If at all possible, I would buy a new hybrid. If you are going used, like others have suggested, buy a used non-hybrid. I just think a new hybrid will save you money for the entire time of finance.
New Prius are also safer in the crash testing. I was going to mention that there were big crash test improvements in 2015 & newer Prius v too if you need the extra cargo space.
Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions! Update I bought a pale blue 2012 Prius v wagon back in February with leather seats in mint condition. I love it!! So happy! It runs fabulous! I can’t wait to take it on many road trips
For those of you contemplating buying a used rental car, think again. Rental Cars are abused. If you don't believe me, believe YouTube. "rental car abuse"
Also many rental Prius are Model One. Until late 2017 you could not even buy that low a model from Toyota. It was reserved for fleet sales.
We bought a 2012 Prius v (wagon) a little over a year ago. It has 147,000-ish miles on it now and no discernible oil consumption to speak of (yet). Hopefully you will have the same luck!
I had a 2012 v for over 4 years and loved it. It was my first experience with a Prius. I probably would still have it if they didn't come out with the Prime. When I traded it in on the Prime it had 125k miles on it and I had no problems with it whatsoever. The only things that needed replacement (besides regular maintenance) were front brakes once and rear shocks once. Best of luck with yours!
He did say beyond regular maintenance. Most people don’t consider consumables like tires when they talk about what a car cost them in repairs
OK, brakes are consumable, so forget them. As for the tires they were replaced at 100k. Yes, they lasted that long.