I've been looking at 2013-15 Prius to purchase and I was wondering what you think would be too many miles for a used Prius? What issue may common at certain mileages? What should I ask about specifically? I want a good deal but if I have to spend a good deal to fix anything, I may pass on it.
Is there any reason you are not looking at a 2016 or newer? The newer generation has better fuel efficiency and may have more advanced safety features. Most of them are standard on the 2017.
Mileage is not usually the weak point of a prius, in fact low mileage can be a worry. Batteries (any batteries, but lets worry about a prius) hate being discharged. A frequently driven prius is a frequently charged prius. One reason you hear of prius taxis going 500,000 is that they are never not being charged, they drive 24/7. So a four year old prius with less than 20,000 miles would worry me, but i would not be worried about 120,000. If you are considering a used prius, save back $5000 for repairs, and invest it as most likely you will never need it. I would not personally consider a gen 1 prius, 2004 or later for me.
For the most part --- a good running prius will remain running good regardless of miles. So I would just match mileage up with price. I would drive a 400,000 and up Miles prius for $2000-$3000 if clean and driving good. I would drive a 200-300,000 miles and up prius for $3000-$5000 if clean and driving good. And I am not afraid at all of miles because I know what to do and who to take it to and where to buy parts if anything breaks. Current cars are a 2008 with 155K miles that I have about 5k into. And a 2012 Plug In with 223K that I have about $6000 into.
200,000 is my limit because at that point cars are almost fully deprecated for the mileage. You get hardly anymore discount for 200k+ vehicles.
I wouldn't want a new Prius. They're too ugly. That's why I'm looking for 3rd generation Prius, maybe 2014 -15. If I were going to get a brand new hybrid, I'd go with the Hyundai Ionic if the reliability is good. it is a good looking car, with clean styling.