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2011 Prius 3 or 2010 Prius 2

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by ccomo55, Mar 2, 2018.

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  1. ccomo55

    ccomo55 New Member

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    Hi All,

    I currently am driving a 2006 Prius 2 with 172k miles. I am looking to upgrade to a newer Prius but I am not sure whether I should worry about the mileage as much as the upgrades in the car since these cars last so long. For example, I am test driving a 2011 Prius three tomorrow with leather, satellite and navigation with 135k miles for $6995. I am also looking at a 2010 Prius 2 with 98k miles for $8495. I am trying to figure out what I should be focusing on more. I love the look of the three with the leather and navigation but I am trying to buy something that lasts so I don't have a car payment for the next several years. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 ccomo55, Mar 2, 2018
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    With both, test drive, listening carefully, look under the hood, look at the underbody, check the tire condition, review the interior condition, pull the hatch floor cover and check out the spare, the 12 volt. Maybe after all of that you'll be tipped one way or the other, by deficiencies in one or the other.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Mar 2, 2018
  3. VFerdman

    VFerdman Senior Member

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    Or you can keep your '06 for $0!
     
    #3 VFerdman, Mar 2, 2018
    misstenacity, Raytheeagle and Mendel Leisk like this.
  4. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    The 3 didn't come with leather in 2011. What size wheels does it have? If they're 17" it might be a 4.

    The 2 probably doesn't have a rear camera. Because of that, and the younger age of the 3, I'd go with the 3.

    Or keep your '06, as was said!
     
    #4 css28, Mar 2, 2018
  5. ccomo55

    ccomo55 New Member

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    My '06 exterior is not in good condition and the interior has a bad smell to it like something is burning. I don't know what it is. I went to have the car repainted at Maaco and they said that it would run at least $1500 for a decent paint job plus getting everything on the interior being detailed and shampooed would be an additional $100. I figured instead of paying $1500 for a smelly car to look nice that I would upgrade to a newer one. I just don't know how much I should worry about mileage on these cars compared to upgrades.
     
    #5 ccomo55, Mar 2, 2018
  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    NEVER buy a "used car" for the Options or Package. The car itself is the same for all trim levels. Concentrate your decision on condition and mileage.
     
    #6 frodoz737, Mar 2, 2018
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  7. Bay Stater

    Bay Stater Senior Member

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    From the posted mileage, the 2010 has one/two more years of life in it. But beware that some 2010s start to burn oil around 100K miles. As others have said, inspect and drive both.

    Good luck with your car search.
     
    #7 Bay Stater, Mar 3, 2018
  8. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    If the condition of the two are comparable, I'd go with the '11 with satellite and leather (the navigation is terrible, IMO). The decision would be even easier if the '10 doesn't have a rear view camera. I'd put the savings of $1500 towards a major repair or a new traction battery in the future.
     
    #8 MelonPrius, Mar 3, 2018
  9. dame3780

    dame3780 Member

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    Keep your '06 if you can stand it. Fix it up and pay to make it what you want. You know the vehicle and have history with it. You don't know what you're getting with used in that mileage. Or...save up a bit more to purchase a 3rd gen with lower miles. I've seen some with 30k miles for around $12-13K.
     
    #9 dame3780, Mar 3, 2018
  10. ccomo55

    ccomo55 New Member

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    Thank you all for your replies. I found a 2011 prius 4 with 130k. I took it to a Toyota dealership for an inspection and it passed with flying colors. The battery is still almost at 100%. Brakes are at 70% and tires are at 80%. It is in great condition inside and out. Carfax states that it had never been in an accident and that maintenance has been done routinely on it. I truly appreciate the advice and I feel like I found a reliable car that will last a long time.
     
    #10 ccomo55, Mar 3, 2018
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  11. mrwzrd

    mrwzrd Junior Member

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    Great! You'll love it.
    But.... it's a 3 not a 4 if it is a 2011. And the 2011 IS available in Softex ( "leather" ). My 2011 (left in profile photo) has it.
     
    #11 mrwzrd, Mar 4, 2018
  12. Bgustafson

    Bgustafson Active Member

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    Hmmm... dibs on that 06!
     
    #12 Bgustafson, Mar 4, 2018
  13. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I dont see the softex in the picture, even after zooming in.
     
    #13 Grit, Mar 4, 2018
  14. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    How do you know this? They made 4's in 2011.
     
    #14 css28, Mar 5, 2018
  15. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I bought a car once that didn't have the options I wanted and regretted it even though it was a nice car. JMO
     
    #15 padroo, Mar 5, 2018
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  16. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Not gonna lie, bought mine wanting the options because I drive all my previous cars into the ground so at least features help me sleep at night. No reselling rule I follow :p
     
    #16 Grit, Mar 5, 2018
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