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First car

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Archer Berzins, Apr 28, 2021.

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  1. Archer Berzins

    Archer Berzins New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
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    Location:
    Floyd Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello all!
    I’m finally looking to get my first car, and I think I’ve determined I want a gen 3 Prius. I should be driving about 50 miles per day, and I love the gas mileage, storage, and reliability of the Prius. I have a budget of 7750, and I’m looking for recommendations. It seems I can find a lot of 2010s with around 140000 miles for about 6000, or a 2012 or 2013 with 150000-160000 for about 7000. I would, of course, prefer to spend as little as possible, so I’m liking the idea of the older, cheaper, lower mileage car. Does anyone have any advice on which kind of car would be the better buy?
    Thanks a lot!
     
    #1 Archer Berzins, Apr 28, 2021
  2. abdullah arslan

    abdullah arslan Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
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    Location:
    46628
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Buy 2015 or get a corolla or civic! Another idea is buy a high mileage one for cheap, so you ll not get upset if smt happens to car. For Gen3, I d only go with trim V (JBL sound system, leather, 17" wheels, navigation, LED headlight, heated seat, hands-free bluetooth) so better to find a high mileage 2010 one but be careful about critical issues. Everything starts from burning oil so change it regularly, no more than 6 months period

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 abdullah arslan, Apr 28, 2021
    bisco likes this.
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    8,493
    5,057
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Fair warning.... Prius Gen3 Issues

    Gen3 Prius with the 1.8L engine from 2010-2013 and some 2014s have bad rings causing excessive oil consumption around 150k-200k, the Brake Actuator is a $2300 failure in the same time frame, the Inverter was also defective from the factory. The brake actuator and inverter have a special replacement warranty ("customer support program") that expires ten years from first use OR after 150k miles starting Jan 1, 2022. The 2010 and many 2011 models no longer have the special coverage.

    The hybrid battery is good to 180k-220k and the only good repair is new from $1600 diy to $3000.

    Too many of these gen3 models eventually exhibit short duration and occasional "cold start rattle" that turns out to be head gasket leakage. Owners either ignore it or clean their egrs, change plugs and injectors and or add pcv oil catch cans, usually too late in the game if engine "rattle" is already occurring. Overheating or blown engines can be an end result of head gasket failure.

    Buy a simpler used car.

    3 Reasons To Steer Clear Of A 2010-2013 Toyota Prius | Torque News

    and
     
    #3 rjparker, Apr 29, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2021
    Tideland Prius likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    shake, rattle and roll!

    move on to a different vehicle andrew!

    all the best
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 29, 2021
  5. Archer Berzins

    Archer Berzins New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    7
    0
    0
    Location:
    Floyd Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for the advice!
    I do have extra money to spend on repairs, and I’m aware of the possible issues. I really like the Prius though, as I’ll be driving a lot more in the future and would save a ton on gas, and the storage and size seems perfect. Might a lower mileage, cheaper, gen 2 be a better bet?
     
    #5 Archer Berzins, Apr 29, 2021
  6. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2019
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    Location:
    Sanford NC
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    If you can find a lower mileage Gen2, I would recommend that above a Gen3. There is a higher chance (but not a guarantee) that you may need a hybrid battery replacement just because it's older. Not as much chance of oil usage, head gasket problems, etc.
     
    #6 bettergolf, Apr 29, 2021
  7. Pulse07

    Pulse07 Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2020
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    Location:
    East Bay, California
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    I have to agree with others that are suggesting another model. A gen 3 prius is about 10 years old now, get a used Corolla or a Camry.
     
    #7 Pulse07, Apr 29, 2021
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