Used Prius - what should I be wary of?

Where are you buying it from? If it is not a Toyota Dealership, walk away. If it is from a previous owner, ask what kind of maintenance they have done with it, as well as checking the 12v aux battery.

Warranties do not, to my knowledge, transfer unless you get through a Toyota Dealership, and even then, I think only the Toyota Dealership determines what warranty they will give you. The 30k car, depending on the age, suggests it is probably a lease versus owned, just my gut impression.

 

Stickinthemud I'm basing my info on California dealerships, which may be different than those in your state. I believe a new Prius comes with a 3 year/30,000 mile warranty, which means the basic warranty has expired on the car you're considering. However, the warranty on the drive train (100,000 miles) and the hybrid battery (150,000 miles) should be transferable through a Toyota dealership. If you're purchasing a "Toyota Certified" used car, it is my understanding they will give an extended warranty of 1 year/10,000 miles. For a quote on an extended warranty, you might want to check out this link:
Toyota Factory Extended Service Plans

I doubt you'll have any problems with a low mileage Prius, especially if the maintenance schedule has been followed. As Silver Falcon said, you're better off buying from a Toyota dealer rather than a private owner or even a used car lot. Before you buy, have the dealer run a CarFax on the vehicle. This will provide information about where the car came from, maintenance records, etc. If you're purchasing from a private owner, you'll have to pay for a CarFax report. Go to CARFAX® - Official Site - Vehicle History Reports on Used Cars for Sale and enter the appropriate information. There's a small charge but it's worth the peace of mind that comes with it.

Questions you might want to ask: * What kind of headlights does this vehicle have? HiD bulbs are extremely expensive (ie $180/ea.) but give a lot of light. * Are these the original tires? If so, will you replace them at no charge? * What kind of warranty do you offer? * What kind of mileage is on the car/city-hwy-both? * Can I take this vehicle to another mechanic for a second option? * What is your return policy on a used car? * Can I try out this vehicle for a day or overnight rather than just a run around the block?

I have a 2008 with 103,500 miles and average 48-51 mpg on the hills, valleys and curves of California's North Coast.

 

I believe that's totally incorrect.

Some of Lucie47's info is also incorrect. Basic and powertrain warranties are at Toyota Prius Warranty and Coverage . It doesn't cover list CA and CARB HV battery and emissions warranties though (e.g. 10 year/150K miles on the HV battery, 15 year/150K mile emissions, etc.) If the OP isn't in CA or a CARB state, those don't apply. HV battery warranty is 8 years/100K miles for the rest of the US.

One may be able to download the warranty booklet from Toyota Online Owners Manuals and Technical Manuals (choose the correct car and year in the upper right). I don't see the warranty booklet for my 06 Prius but see it's available the '11 Prius.

 

Sorry Cwerdna - But have to disagree.

Example: Car Warranty Transfer - Google Search

So if the car has gone past the basic warranty, such as the 30k/3 year warranty, it is no longer factory warranty, so any other warranty will not be transferable. The Power train and hybrid warranty is still limited, still not a major guarantee.

As for for sure Transferability, it is mention specifically here:

Toyota Auto Warranty and Extended Warranty Information

Under TCUV Warranty, it is in regards to Toyota Certified Used Vehicles, which means it is Toyota Dealerships selling a used vehicle and has been inspected by them and certified it, they put their own warranty on it to "insure" buyers they are selling a good used vehicle.

 

Per the '11 Prius warranty booklet at http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/T-MMS-11Prius/pdf/MY11%20Toyota%20Prius%20WMG.pdf

I don't see any provisions stating that any warranties outside the basic 3 year/36K are NOT transferable (e.g. 5 year/60K miles on powertrain, 8 years/100K on HV battery, 10 years/150K on HV battery in CA and CARB states, etc.)

I've never heard of any Toyotas, Hondas or Nissans where portions of their factory provided warranty (e.g. powertrain, emissions, etc.) do NOT transfer to subsequent owners.

Companies like Hyundai and Chrysler have provided very long goofy warranties (some were powertrain) that only applied to the original owner or their family members (if transferred).

 

These cars are very reliable - change trans fluid at 60K and find good indie to do other services. If you buy CPO from a Toyota dealer you will get 6yr/100K basic warranty - plus the battery an emissions components on a genII are covered for 10yr/150K I think (check that). Not worth buying any additional warranty imho. If buying private, make sure owner has service records (and have Prius mechanic check it over if you are not sure what to look for). From non-Toyota dealer may be OK if you have carfax, service records and get it Toyota inspected before you complete the transaction ($100 or so worth of insurance to make sure no obvious/major issues exist).