IMO, I tend to shy away from the first year of any model. That being said, I tend to purchase in the 4th year, right after the refresh. By this time, any kinks are discovered, worked through, but not always, as evidenced with the inverter recall in 2014. However, you can take advantage of this. The inverter is very expensive to replace, and a 2013, 12, 11, 10 will have had that campaign performed, which extended the inverter warranty to 15 years and unlimited miles...
As has already been pointed out, the 2010 represents the first model year of the Gen 3. Without rehashing duplicate opinion...I think if money/budget did not interfere I'd go with a 2012 or 2013...or even later if possible...I'd like a Gen 3 that came after the mid-cycle refresh. HOWEVER... I do not think there is a wrong answer. 2010 can be perfectly fine. I'd be much more concerned with just trying to ascertain the condition of the vehicle as a whole.
I test drove a Prime Advanced when I was at the dealer for the air bag recall. Very tempting, but the lack of car payments for 4 years has spoiled us. I will be driving our 2010 II until it dies or the dealer makes us an offer on it we can't refuse.
I bought a really well kept 2010 IV. and had no issues at all. other than the recent recall on the passenger side air bag. Then a school bus hit me and totaled it. So I am in the market for a new (to me) Prius. I think a well cared for car is what to look for. I did not have it long enough to notice if it was burning oil, but it sure was a nice car. I will be looking at another 2010-2012.
My beloved 2008 Prius was just totaled. I am looking for a replacement and am curious about the best year used model to buy. Based on your comments, the 2012 is the one to look for. Any other comments on other years? I can't spend over $15,000 and am interested in the standard Prius with the 5 package.
I have a 2008, 10, and 11 (3 daughters), and do my own service. I personally prefer the '08. I did have to replace the digital speedometer, which I got rebuilt on ebay for about $150, I guess. I've replacesd the 12v battery on all 3. The other 2 tend to use oil, but I have always stressed checking the oil at every fillup on any car. I see no difference between the 10 and 11. Never had any brake work, except inspections. Now if I could keep tires & bumpers...
I think it is an urban myth. I had a 2011 that burned a lot of oil. It had around 190k when I sold it. It was a little while back but it'd already be disappearing after checking around 1000-1500 miles. Nothing on the dipstick when I bought it!
