Howdy, Thanks for taking a look at this. I'd thought I'd ask the question here because the 3rd gen Prius is the nicest car I'm looking at and I figure you folks chose the Prius 3rd gen over the two other cars I'm looking at (2nd gen Prius and Prius C) and want to get your thoughts on the matter. I commute about 40-50 miles per day mostly on the freeway and lately there's been more and more traffic. My car gets an honest 13 mpg in traffic and doesn't get really get above 30 mpg ever (even doing 55 mph on warm days with no A/C) because it's a 2001 Lexus LS430. I love Toyotas. I have my own copy of techstream. My local toyota/lexus/scion shop does an awesome job with the hybrids (their shop car is a plug in Prius). I love the idea of saving money on everything (cheaper tires, fewer oil changes, longer lasting brakes, et. al) and with gas as cheap as it is, my car will never be worth more and Priuses are worth unusually little. And if I save enough money, I can finally upgrade my motorcycle to a Yamaha R1M or Vmax. And frankly, the Prius is one of the least expensive Japanese made toyotas (which I'm all about). I like quiet cars and at 6'4" perhaps the Prius C would be too small (and too loud on my mostly freeway commute). And it seems like the 3rd gen Prius is zippier, higher quality (please don't let me start a flame war), and quieter than the 2nd gen Prius. I'm looking at cars under 12k. Which seems to get me 3rd Gen Priuses II/IIIs with ~90k miles. The only feature that would really interest me is the HUD but the IVs and Vs with that option are outside my price range. I don't need a ton of help with general car buying advice - I'm familiar with bodywork and would have my shop check out any car. But any specific tips for Priuses would be helpful (e.g watch out for the headlamps on 2006/2007s). Frankly - what's the good deal (is the 2nd gen prius a better deal even though it's a worse car?) and what's worth paying extra for (should I pay extra for trim level or low milage or a maintenance history?). I'm looking to get a car with less than 100k miles with a minimal maintenance history (though I'd go up to 180k if the car got regular transmission fluid changes and brake fluid changes). That's not a line in the sand, it's just been my experience that japanese built Toyotas can go ~100k before you need to start taking good care of them. Are the Priuses any different? Can you go 150k before you start taking care of them? And as soon as I got the car, I'd get a full fluid replacement and get the brakes lubricated and clean the battery fan (if applicable). I'd probably keep the car for 100k miles or so until the battery electric autonomous cars enter my price range. Thanks for reading all this and for your sharing your expertise!
Gen3 has more creature comforts and more comfortable seats! Given your height, you will likely sit more comfortably in Gen3. Should you decide on Gen2, be aware HV Batts on Gen2 are going out. If seller claims NEW HV battery from Toyota demand paperwork and verify by running VIN on Toyota.com, or at your local Toyota dealership service dept. I would remove the top HV battery cover to see that the modules are original (sequential serial numbers) or did some knucklehead do a module swap. Gen 2s have a hatch hinge crack issue, which lets water into 12v battery compartment and spare wheel well compartment. A great buy might be a Gen2 with bad Hv batt. Buy a NEW HV Batt for $2000-$2200, on-line from a Toy dealer who sells on-line; will require will-call pick-up, as shipping not an option due to cost, and most dealers won't entertain shipping. New HV Batt is your best bet for trouble free longevity vs module replacement or "rebuilt/refurbished" HV pack.
With the Gen 4 cars now available, you can probably pick up a nice Gen 3 with acceptable mileage that would be in your price range. Prius drivers generally take good care of their cars. I wouldn't worry too much about battery longevity. They are tried and true.
For Gen 2s, typically avoid the Touring models (16" wheels and foglights) because they come with HIDs which are problematic. 2004/2005 ones with HIDs are the top packages usually. This page will help sort out the packages 2G Prius (2004-2009) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat This one is for the Gen 3. 3G Prius (2010-2015) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat Having owned both 2nd and 3rd, I'd lean towards the 3rd (unless you can find a really good 2nd gen. They're really robust. A 2006-2009 Gen 2.5 will have some of the modern updates like bluetooth handsfree calling, AUX input jack, backup camera, high resolution MFD etc). A 3rd gen will have a more lenient TRAC system that allows wheelspin (Gen 2s cut power which can be problematic if you're making a turn). You can see the list of new features on the 2010 in the thread above. Living in MN, a Gen 3 doesn't have the rubber gas tank (which can play havoc on actual fuel capacity, especially as the car ages. Our Gen 2 would top up at 27 litres rather than 35 litres on a low fuel light when it was older). It'll also get better winter mpg with ECO mode (lower engine shut off temperature threshold in ECO mode with the heater off).
Personal experience. At -10°C with the climate control off and about 5km of driving at an average of 40km/h (60km/h speed limit with traffic lights), I came to a traffic light. Turned off ECO and the engine fired up. Turn on ECO and the engine shut off. There is a specific temperature and it's mentioned somewhere on the site. Those with a scangauge were able to acquire those temperature thresholds. This is all I could find ECO Mode or Not | PriusChat
Hey thanks for the feedback! The idea of getting a prius with a bad battery is a great one. If I bought a second gen, I'd buy the deal first and foremost and if I bought a 3rd gen one, I'd shoot for one in a good condition. I won't get a Prius C. Probably. But these sound like great cars! Hope your guys love yours!
