I'm looking at two used Prius. One is a 2014 with 180K miles for $9.5K. It has no accidents, one owner, and regular maintenance at Toyota dealership. The other is a 2009 with only 50K miles for $10K. Also no accidents, but three owners, and less documented service history. The 2009 would be about $1500 more expensive than the 2014 because of a $999 dealer fee. Which is the better option?
I'd go for the 2014 as it's newer and more likely to be worth something if you sell it on in the future. Also it's $1500 cheaper as you say. Given the age of both I'd buy according to the condition rather than service history. 180k miles wouldn't bother me as long as it hadn't been used as a taxi or something
Some people say to avoid the 3rd gen because of EGR/head gasket issues. 2010-11 were the worst years for the gen 3. 2014 should be better. The 2009 has low miles, but it's approaching 15 years old and might need a new hybrid battery. 2009 was the best year for a gen 2.
Meh, not every gen 3 has these issues. The fact the this gen 3's made it to 180k would suggest that it may have been well maintained. If you have a specific concern about EGR and head gasket issues, use some of the money you could save to get an independent mechanic to check these areas before buying. Well you identified the biggest potential issue with the gen 2 . It's easier to find a replacement engine for a gen 3 than a good battery for a gen 2 (how much is a gen 2 battery at a dealer these days?). Spending $1500 more for a car that's five years older doesn't make sense to me, but I'm sure others will beg to differ.
Here's a battery for a gen 2 with a 4 Year 48,000 Mile Warranty for $1,990. They also have reconditioned batteries with a 12 Month 12,000 Mile Warranty for under $1,000. I assume this price excludes installation.
Both of these cars are either nearing 10 years old or over 10 years old, bad news for hybrids. There are many parts to replace after a hybrid gets to 10 years old and they aren't cheap. If I had to choose, the one that will hold it's value best would be the 2014, but that car at 180k miles may have issues, the reason it was sold to the dealership. Also the one with the super low mileage, you should run your own carfax to determine if the mileage is accurate. There are many reports of mileage rollbacks from independent small dealerships (more red flag when service records not available or missing.)
Keep in mind that some high mileage gen-3s are let go by their previous owners due to rattling and head-gasket issues. So if you do decide on the gen-3, i suggest you clean the EGR, intake manifold, replace pcv valve right away. In my opinion do a full blown maintenance like all fluids, spark plugs, clean the maf sensor, fuel treatment, etc.
That just tests for exhaust in the coolant, and third gen head gasket failures are usually coolant in cylinder. Any 3rd gen with that sort of miles I don't think I'd touch, because the odds are so high it's being ditched. Leak-down test and boroscope inspection may detect, but if current owner puts in some sort of stop leak product that'll likely mask the head gasket symptoms. Plus, if you're going to such lengths to assess the vehicle, it's getting kinda nuts.
