Hi everyone, I've been looking to buy a Prius for the past month or so (and was anticipating buying one ever since driving my girlfriends '08 for the past 2 years--love the tight turning radius, lol). I'm torn. The 2011 Prius Two, 99,000 Miles: Single owner, driven by an old man who is now in a retirement home, and being sold by the son-in-law. He said it hasn't been driven for ~6 months, and I will be taking it to the dealership where it was originally purchased and serviced. The one downside is his father-in-law accidentally drove the car into a garage door and the door fell down on the car. The hood was refinished and the bumper was replaced. No air bags deployed (which would be expected if the story is true), and he gave me the info of the body shop. After which, it was decided his father likely wasn't fit to be driving any more. There was also an extended warranty, but he said it has long since expired. The 2014 Prius Three, 60,000 Miles: Single owner, driven by a guy who worked for corporate national food franchise as an inspector. Says the miles are mostly highway. And I'd say I believe him, he attempted to start his own franchise, it failed, he has a 2 or 3-year old child, and a wife, and can't find a job (his old job has been downsized), and is living with his parents. Says there is another baby on the way, and they both need the money, and would like a van for the infant car-seat(s)+space. Says if he got his old job back, he'd take the car off the market and keep it. Is the original owner, says he's babied the car. Says it will need new tires soon. Both cars are very clean, both in great condition, and on the surface appear very well-maintained, just a couple of visual blemishes, both are asking $10K (I live in a very touristy/expensive part of the country, and these are some of the best deals for the local-ish market), and will likely get it--Priuses are sold FAST in my area. I've arranged for both to be taken to the dealership to be inspected. Any advice? I realize everyone says don't worry about "low-miles" as much as "year"with the Priuses (which goes against conventional wisdom due to the hybrid batteries). But back when I was 16 (early 30s now), I remember pretty much any model/make being worth ~$500-1,000 once it had 150K miles on it, so my mind is kind of anchored to 100K miles being "decently high mileage", even though for Priuses this is just "early adulthood" (lol), but also the year difference does make a difference when it comes to the hybrid-battery. Which I think is my dilemma. I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with either car. Any opinions?
did you mix up the mileage in the body of your post? 60,000 miles isn't too low for a 2011, but!!!!! 2014 has updated piston rings. not sure if they help withal burning or not. 6 months sitting for an 8 year old battery might not be a good thing. i might be tempted to go for the '14 and look into the egr circuit issue before the head gasket blows. all the best!
2014 hands down. 2010 and 2011 Prii are reported to burn oil excessively. I know someone will likely come on here talking about how their 2010 or 2011 doesn't burn any oil, but the chances are higher with a 2010 or 2011. 100k is barely broken in for a Toyota or Honda. With only 60k on the 2011 I'd be more concerned about hybrid battery health on that one versus the 100k 2014 Prius. Hybrids are unlike other cars in that low mileage isn't always better like it is on most non-hybrid cars. Didn't think the new piston rings were until 2015? but I may be mistaken on that.
Or if you travel under 35 miles between stops to an outlet https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/774613312/overview/ https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/776227652/overview/ These are just as cheap and don’t burn oil (at least, but the $5 sensors can be murder)
I think you crossed the mileage, but I say take the 2014. 40k miles diff is about equal in value to the 3 years age and I'd be a bit leery of the fact the 11 sat for 6 months...not good for the life of the hybrid battery. BTW, I think "highway miles" on a Prius doesn't mean what it does on non hybrid cars...the gas engine takes the brunt of the work on the highway. All city miles would mean the battery and electric motor did more of the work, which are less likely to wear out.
