High mileage C purchase?

Going by the nada book value, it seems to be a pretty good price for my zip code.
The Prius "c" is a pretty reliable car

As for the hybrid battery, if it is the original, then the warranty is is long gone.
That would be about the only questionable item on the car, after a good looksee from
you if capable, or from experienced hybrid shop.
The "c" HV batteries are smaller than standard Prius batteries, so they tend to get a bit more use/abuse.

As for using it as a second car?
How often would it be driven? and how far?
Would it sit for long periods without use?

Only asking, since Prius HV batteries like more usage than sitting.
Not much options to replace the HV other than used/reman (which not the best decision) or
new from dealer, which will be a price shocker.
You could look into maintaining it, with a Prolong charger from
Prolong Battery Systems. Extending the life of your hybrid. — Hybrid Automotive

Just my opinion, I think for $5k it is a good deal. Perhaps haggle to $4k and it is even better

Read up on the Prolong charger and other topics regarding maintenance such as,
brakes, spark plugs, transaxle fluid, shocks/struts
as these items may or may not be costly, if you DIY or if you need to see a shop
or even worse have to go to a Toyota dealer.
But the history may or may not prove that any of these were done, or done correctly, with proper maintenance.

Good luck! post other questions too!

 

They actually last longer because of its lower voltage. 144v for the C vs 201.6v in the normal Prius. There was a thread somewhere about this.

 

Very good to know!

 

I believe mileage is secondary to age with these. Sounds like a decent one. Good luck!

 

how many miles a year do you think you'll put on her?

 

Huh? first I've heard that.... I've read more than a few threads here where it's mentioned these things are dying off about a year or two before the warranty expires. No big complaints there, since they get replaced.

 

Yeah I'm similarly doubtful of @iceman13 's claim re: lower voltage for longer life. People want long warranties on traction batteries, right? So if Toyota reasonably could offer a long warranty on the c battery they would. The only reason not to do so is because they'd spend too much money giving away batteries.

So why is the c battery warranty two years shorter than all the others?

I don't have access to Toyota's data, but I've satisfied myself with the idea that the reduced warranty is because they don't expect this battery to last as long as the bigger ones.

 

Maybe I misread some info about the lower voltage related battery life but certainly it doesn’t have anything to do with the warranty Toyota offers. Toyota only upgraded the warranty on 2020 model year and onwards hybrids. I believe the last model year for the C was 2019. It’s only a marketing strategy to catch up with increasing competition and compelling new buyers. I’m 100% sure it has nothing to do with them not having enough confidence on the C’s traction battery and losing money.

 

I have 308,000 miles on my 2013 prius c. I can say go ahead and buy it and tomorrow the engine blows on you. Every car is different. Every driver drives their car differently. If you like the car and can afford to spend the money, than buy it. If not, than don't buy it.