Hey all! Wanted some advice on buying a gen 3 Prius, I had a 2008 gen 2 and loved it but lost it in a crash. I looking at a 2010 base level with 134,000 miles for 6,800$ or a 2011 level two with solar roof and navigation package with 140,000 miles for 7,500$. I’m leaning towards the 2011 for the backup camera alone. But anything else I should look out for or know? Am I getting a reasonable deal? Thanks!!
OP, I can't tell you if the above stated deals are good or not. I can tell you that at those mileages the cars probably need the 120K maintenance intervals. Ask for maintenance records to determine that. Another major item is performing the EGR System cleaning. This item is not stated in the maintenance book. The concern is that the EGR Cooler can clog up causing a potential engine failure. This applies to all G3s. MY2010 engines with over 100K are nortorius for using oil. Less so on the 2011s. MY2012 was the refresh model year with better styling and safety improvements. For what it's worth I would op for MY2102 or newer. Good luck with your car search.
As mentioned already, I’d check the status of the 120k mile service. And, the importance of cleaning the EGR system “stem to stern” cannot, in my opinion, be overstated. If you were to KNOW that one of your prospective cars had the complete EGR system serviced, that would be a huge plus. I’d echo the advice of looking at a MY2012+ if it’s in your budget. CarComplaint has a LOT of oil burning stories on the MY2010 and MY2011 gen3s.
Double check that the one you choose has spent it's life registered in a CARB state, like California, and not imported from another state via auction. That would ensure your CARB warranty on the hybrid battery.
Are you buying from a dealer or private party? I would strongly recommend buying private party for the best bang for your buck and asking the forum for questions to ask. If you have links to the cars that would help endless questions too! I have so many!
Thanks for the advice guys!! I ended up going with the 2011 Prius, and I’m getting it inspected at my local dealer tomorrow. Hopefully everything checks out! I’m sure I’ll be asking more advice in the future