Hi there, Beginner here. I'm about to buy a prius, just don't know which one yet. I'm living in Montréal, so really cold climate is a big topic. Atm there are a few prius (pri-i?,-) for sale, and two tipes are in my budget. 1: 2nd gen prius 2008 around 150000 kilometers 2: 3rd gen prius 2012 around 240000 kilometer (and often ex taxis)... What do you think is generally better, when you can't have both, low mileage or a newer car? Thanks in advance.
That's a hard question for someone else to answer. One's better in one way and the other is better in other ways. Gen 2 is a GREAT car for reliability. It also has more little storage places. Gen 3 is much more refined. But it's also more prone to head gasket failure. Both cars will soon be needing new traction batteries unless they have just been replaced, especially the 2008. (Age is worse than miles for the big battery.) If they have been replaced with a refurbished battery I would not want it. Those are highly unreliable. If it has the original battery, the price would need to be low enough for you to set aside $2-3,000 for a new replacement.
Thanks jerry for your answer! I know it’s not possible to get a “right” answer but opinions and experiences from prius owners and experts like you are worth alot! Thanks!
I used to own a gen2, which I upgraded to a 2020 plug-in last year. I don't have experience with the gen3. The things that I didn't like about the gen2 were: No bluetooth No nav system Little low-end torque No remote control for the climate control Some of these are fixable, and others you can learn to live with. I had no issues with the gen2 in cold climate—it behaves very similarly to the 2020 plug-in, in that the engine stays on for longer to make heat. In general I would say that a newer Prius is better than a low-milage Prius (as they are very reliable). However, based on what I have read on this forum, the gen3 Prius has engine issues that slowly build up. That makes me lean towards the gen2. But this is just based on what I have read here—I am no mechanic.
If your budget doesn't include a repair fund that would cover a multi-thousand dollar repair, I would lean away from both cars. All things being equal.... If you are able to perform your own repairs I would go with the G3. Otherwise, you might have better luck with the G2. Good Luck!
Great choice. I would’ve steered you to the Gen 2 as well. The 2008 is the 2nd last year for the Gen 2 and they were quite reliable. Just note that the Gen 2 has a rubber bladder inside the fuel tank so on cold days, your fuel tank will be smaller than on a hot summer day (moreso now that the car is older).
such a hard one, both are so good! but if you have not yet been treated with either start at gen2 and move you're way forward gen2 is just so reliable, specially 08, they are a noble steed of a vehicle then look forward to getting a gen3 next time
Bonjour Montréal!! Félicitations pour ton achat ... Congrats for your purchase ... I’m in the Laurentians and it’s pretty sunny and cold this morning ... You’ Love it here, tons of information and very friendly helping people...
