Are the 2010 Prius models troublesome. I've read a few posts where members have advised to stay away from 2010 models. I'm pretty set on the 2011 Prius III I've found, however two 2010 model's have popped up with less milage, and less money. The 2010's don't have NAV or Solar roof. Any and all advice is appreciated. One is $17,900 and the other $19,995, with a 2k mile difference between the two. The 2011 is shy 42k miles.
i don't think so. maybe a few rattles (especially in cold weather) which you can test before buying. and some have bad 12volts, which is easily relaced if it hasn't been already.
WOW, okay, so this really opens up my playing field, as I LOVE to save money. I have a throw away NAV that I can use, and spoke with an Audio store who can add the iPod integration kit to the vehicle for under $250 that will work seamlessly with the steering wheel controls. I won't miss the moon roof as I don't have one now. If I went with the 2010, I'd get lower miles (around 15k) and save about $3,000 on cost. Please keep the opinions coming!!!
Mods thanks for moving my thread, sorry about the duplicate posts. Okay, The 2010's don't have NAV (I have a throw away I can use) or Solar roof. One of the '10's' is $17,900 and the other is $19,995, with a 2k mile difference between the two, both low 30's miles. The 2011 is just shy 42k miles. To me it makes sense to get the ones with lower miles, although both have hit the 3 year mark to expire the warranty, so I cannot get the super Prius Chat warranty special (bummer)....or can I?
i don't recall seeing any major problems with 2010's, but i never owned one. options like nav and solar roof are a personal choice. i wouldn't be interested in either, but your opinion is what matters. how much more is the 2011? 42,000 is just broken in, and it will be worth more when you sell it.
I can't answer your question because I just acquired my 2010 last week, but I'm betting it lasts a long time otherwise I would not have bought one. I have/had some of the same thoughts as you. Ended up purchasing a 2010 model II with 27,550 miles for $17,293. The dealer had already replaced the 12v battery. It has Goodyear tires with about 60% of their life left it would appear. The dealer made all of the customizable option changes I requested except he refused to turn off the seatbelt chime. I drove 400 miles (round trip) to get it. The interior is pristine. The exterior has a couple of small door dings/rubs. The underneath part of the front bumper has some minor scratching due to the previous owner pulling up too close to curbs/parking blocks but it is minor and does not show unless you are lying on the gound, looking up at it. I did go to the effort of inspecting the under engine covers closely before purchase because that is part of the aerodynamics of the car. It's in great shape and had a good service record. The first 3 oil changes were 5,000 miles apart, instead of the (very acceptable) 10,000 mile interval. Hope this helps. Good luck!
The 11 is 20,900, but I've worked the dealer down to 19,800 before TTL. I could do the same with the 10 model.
Just did a Toyota Care check and the 2010 with 33,080 miles has service history missing, while the vehicle with 35,715 miles has very accurate and up to date records, with service always completed at the selling dealership. This eliminates the former, due to potential service issues down the road. WOW, I really like Toyota's service set up, a lot. As previously mentioned, I can do without the NAV, and backup camera. Moreover, to top it off it's only $17,900, that'll save me many bucks in the long run.
I liked the idea of having "official" Toyota service record for my vehicle, but it would not necessarily be a deal breaker for me. I will do my own light service (oil changes, tire rotation, etc...) so from now on, the service I complete myself will not show up in the online available Service History. If the previous owner had done their own maintenance then that information would not have shown up during my search. Toyota Owners will allow a person to enter their own service history via the online portal, HOWEVER, that information is not disclosed or shown to other persons. Therefore, when/if I sell my prius in the future, my service(s) will not be reflected in the service record for anyone (other than myself) searching the Toyota Owners portal.
My 2010 is just shy of 60,000 miles with no problems other than a few rattles that bisco mentioned above. If you will go to sites like TrueDelta.com you can find the 2010 has been reliable overall to date.
If you sell, you can always export the service records to an .xls spreadsheet right from the portal. kewl. I do that just to back up the records.
So it looks like the 2010 is a far better deal and color (black rather then classic grey). Does the 3 year warranty end at the end of 2013, or beginning?
Looks like first service was 11/05/2010 at 5,972 miles. If I had to guess it looks like I may still be in the original warranty window. I will contact the dealer tomorrow to find out what month it was purchased originally for sure, then contact the extended warranty rep via Prius Chat to see what pricing options I have. I'm not 100% if I'll go with the extended warranty, but options are always good.
Virtually certain the 2012's gained a new engine mount and I know an improved intake manifold since there were a number of cold start engine knock complaints in some 10/11 models. Research it. 2010/11 Two models do not have bluetooth hands free which is nice to have, but can add aftermarket The Threes got JBL and voice activated bluetooth, but the 2012 Three lost JBL in favor of audio touchscreen, 3 door Smart Key and all threes have navigation. 2010/11 Three with navigation gains USB port over non-nav and motorized touchscreen to access CD slot.
We have three 2010 Prii (two package Vs and a II) and they have been problem free. In So. California, we don't have the interior plastic rattle that some have described during cold weather.
Great info!!! The one I'm looking at has Bluetooth, if no USB, I can add an integration kit inexpensively. Looks like I'm going to jump on this one and save myself a couple grand. YIPPY!!!
So the million dollar question is: Does 15k extra miles on the newer vehicle with the extra goodies equal an additional $3,000? With the newer vehicle I get: NAV, Bluetooth, Solar Roof, moon roof, back up can, and 2012 model. With the 2010: I only get Bluetooth, but 15k less miles. Resale or trade in might be a wash, but also might come in handy when looking at a newer model. What are your thoughts?
For me, in my situation, the years are more important than the miles. I put ~12,000 miles/yr on my cars, so they typically don't wear out before they rust out. The single most likely major repair on these cars is the traction battery and that seems to be more age than miles related. The 2012 is likely to be a little better sorted out than the first year of the generation 2010. FWIW I have the solar roof option and I like it very much.
