1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2011 Prius For Sale - What do you think?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by An2TheTwan, Mar 22, 2023.

  1. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    97
    18
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    2011 Toyota Prius - VIN: JTDKN3DU1B1355281

    This dealer has been sitting on this Prius since last summer. I wouldn't pay sticker price but may consider paying 12k for it.

    One of my biggest concerns is the hybrid battery. These cars are made to drive and if its been in a sales lot for almost a year, I am worried it may have impacted the hybrid battery.

    There is that 150k warranty hybrid battery warranty Toyota offers, but not sure of all the details.

    What other concerns should I have?
     
    #1 An2TheTwan, Mar 22, 2023
  2. Kramah313

    Kramah313 Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2015
    408
    322
    0
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I think you’re wise to worry about the battery in that state. I would definitely drive that one before buying it, preferably long enough to see if the battery is charging/discharging at a normal rate and not top to bottom and back again every couple minutes.

    Man I cannot believe how expensive used cars are right now.
     
    #2 Kramah313, Mar 22, 2023
  3. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    97
    18
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It's actually much better than it was this time a year ago. Still crazy high no doubt.

    I had a 2011 and had several recalls/warranty enhancements. One in particular was my headlights burning out. In general, does anyone knows what happens when you buy a used car, the recall/warranty enhancement has expired and that particular issue was never corrected?
     
    #3 An2TheTwan, Mar 22, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,206
    50,078
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i think the warranty ended in 10 years unfortunately.
     
    #4 bisco, Mar 22, 2023
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,715
    39,248
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    A used Prius sitting that long may well have deteriorated battery. With Dr Prius app (and a Carista OBD Bluetooth adapter) you could quickly do the static assessment.

    FWIW, our 2010 had build date August 2009, and we bought it new, in November 2010, had about 10 kms on the odometer. It’s been problem free. But that’s sitting when brand new, so not sure how applicable.

    Other possible issues:

    the 12 volt likely a goner

    rusty brake calipers

    flat spotted tires

    mildew interior
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Mar 22, 2023
  6. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    97
    18
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Took her for a test drive and was pleasantly surprised. I can purchase a pretty comprehensive warranty through the dealership which will cover me for about a year. After that I will consider CarShield or something similar. I have heard mixed reviews on them but I live in a medium sized city so I should be able to find someone who accepts it.

    Going to likely purchase this as long as I can get a loan. Apparently lenders don't like approving loans for rideshare drivers:rolleyes:
     
    #6 An2TheTwan, Mar 23, 2023
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  7. tw0leftskis

    tw0leftskis New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2023
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I too, found a 2011 Prius w/ approx 92k mi.
    Worry about the hybrid battery cells.
     
    #7 tw0leftskis, Mar 23, 2023
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,715
    39,248
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    We’ve got a ‘10 with 96k kilometres, no hybrid battery problems.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Mar 24, 2023
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,206
    50,078
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i'd worry more about the head gasket than the battery
     
    #9 bisco, Mar 24, 2023
  10. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    97
    18
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It's a family run business who I am buying from. They have sold Prius's before and know having the hybrid battery sit unused is bad for it. They have been driving it periodically.

    I don't like most used car sales people. This is the first time I have liked working with one. Really seemed to care about my situation. Something just feels right about this one.
     
    #10 An2TheTwan, Mar 24, 2023
  11. An2TheTwan

    An2TheTwan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    97
    18
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Car was silent on startup. Oil and coolant looked normal. I plan on immediately cleaning out the EGR circuit and I will be purchasing a warranty on the car as well.

    I only need this car to last me a year, if that. It's possible I could get a decade or more out of it.
     
    #11 An2TheTwan, Mar 24, 2023
    bisco and Mendel Leisk like this.
  12. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2017
    829
    510
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I had the Toyota Platinum warranty on my Prius and it didn't cover the hybrid battery. No warranty, to my knowledge, covers the hybrid warranty beyond the warranty that Toyota offers. This Prius has surpassed the warranty period. However, an OBII reader and the Dr Prius app can let you know how much life you are estimated to have left.

    Either way, good luck and report back how the car works out.
     
    #12 MelonPrius, Mar 25, 2023
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)