have has good luck with 2007,08,09.. 150000 miles isn't a lot for a prius, avoid rebuilt titles unless the car is dirt cheap.. no one wants rebuilds as trade ins or will finance them, the rebuilt title takes away 30% of its value
I don't know where you are in AL so I just punched in Prii within 200 miles of Birmingham on http://www.cargurus.com . Filtering out cars with accidents reported, salvage titles, 153k or more miles, etc. It came up with 38 listings below $8k. One looks very good in Alpharetta, GA. It's a 2009 with only 78k miles on it for $6,900..
my daughter has my old '08 with 100k. she uses it to commute from manhattan to to here, or weekends to the mountains. i'm comfortable up to 150k or so, and will recommend something newer after that.
Yes, the one in Alpharetta, GA and a similar one in Huntsville, AL are the 2 2009 models I'm looking at. The one in Huntsville is also low mileage but about $1000 more than the one in Alpharetta. Thanks! Stephen
