Looking at a 2010 Prius IV - Should I avoid due to Oil Consumption issue?

Google for amsoil oil consumption (TSB MO-2004-04-03) and see #21 on page 5.

This is the best explanation I could find.

 

I never added oil to my 2010 in 130,000 miles. I did change the oil (Toyota recommended viscosity; synthetic) at 7,500 miles.

I was at the Toyota dealer this week and asked if the G3 Prius was prone to consume oil? The nabber said no, but cited [problems with early Corolla.

 

I suppose my opinion would be that you don't necessarily have to avoid the 2010 because of singular reports of this issue.
It has been reported by some...but for the vast majority NOT having the problem they aren't going to create a post talking about how it's NOT an issue. You only hear about the problem...not the vast majority of non-problems.

That being said, if looking used? I might try to avoid what was the introductory year for that generation.
The cost difference used between a 2010, 2011, and even 2012 might be pretty minimal.

 

I'd advise against it. I have a 2010 and it has the dreaded oil consumption. Burns about a quart every 500 miles. It may be the reason the owner is selling it to you.

 

I agree that probably only a small minority of 2010's have the issue. And yes, lets face it...most folks here are pretty vocal when they find a problem. So a small vocal minority? Most certainly.

With that said, our 2010 does burn oil. And it does seem like there are many more reports of 2010's with consumption issues than any other Gen3 model year.

I guess my advice would be to go for a 2011+ if the price delta isn't too much compared to a similarly equipped 2010. If the 2010 is significantly less...then go for it if it has a 'clean' repair record.

 

Common sense would tell you while using Synthetic, you will not have any wear so you will not get oil consumption. Does this mean Synthetic oil is not that good? I know it is more slippery and pore's better, but is that it? interesting.


As companies argues that Synthetic is better and your engine will last longer. will it?

 

Taxi company here with 40 Prius all the gen 3's seem to fail around 180-200k (engine/hybrid) but the 2010's had a tendency to fail a bit sooner. The engine bay is also slightly different. I would avoid just because that means little parts you might need later on will not be cheap.

 

Interesting info if true. That would agree with some taxi drivers from Europe who reported major failures before 200,000. I bought my 2010 based on legendary reliability of 2 gen and I honestly thought 3 gen would be even better. I guess Toyota is getting better with engeenering the cars to last the exact "lifetime" of 150,000 miles.

 

The question that keeps running around in my head: any easy to spot an oil burner? You could ask, but yeah...

 

With modern cat converters it's next to impossible unless it's massive (1qt in 200 miles) or cat died.

 

Yeah I was thinking tail pipe condition, but I think that's what you're ruling out, due to catalytic converter masking the oil burn. Hmm..., Ah: submit current owner to lie detection test.

Reading a bit more: blue smoke from the tail pipe is a symptom. But again, is that still happening, with cat's.

 

If it's not burning oil it's losing water. losing water is worse, you run the chance of blowing a hole in the engine(happened twice now). Losing oil you can just get the head gasket replaced.

unfortunately friendly_jacek we also bought all these gen 3's because we had 10 gen 2's and only 1 of them had engine problems. With the uber competition these unexpected repairs are really hurting us.