Considering a 3rd gen Prius, need some pointers

welcome to priuschat!

i would start by test driving a new one, so that you have a benchmark to compare used ones to.
learn how to reset the trip gauge from your mechanic, then, take them for a good long drive under various conditions. it will give you the average mpg's for that trip, which gives you some idea of how everything is operating.
you can have a health check done at a dealer, but that will only tell you how the battery is today, and not tomorrow.
i would go for a higher mileage 2012, because the consensus is that years are harder on the battery than miles, but of course, it depends on how much higher. all the best!

 

There were a couple teething issues in the 2010 such as the brake accumulator and the headlight voltage fix, which were solved by 2012, so I would tend to recommend the 2012.
However, I am biased as I have a 2012. Aesthetically, I like the refreshed styling of the 2012 model, and specifically the wider visual angle of the rear taillights--they are much more noticeable in my view.

 

I owned a 2010 (IV) Prius, and traded it in 2015 for an Avalon hybrid. It had 130,000 miles on it, and was never in the shop for repairs (2 software recalls, oil and rotate tires only). My "lifetime average fuel efficiency (I kept a record) was 52 mpg (calculated). When traded everything was original (including the brakes) except the tires. At about 60,000 I installed Michelin Energy Saver tires. They greatly improved the road noise as well as a small improved milage.

PC writers mention the new Prius has improved handling ..... I have not driven one, and since you mentioned your budget, you are not in that category anyway. Personally, I am one that does not like the looks of the new Prius (interior or exterior). I've considered looking for a good, previously owned 3rd generation Prius. I personally liked what it called the "flying bridge" as well. I found the interior was spacious (I am 6' 2") and the back seat ample for 2 guest. I drove my 2010 all the way across the country and back 5 times. I found it comfortable, efficient and reliable. For all of those reasons, that it what I bought an Avalon. Toyota makes fantastic hybrids.

I hope that helps.

 

they also made a model in 2011.

 

Download the sales booklets from 2010-2015 so you can see which features were available and how they were packaged over the years. I believe all of the cars will have the 10/150 CARB warranty on the hybrid components. 2010 & 2011 were basically identical. Also check out the Plug in Prius. Around here in your price range you'll find Twos & Threes.

Gateway Toyota has a 2010 IV listed on cars.com in your price range. Roman numerals in 2010, the numbers spelled out every other year.

Happy hunting.

 

8yr/100K miles for non-CARB States. 10yr/150K miles for CARB States.

There are States that adopted the CARB emission standard, but not the longer warranty (ie Washington State).

The CARB warranty is applicable if the car was initially purchased in a CARB State (first owner), and continuously registered in a CARB State. There are exceptions to this, and it seems to be an individual case by case basis determined by Toyota.

You would have to look at the warranty booklet for the model year you want, for the specifics. If anything is unclear, contact Toyota Customer Care. Many dealers don't know, and many cases of them giving incorrect info.

 

When I was looking for a Gen 3, I found it very helpful to have downloaded the spreadsheet from this page to know what features were in which models for which years. Nice to have it all in one place rather than poring over six years of sales booklets trying to compare.

-Chap

 

I recently sold my 1999 Honda CR-V and bought a 2010 Prius 3 and have been really happy with it so far. The Honda was great in the snow here in Vermont and I'm pretty sure the engine would have lasted forever but it began to rust so badly I had to unload her. In terms of comfort and conveniences the Prius is light years (11 to be specific) ahead of the CR-V. The Prius is so quiet, smooth and I feel like you get such a great quality car for the price I paid $10,000. The road noise on the CRV was unbearable on long trips and the Prius is like driving a cloud in comparison

 

I would not discount the 2010-2011 years if you can find one with low miles and service history, which will be mainly oil changes. All recalls on these years have or should have been preformed, so in terms of problems their shouldn't be any. I would look for one that is a 3 or higher and if you can find one with the solar roof even better! Good luck on the search.

 

congrats! all the best.

 

Your Prius looks great! Good luck with your new ride. Let us know how you like driving this amazing vehicle!

 

Congrats on a cool looking car with great features.

Hey, what's all this BS about it being slow?
That's a myth!

It goes up to 116 mph. Don't do it. But that's not slow!

Maybe you were referring to acceleration.
Put it in PWR mode ! It's fun, and it won't cost you more than $120 a year to do so.

I have stats..

 

Feel kind of stupid, I read through this whole thread without looking at your username. I thought, a Mazdaspeed Miata from philly huh? Reminds me of the dude from TST. Sure enough I recognized the username

First off, WOW the Miata has come along way. Looks great! I remember when you bought this car, and its early stages of mods. WOW!

Second, I am in the market for a used Prius as well, but having a bit of a struggle with my ego. Well not really an ego, more so adapting to the thought of something new/different. I've always owned performance cars, so this will be a transition into a practical car as well as my first car with an "automatic" transmission. The driving experience has always out weighed my need for practicality. However, I'm older now with a family and a good paying job. The catch is I commute 88 miles a day to work, and a Prius just makes tons of sense for what I need. But that smiles per gallon side of me says screw it pick up an RS lol.

So my question to you is, being a like minded car enthusiasts did it take time to adjust to driving the Prius as a daily? I don't really track my car other than the occasional trip to Atco or Maple. So chances are I would sell my speed3 as I wouldn't have time with my job and family life for a project car.

At this point I'm pretty sure I'll pull the trigger on one, it's more of a when will I pull the trigger.

 

Nice and you paid $10k ?