1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Should my first Prius be a 2013 2?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Beau Cephus, Nov 15, 2018.

  1. Beau Cephus

    Beau Cephus New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2018
    19
    6
    0
    Location:
    Ft Myers
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    So I am a food app delivery driver. I drive between 75-120 miles a shift in a warm climate. I'm currently using a 2013 Honda that gets 30 mpgs but I burn thru a quarter tank every shift and the full ups are about 32$ a tank so 8$ every shift. So I found a 2013 trim 2 Prius with 1 owner, no accidents with 36k miles on it at a certified dealership for 12500$, well below KKB by a few hundred bucks. My questions to you are 1. Is this a good deal 2. Does this year model have any serious issues. 3 can the car handle the amount of driving. 4 As I'm making payments on this will insane repairs derail me from working and paying it off. 5 can this car live into the 200k and beyond with that amount of usage with basic up keep? Thank you Prius wizards as I hope to join your ranks soon
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,330
    4,614
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Looks like a great deal... And Prius are best when they're driven often... That's why Taxi cab drivers get 1/2 million miles out of them with very little problem.
     
    James1964 and Skibob like this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,144
    50,053
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!

    2) 2010-2015 have a problem with egr circuit clogging. between 50 and 100,000 miles, you want to clean everything, and add an oil catch can if at all possible. this will prevent a blown head gasket.

    3) yes

    4) how long will you be paying it off?

    5) you have an 8/100 warranty on the hybrid battery. in the florida heat, 100-150k is more likely until you need a new one (around $3,000. installed) 200k is possible but might be pushing it.

    6) all the best!(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Nov 15, 2018
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2018
  4. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,214
    902
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Get pre-approved for financing, cheaply from a Credit Union or where ever. Walk into that dealership and say $10K. Be prepared to walkaway, as they will say all kinds of things. Remember, a bird in hand (a ready and pre-approved buyer standing in front of them right now) is worth two in the bush (unknown future buyer who may materialize soon/a lot later/never). The longer any car sits on a lot, the more motivated they are to sell, b/c they are likely paying interest and insurance on the car. Create a google voice number for them to call, so your real cell phone doesn't blow up.

    Prius have a LCO (Low Cost of Ownership), esp if you DIY. Regular maintenance and this include checking the engine oil level regularly will help ensure a long life for the car. Don't forget to check the tires too. Too many drives today, do neither.

    Check out the auto buying program (new/used cars) from Costco, AAA, American Express, etc. Low mark-up, no haggle.
    Auto Program Services | Costco

    KBB, BlackBook, Edmunds, NADA, etc, are all ESTIMATED vehicle value. The market will set the actual value: buyer willing to pay more or seller willing to take less just to get rid of it.
    upload_2018-11-20_19-37-56.png
     
  5. Oslolens

    Oslolens Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2018
    1
    1
    0
    Location:
    NO
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius+ MPV
    Model:
    N/A
    What is egr circuit (clogging)?
    Mine is a 2014 seven+ at 290.000km.

    Sent fra min D6503 ?
     
    James1964 likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,144
    50,053
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you can find a nuts about bolts youtube video about it. egr = exhaust gas recirculation valve, catches the engine blow by and clogs with the fine mist of oil over 10's of thousands of miles. there's a valve, a tube and the intake manifold involved equaling the 'circuit'.

    when it becomes completely clogged, back pressure can cause the head gasket to fail
    2014 got new piston rings i think, which some hope will alleviate the problem, but i don't think we know yet.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  7. Lwerewolf

    Lwerewolf Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2018
    15
    6
    0
    Location:
    Sofia
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    wait wait wait, isn't that the PCV?

    I mean sure, if the engine is literally throwing (through valve seals or piston rings or whatever) oil in the combustion chamber to burn, EGR will reintroduce it through the intake, but AFAIK usually the oil mist comes originally from the crankcase via the PCV system?

    Other than that, just guessing that a gen2 with a new battery should cost less and be way less trouble to own.
     
    PriusCamper likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,144
    50,053
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i'm no expert, you are better off revising threads here from others such as danlatu
     
  9. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2011
    350
    212
    58
    Location:
    Monroe, GA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I think you are better off with a three or four. The GPS is awesome.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,144
    50,053
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    love the gps, puts google to shame...