Looking to buy a used Gen 4 Prius. Do you trust CARFAX?

Read the fine print. Carfax only reports what is reported to them. Some things Carfax cannot get, somethings things aren't reported to them until after the report you got was given to you. And dealers have been known to "scrub" condition reports. Reports like Carfax shouild be a starting point and treated as unreliable.

 

Gen 4 started with the 2016 Prius Liftback. The 2017 Prius Prime replaced the plugin Prius.
2014 and 2015 are the older less efficient Gen 3 design. The new 2018 Hybrid Camry is the only other Gen 4 Toyota hybrid. The LE has the same EPA rating as the Liftback.

 

Having worked at a dealership for many years, to be honest there isn't much else out there I would recommend. One must take it upon themselves when purchasing a used vehicle to have it thoroughly inspected.

As for a buying a used car. Would you be interested in a 2016 Prius C Two - in Tangerine Orange metallic? Just hit 15k.

 

If you have the VIN you could also join the Toyota Owners site and check the service history. Of course this presumes the car has been serviced by Toyota over the life of the car.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site

 

The car you mentioned is a Gen 3, not a Gen 4. As @Prodigyplace already stated, Gen 4 was introduced in 2016.

As for Carfax, I think they are not going to knowingly deceive, so they can be trusted that way, but they only know what they've been told.

 

When I was in the market in 2016, I saw a 2016 Prius with 350 miles on it on a dealer's lot I LaGrange, IL. That joker wanted almost sticker price for the car. Couldn't figure out who was crazier, the guy who got rid of the car or the dealer.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

The VIN is at the end of the CARFAX URL...

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

@DrMetal , it's not clear to me: are these local cars, car's you see and test drive? If so, I would read through the CarFax, but rely on first-hand observations. I would never by a used-car sight unseen.

But then: I've never bought a used car. Even then there's gotchas: up here, "new" car contracts typically say the car can sustain 20% of it's retail value in damage, before dealership needs to disclose it. Worth noting: a contract is just paper, until both parties sign. You're free to propose amendments, say cross out 20%, revise to $500 or whatever.

 

You need to have a competent mechanic do an inspection of the car. Even it is a CPO car. And ask to see the title before you do any negotiating. If it a salvage or branded title, run!

 

Good idea, but don't think that lets you relax, get complacent. You're the one that really cares, has the most riding on this. Look the car over very carefully. Check for signs of undisclosed bodywork for example. Or flood damage, there's one recent nightmare story here. Or it's a smoker's car? Whatever. Just look in all the corners, an abused car will have clues.

 

2014 - 2016 includes Gen 4. But the OP link is Gen 3

 

A Toyota Certified used car would give you some additional warranty, at least in some cases.

Certified Used Toyota Vehicles | Pre-Owned Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Hybrids

EDIT: I note again from the page title that, according to Toyota US, a Hybrid is not a car, truck, or SUV. What is it then??

 

Certified is a better bet, but you'll usually pay more for one like that. For many people it's worth it. Lots of good advice in the above comments.

On the Gen 3 vs 4: Gen 3 is a great car, but by virtually all accounts, Gen 4 is a fantastic car. Get the 2016 if you can swing it. Besides, the newer it is, the less time it's had to be abused.

And Gen 3, but he's looking for a Gen 4. Looks like that's all sorted out now, anyway.

 

Am I the only one sceptical of "Certifed Pre-Owned"? The premise seems to be that the car's in better shape, and you pay a premium for that. The reality, that it's just another extended warranty, of dubious value?

 

You usually get the balance of the manufacturer's warranty, but not much more. Not sure it's worthwhile for the price you pay, but I haven't bought a used car in a while.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

You figured out the secret! The "inspection" on a CPO car is for the manufacturer to certify the car. I doubt the inspection is actually completed in most cases. And if an "inspected" item is faulty when you sign the papers, or breaks the minute after you buy it, you are on your own under the insurance policy sold you (it's not a warranty). If the item is not covered, you pay. There are only two types of cars: new and used. And there is only one kind of dealer: (do I really need to say it? LIAR).

 

The link I posted lists a 1 year / 12K mile warranty and a 7 year / 100K mile warranty.

Toyota needs to be pretty confident in the vehicle condition to offer a 7 year / 100K power train warranty. I assume that covers the traction battery & transaxle, 2 of the most expensive repairs on a Prius.