Hoping y'all can help me here. I'm mulling over getting a particular Prius V. I currently have a '07 Ford Escape Hybrid that I quite like (it has no mechanical problems, holds loads, and had alright gas mileage, but it has a lot of quirks that are starting to get to me). I've had it for 3.5 years, and it had 131k miles on it then, I've put 30k more onto it, and only had to do $2000 worth of repairs. I stumbled onto the Prius V, because it manages to have a larger cargo space than my current car and still gets better gas mileage than just about anything on the market - certainly better than anything with a similar amount of cargo space. I came across a 2017 Prius V Three, with 92k miles on it, for just under $19,000. To me, this seems like *way* too much for a 6 year old car with 92k miles. In my eyes, they shouldn't be asking a dime over $14,000. However, this seems to be a bit of a unicorn, as I haven't seen any other V's as new with as few miles on them for this price anywhere else. (The carfax lists 2 accidents, both judged as "minor." And the dealer gives the repair record for the body damage from that.) Are my instincts right about this? Is this actually a unicorn or will another one come up eventually? Is this too high a price or does this seem about right? If it is too high, how much should it be, or if its a good deal, by how much is it? Should I jump to get it before it gets snapped up or bide my time until a better one comes along? (There are currently a few more V's in the area, but they're mostly 2013 and 2014 with +150k miles or newer ones priced more than $20,000.)
It is. There is insane demand for late model Vs, mostly because Toyota has discontinued them and the nominal replacement models aren't that similar. Everyone who had an older one, plus all the taxi/uber guys, plus folks like yourself who wanted to upgrade from a smaller hybrid.... the list goes on. They all want to get The Last V. I gave it a shot myself a couple years ago and even then I didn't like what I was seeing, wound up going a different direction. Let that one go to somebody with crazy money.
here's the thing: the sellers market is crazy now, and you're not going to find a good deal (pre covid prices) on top of that, a V with 100k is a recipe for disaster. they have a long history of engine problems around that mileage, plus other very expensive system replacements. unless you get lucky, you'll be spending a lot more than the high purchase price.
IF I had to have another v wagon, a 2017 would be the best you can do UNLESS you found one where the gen3 engine had been replaced on someone else's credit card (can't say nickel anymore). Yes, a 2017 v is still a problematic gen3 system even though the standard hatchback was reengineered in 2016 models. The 2017 v does have updated pistons and rings and has improved crash ratings over the 2012-14 v's. You might look for a 2019 Rav4 hybrid which has very similar mpg with more power and room. Plus a very nice 2.5L engine. 219 combined hp, dual injection, electric variable valve timing on the intake, hydraulic on exhaust, often called a gen4+ hybrid system. The battery technology and control is updated and the car has electric awd. Multi-link rear rear suspension, advanced safety systems and Carplay. A 2019 may still have factory powertrain warranty and should have hybrid warranty remaining. Or buy a conventional Corolla or Civic.
I did actually look at a Rav4 hybrid before I got my current car, but I'd prefer to get a smaller vehicle than that. The Prius V strikes a great sweet spot between gas mileage, cargo space, and small exterior that is incredibly hard to find. But the Rav4 would definitely be something for me to keep in mind.
I have both sitting next to each other in the garage. The big difference size wise is the rav4 is taller because of ground clearance and tires. Otherwise the rav4 is light years better. Costs are coming down. Be careful you don't get upside down financially on the v.
Man you aren’t kidding, look at that other thread with the guy that wants a dealer to come DOWN to 12K on a 2011. Really, really glad I don’t need a car right now.
