Hi all, I am actively in the market for my first Prius, which strikes my partner and I as a great choice for a one-car family in the near suburbs of a major city. While we are considering purchasing a new 2015 -- unfortunately, can't wait either for Gen IV or for the prices to drop on the last of the Gen IIIs -- my local dealer also has a 2010 i-Tech with 90k km (so...55k miles?) for about AU$19K (about US$14K, though I don't think it really translates in terms of car prices). The price seems about right and, from what I read here, the mileage is no trouble. My primary question is about the 2010 and first years of new models -- were there issues with the 2010 that would make looking for a slightly later year a better idea? Are there updates that appear in subsequent MYs that make those more desirable? Are there specific problems, repairs, or recalls that I ought to ask about? FWIW, this is a Toyota dealer, so I'm assuming recalls have been dealt with (though I will ask...). Many thanks in advance for your advice!
I had a 2010 (until a month ago). I also have a 2012 PIP. (Previously I had a 2001 and 2004 as well). There were no issues with the 2010 AFAIK. It still ran perfect with 40K miles on it. I sold it because I got a Leaf to take advantage of the solar PV I just got. Mike
rear brakes can be an issue in road salt area's, but shouldn't be an issue for you. some had a lot of interior squeaks that were ironed out a bit over the years, again, more in cold weather. they changed the armrest/cupholder in 2012 i think. no biggies i can think of, a lot of happy 2010 owners.
Thanks for the replies. It may also be that a 2010 is actually the second year of the Gen III here -- cars listed as 2009s appear to have the new body type already. In any case, no salt, not much in the way of cold weather -- sounds like it'll be just fine! Thanks again.
I have a 2011 and love it. I do have road salt so ran into that issue after I bought it last summer. The dealer ended up putting new pads rotors on it for free. Will think about a brake cleaning service this winter.
I got a 2010 prius I bought it with 58k miles in 2014 and now I'm at 80k miles it haven't given me any trouble, as long you maintain your car on time should be trouble free.
We have 91k miles (not km) on our 2010 Prius. At 87k the inverter failed, Toyota replaced it under our USA warranty (100k miles) for free. Was a $2200 job on paper. To date that is the only issue we've had.
Go for it. Prius are wonderful, economical and highly reliable cars. I guess though get the newest and lowest mileage Prius that you can afford comfortable though. That's how I would go into the shopping experience if buying used. But as seen above not many if any issues if you choose a 2010 Post pics of your new ride when you get it pls. All the best...
No major issues on our 2010. 90k miles in 4 years. Did both front wheel bearings plus front and rear brakes over the last 8 months or so. Ours is a bit rattly, particularly in the cold of winter. Not a single driveability or reliability issue ever. Rain or shine, hot humid summer, or deep snow of winter (dedicated winter tires). It's never let us down. We drive it much less now and plan to keep it as long as possible.
Greetings! I haven't had any issues with my 2010 so far at 85,000 miles, except for the weak 12v battery. It's a company car, and so it definitely sees a little rougher service than POVs. lIIRC there was an issue with software and the inverter that Toyota solved in part with a warranty extension. You'll want to check to see if your prospective G3 has or needs the same warranty mod. I'm thinking that there was also a brake recall for some 2010s, but my memory is a specious tool. I can't remember what I had for breakfast and it's 0853 here. If your car dealers are anything like our car dealers (and politicians!) ASSUME NOTHING where warranties are concerned. How long are you going to keep this car.....really. If I were going to buy a used G3 I'd be tempted to get 2012-2015, provided that you keep it long enough to recoup the additional expense. Gas is a little more expensive in AU than it is here. I'm thinking a little over one of your dollars for one of your liters. We use our dollars, our gallons, and we drive on our side of the road! The point is that Priuses make good sense up here in America. Even more so if you're down there! Good Luck! Post pictures please when you're done.
