Hi All, I'm impressed with the forum here. I've tried to search for similar questions, but would still like any advice you would like to give. Looking to buy first Prius. looking at 2006 Prius loaded, 15" tires, $5.5k & 122k miles and a 2010 Prius II, pretty basic, $6.7k & 167k miles. Both seem to drive fine as far as i can tell. No odd noises. Engines sound smooth. Thanks, glad to be here.
welcome! tough decision really. both good cars, with possibility of upcoming battery replacement, but there's no way to know. all the best with your decision!
Are Toyota dealers able to accurately tell the health of the hv battery? Or garages that specificially rebuild/repair them better? I don't think we have the latter around NE Oklahoma. Should have bought a miniVCI last weekend, would have had it by now. oh well Additional info for feedback. While I'm remembering. The 2010 was a Kansas car and 2006 was an Arkansas car. Right now I'm leaning toward the 2010 with the updates they did to the gen3, plus 4 years less age on the vehicles. Was thinking it might last longer with other repairs except the hv battery. Is my thinking correct? The other line of reasoning is the $1200 difference for the 2006, that would be a good additional savings for possible repairs. I do not plan on much long distance highway use(>3-4hrs). From my experience, I'm pretty easy on cars and can do basic maintenance and trouble shooting research as much as I can.
How loaded is the 2006? Leather? GPS? The 2010 II is going to seem "defeatured" in comparison. For example the SKS is only on the driver's door. The 2010 should give better fuel economy but the difference isn't significant, certainly not enough to cover the higher price. Both cars are out of warranty. I'd choose less mileage for less money and take the 2006.
Thanks for the feedback, I feel i've reached paralysis by analysis and needed something outside my own head Yes,from what i've read, i think the 2006 is loaded, has leather, gps, backup camera, fog lights, ?xenon/hid, tinted windows, jbl speakers What is a healthy/acceptable drop in hv battery bars when cold startup? The 2006 test drive was, ~34F, heat on high for a bit before driving off, dropped 2 or 3 bars I think (started at 6). The 2010 test drive was ~36F, heat on high for a bit before driving off, did not notice any bars drop, stayed at 6. I've read it's normal to drop some, but is it a better sign if it doesn't drop?
the only thing the dealer or mini vci can do is tell you the state of the battery today, not tomorrow. if you're really stuck, it might be worth a few hundred bucks to have a dealer go through them.
I'd take the 2010. I'll choose 4 years newer over 45k mile in terms of reliability. A Gen 3 is a whole lot better than a Gen 2. Although, it's a pretty close call at those prices, so I can see one choosing the 2006. I don't know of a way to check HV battery health.
when you take a drive, if you're not stuck in traffic, or climbing a mountain, the battery indicator should hover around 5-6 bars.
Hard choice...we've seen very few 2010 batts die yet, probably we got 2-3 years before we start hearing 2010's batts going regularly. 2006's on the other hand are past their prime. If we thought the 2006 already had a new Toyota replacement batt, we'd go for that one. If we thought it had a refurb, we would not like that at all. 2010 price seems low.
Thanks, yea, it is lower than others I've been able to find. The 2010 has some cosmetic imperfections like scrapes around front from rubbing curbs and passenger rear bumper, scuffs/stain driver seat and door. Had dealer maintenance listed on car fax thru 86.6k miles. It is 1 owner. goldenyears, I don't see any text with your reply. Am I missing something? thanks
Just an update. The 2006 does not have a replaced battery. I drove the 2006 again yesterday. I noticed some fluid looking down past the radiator fans. I'm guessing coolant, not sure what else. Maybe topping off and spilled? Missing the pan under the oil changing area. Guessing cause failure of the oil 'door'. Both headlamps had significant amount of moisture in them. Who knows how long it has been that way. I offered the 2010 a little less than they were asking and they agreed. Planning on picking up tonight. Thanks for the feedback to everyone.
