Need inputs before I buy this used 2011 Prius TWO

no issues, nothing to check really. you could take it to a dealer, but i wouldn't bother. i have heard car fax doesn't get every accident, so that may be something to look for, if you're qualified. if the maintenance is up to date, the only thing you might consider is replacing the tranny fluid if you're going to keep the car long term.

 

you can take it anywhere. there is a drain plug and a fill plug. after you drain it, you fill it until it's up to the bottom of the fill plug threads. the plugs have crush washers that should also be replaced. a dealer get $100.-$150. if you have a local mechanic, you can pick up the correct fluid and washers from the dealers parts department, for $25. - $30.

 

Look to see if all 4 tires are the same, and see if there is a maintenance record for this car.
Small FWD cars need to have their tires rotated religiously or you'll wind up cupping the rears and get the "whaa-whaa-whaa" thrumming sound. Listen for that when you test drive the car.
It's not a big deal, as tires are cheap for this car (less than $600) but non-OEM tires at 36,000 miles might indicate abuse/neglect for those first three formative years.
See if the records indicate that the aux (12v) battery has been replaced.
If not, then you're due and you may want to start researching a replacement. Optima batteries used to be popular, and they're going to be more expensive because of the battery location.

Important: If this car is being offered through a Toyota dealership, then insist on two key fobs. If it is a Toyota dealership, then how they react to this request will give a good indication of their honesty.

Good Luck

 

one thing i recommend for a quick and dirty check of hybrid operations is to reset trip a or b, and take it for a 20+ mile test driver on back roads to make sure it registers at least 50 mpg average.

 

This "test" would keep you from buying one in our area. Maybe if you are a driver with experience in how to drive a hybrid, and are on the flat lands with little traffic you can get this but in our hilly community probably won't happen. My wife just drives the car normally and averages around 44 mpg per tank on the trip computer with actual computed mpg of about 41 mpg. Sounds low but mostly in line with Consumer Reports average combined of 44 mpg.
Otherwise, look for a service record to show that regular oil changes plus other basic services have been done. Since you have such low mileage you should be good to go.

 

but combined is highway/city, no?

 

Yes - combined city highway from CU was 44 mpg but they also had a big span between highway at 55 mpg and city of I think 32.
The best I ever got in our '15 Prius Three was on a trip to Grand Junction with an calculated overall of 44 mpg. One leg from Cedar City to Yucaipa with 48 mpg for that part of the trip is the best ever for the car, and this is mostly due to lots of stop and go traffic between Las Vegas and Barstow. This is when the Prius really shines!
Saying you should see over 50 mpg in a 20 mile trip is really optimistic unless like I said you are on really flat land with sparse traffic and know how to nurse the care along.

 

i don't disagree completely, and i have no idea of the topography around nashville. but driving 30-40 mph streets around me has always produced 55-65 mpg in decent weather.

 

It should have had fresh air filters for the engine and cabin at 30,000 miles. It also should have had a brake inspection/lubrication. If these have not been done have the dealer do it as part of the purchase.

 

You will be very happy.

Carmax has a fairly strict routine to sell a car, also the warranty they have is one of the best.

However, read the fine print to see if hybrid drive/battery is covered.

Fun read on an editor of jalopnik who buys cars from carmax with warranties : My Air Suspension Failed (Again): Another CarMax Warranty Update

 

That mileage is very low. If you check the maintenance history, then you should be fine. The price sounds good to me.

 

Get two fobs wherever you buy the car. The car was delivered new with two so there's no reason to accept only one because the car is used. The tonneau cover should be present. Mats are an accessory so they may not be included.

 

You basically want to inspect it to the standards you would ANY used car. That means inspecting body panels for damage, dings, dents, rust and alignment.

Tires for wear and condition. And any abnormal looking wear pattern.

It's true Carfax may not catch every accident...they need to be reported, BUT I'd still want to see one. There's more information than just that on a Carfax report. You can get titling history and things like whether it was privately owned or a fleet vehicle.

You want to obviously inspect the interior for condition. Lights, signals...check doors and the hatch.
Make sure the radio is working including speakers.

I approach any car buying situation, and especially used, with the attitude that I want as much information about the vehicle I'm about to purchase as possible.

If you're excited and anxious to become an owner, it's easy to get caught in the ether of car buying. So I always keep in mind that the vehicle is "theirs" and their problem until I buy it, and it becomes "my" problem. This attitude motivates me to try to uncover any problem before I sign on the dotted line and while I can still leverage the dealership to do something about any problem I might discover that isn't a deal breaker.

 

That sounds just like our 2011 that we just bought outright after the lease was up...same mileage and price. We just had to replace the tires due to a tiny bit of hydroplaning at 75 AND a nail in the shoulder of one of the tires...replaced with the same brand. We also run 41 psi tire pressure and used the tpms trick so the light does not come on from over inflation. The ONLY thing we needed to do other than that was a set of new batteries for the key fobs. We leased it new back in Jan, 2011 and traded in our 01 Chrysler mini van. Just the mpg difference between the two was enough to actually make the lease payment! Of course, that was when gas was $4 a gallon. but even now she's saving over $100 a month compared to the van.

Forgot to add...we have the oil changed at Beck Toyota every 5000 miles since I don't like the 10,000 mile interval. They only charge $59.95 for the proper 0-20W full syn change! We also have the tires rotated, but not there...one of my drag racing sponsors does it for free.

 

perfect, congrats!