I am currently in the market for a Gen3 Prius for my wife and need to know what issues to look out for prior to making a purchase. We are looking to pay between 15-20k and have found a few with higher miles for the year(2010-2011 w/ 40k+ and some over 100k). In addition, we're trying to figure out which model to go with as we do like the built-in NAV, bluetooth and backup camera in the III-V models. That said, for higher mileage examples, what should we check to see if we're really getting a deal or possible lemon? I also posted in the Maintenance Forum and was shocked to see that there's really no major maintenance for the first 100k miles so even the one we're going to look at tonight('10 P5 w/ 102k for $15k OTD) shouldn't scare us. As for our current car, we purchased our '03 Corolla LE in late 2010 w/ 153k and are currently at 215k w/ no major issues so I'm confident that the build quality of the Prius will be at or above the Corolla.
Review the service record . I would look for a transaxle fluid change. Important since the transaxle works so hard with the regenerative breaking.
Are you buying from a dealer or a private party? If it's from a dealer, turn off the AC and radio and drive it over some rough roads. The 10's were notorious for dash rattles and some had defective right fender clips that caused a buzzing on the right side during accelerations. Then turn on the AC and sniff the vents for a musty odor. If so, ask the dealership to deodorize the AC's evap coil chamber. If it's from a private party, there's not much you can do but take it to a dealer and have it properly inspected.
Checked the A/C and no musty smell. Also drove on the expressway w/ no radio and A/C with no rattling. As far as transaxle fluid it has not been changed. The seller is a small dealer who mainly specializes in Prii and it's definitely a 5 w/ all the options. Still a little nervous on the miles, but at $15k OTD it's hard to pass up, I still want to see if he can do $14.5k though.
If you are referring to the Prii with 102k miles, that does seem high. 50 to 60k is more believable. It's hard to know what it was used for but a "five" has all the options. If the one you are looking at has "advanced technology package", you have allot of testing to do for things like the "smart cruise", KLA, NAV and self parallel parking. Hopefully, a carfax will clear it of any accidents. Small dealer...I've dealt with Larry Miller and Camelback Toyota and they were both very good to me. If you have doubts, maybe get it checked out by a larger dealer to be sure there aren't any "unknowns" about this car. I think Camelback is open on Saturdays - maybe Larry Miller as well. If the tires are OEM, you're probably looking at a new set soon. Good luck.
What is KLA? BTW I sent you a PM with the link to the ad. Please let me know if there are any East Valley dealers that would be good for an inspection.
KLA is "Keep Lane Assist" - it's part of the MID (Multi-Information Display) and will tell you if you drift out of your lane on the highway. I sent you a PM on a dealer in Mesa/Chandler.
