Hey all! I'm hoping to become a first time prius buyer and am very ignorant about cars in general. I've heard about the low maintenance costs and am hoping for a car that can last for years on end. I'm considering a used 2013 prius 4 model that has only 35K miles. I'm wondering if I should be excited to have found it or if I should be concerned. Are there problems that can come from an older prius that's been idle for most of its life? I've been reading about the battery so am planning to buy the Dr Prius, but wondering if I should be more concerned. Are there other things I should consider asking the seller?
At 7 years old, regardless of mileage, I think these are good cars for people who can do their own service work, or have a hybrid literate independent shop they can rely on. Savings in fuel, especially with gas prices down, will evaporate instantly if you are dependent on a 'yota dealer for service.
That's very helpful. I was wondering if I'd need to go to a dealer for maintenance. I'll look for a reliable hybrid independent shop instead! Thanks!
I wouldn't consider 5,000 mi/year "idle for most of its life." Light use, sure, but it's not like it was stuffed in a garage and sat there like some cars. "Idle for most of its life" is something like the 1992 Vipers that pop up every once in a while with a few hundred miles on the odometer. Ask the seller if you can have it inspected, take it to an independent mechanic, and if they give it the okay then move forward.
Get the VIN and/or the License Plate info and plug it into CarFax.com to check for service records and for evidence of odometer rollback. You might be able to check for service records at toyota.com if you have the VIN, but that might work only if you already have an account with Toyota as an existing owner.
I bought my first Prius this year as a commuter car. It's a 2010 Prius 3 with 145,000 miles on it. I haven't had any issues with mine so far. I actually prefer driving it now over my new car on the weekends.
Take it to the dealer and ask for a pre buy inspection. It should be less than $150.00. They will run a complete diagnostic on the car and do an inspection.
Cost? How many previous owners? Been in an accident? If yes on accident, is the title rebuilt or salvage? Are you buying from a private seller or a dealer?
"They will run a complete diagnostic on the car and do an inspection." When I bought my 2010 IV, I took mine to a local dealer and had this inspection done (~$72) and it was useful, but they also tried to upsell me a list of repairs, all of which required NO repairs: Rear brake rotors out of spec, needed replacing--they were NOT; CV boots on front axles torn (they were NOT; in perfect condition). The car only had 61K miles on it, so there is NO way the rear rotors were worn (I also checked the front rotors: perfect). Be aware of these shenanigans; they are trying to take advantage of folks who have little/no mechanical experience...
I would get it inspected at your local hybrid repair shop first, but Prius are great cars. If it checks out buy it Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
