So is number one a bad choice? Forgetting the design, is the 2011 one to stay away from? Are the 2012 changes worth 2k more? I know that’s really up to me, but as current owners, I would like suggestions to either walk or jump on it if I got them to 8k. iPhone ?
The 2010-2011 was the one with engine issues such as blown head gasket. Some people say the 2012 has that issue too but I own a 2012 and it’s at 180k miles without head gasket issue. The only thing that it normally does is burn 1 quart of oil every 5k miles. If you can find a 2012 Prius II, or III without sunroof then go for it since it’s cheap, but the sunroof edition is the one that adds to the cost.
I agree with the idea of going with a 2012 or newer if possible. Toyota did a refresh in 2012 I believe. I also agree that if buying used, and perhaps wanting to save some money, I might search for a Non-Solar Roof option. Unless you really, really want a sunroof. The "Solar" roof, was IMO a bit of a waste of technology, money, effort, as all it really was employed to do was offer a venting/circulation option. Plus I don't know if I'd want to worry about an aging solar roof. But a Prius having this option wouldn't preclude me from buying it, if the roof checked out OK, and the option was working. But I think personally on an older Prius, I'd actually rather avoid it.
I looked at the difference from 2011-2012 on here and it seems just cosmetic and a change to the glass type and instrument cluster. If I can’t get them down to 8 for option one I’ll pass. Option 2 won’t budge (not really a fan of bisque interior anyway) on price and three sold. I did check the roof out and it seems to work. iPhone ?
It's up to you. It all depends on your budget. Those options were going up about 2k each step, so the difference between option #1 and option #3, was beginning to take on an Apples to Oranges tinge. You're probably OK with the 2011. But in North America, 2010 was the first model year of the Gen 3. My personal philosophy is I like a few years distance from initial release. Often there are little things, sometimes their are major things, that automakers work out in the first few years of production. Again, it doesn't/hasn't stopped me from purchasing, but ideally, I like to wait until the first refresh of a model. The biggest negative to start floating back from the early years of Gen 3, seems to be the Oil Burning issue. But you are aware of that issue. Obviously I'm a fan of Prius. So I don't think any of the choices are bad. You're doing the most important thing...in researching here. So whatever you end up with? Enjoy.
It’s best to look at the 2011 and 2012 difference with the engine compartment. Cosmetic wise, it isn’t a big issue, but the mechanical side, it will be a big issue down the line when you have engine problems or, say, brake, inverter or some mystery problems with those 2010-2011 Prius.
How about this one? I got them to 9800 plus tax. They would repair the front bumper as well which isn’t that bad in person. 2013 Toyota Prius - Lawrenceville, NJ - Haldeman Lexus of Princeton - P14119A iPhone ?
Fair purchase was 10300 on kbb. I did some more investigating and found that option 2 was actually a fair kbb price to ask with the solar package. This car has more miles but is newer and closer to me. iPad ?
Didn’t see any other damage. The radio I can care less about being a two. I can add aftermarket and backup camera later. iPad ?
I have a 2010 III with solar and nav. Have 104,000 miles. It's been trouble free. Love the sunroof and find the solar ventilation useful in the summer. With a sunshade it makes a big difference. Make sure you do oil changes every 5k miles, and you can use 0W-30 or 0W-40 weight oil. I have been using 0W-40 weigh for the last 20,000 miles. Runs great and no real difference in MPG.
Just based on my current experience having to replace traction battery in my 07 with only 113k miles, I would go with one of the 2012 because that's one less year of wear on that part. I would run the carfax history on both, but that probably goes without saying.
