Hi All! Im new to ev/hybrid world but have been a lurker for some years. I recently got a new job which has me commuting approx. 50 miles round trip. All would be fine if I didnt have a truck. While I love my Toyota truck I want to save gas and, I do want to be a little greener. I have been doing a ton of research and originally thought about picking up a Gen 2. But after much deliberation and research I narrowed it down to a Gen 3 2011 and newer. I am pretty dead set on trim III or IV. After a few test drives of some II's I am confident the Prius is where I want to be for commuter vehicle but now I know I want higher trim. I found a 2011 IV w/ solar roof package with 66,xxx miles priced at $13,992. KBB says thats a fair price. Its the higher end of what I originally wanted but if I can use this car forever then it is worth it to me. Carfax says clean title and one previous owner to the dealership that owns it now. However, two TSB's (#E0E, and #G0U) have not been remedied but from what I can tell these are simple fixes at a Toyota dealership. My plan is to go see, test drive and take this guy home Saturday. I have a couple of questions: - Apart from the normal inspections I would do myself (cosmetic issues, visual mechanical issues, leaks, etc) when I test drive what other things should I look out for from you more experienced owners? - From what I have been reading apart from a few 2010's do 2011's have any known major mechanical issues I should be aware of? - Any other advice you could give this willing new member? Thank you all in advance. Looking forward to being a part of this place. Cheers -Arwin
Welcome! IIRC there was a major design refresh for the 2012 model year. I generally recommend that US users at least identify their state in their profile since what is a "good price" in California would not be a good deal in Florida.
Doesn't look major from what I saw. Others will know better, so wait for that. I liked getting my 2013 (though 2012 would have been a refresh as well) because the (potentially) murderous floor mat issue was fixed, and, IIRC, an engine part or system was updated to minimize the risk of some repair that I just can't remember the name of! (Someone please chime in!). If you're happy with a car/your deal, often that trumps looking some more. That said, a 4 year old car (2012) and a 5 year old car (2011) have the same yearly cost of ownership. (i.e. [Total cost of the vehicle] divided by [the number of years of life] yields the same number or very very very close). So, the 2012 is not considered more expensive as a long term plan, but it may minimize other risks. I tell you what....the two BIGGEST predictors of longevity seem to be: 1. Did the previous owner drive a lot of highway miles. Those are MUCH EASIER on an engine. 2. Did the PO change the oil. !!
welcome! accident and service history would be helpful. early gen 3's can be oil burners around 100k, more 10's than 11's, but that may just be mileage idk. learn how to reset one of the trip meters and take it for a good long drive under varied conditions to see what it returns for mpg's. all the best!
E0E is the reflash of the IPM: https://attachments.priuschat.com/attachment-files/2017/02/119644_E0E.pdf G0U is the airbag retention bracket. If buying from a Toyota dealer both should have been addressed before the car was offered for sale. If not buying from a Toyota dealer it is up to you whether or not you take it in. Since I don't trust Toyota & the dealer I would not buy the car until after another test drive to see if the E0E reflash hasn't borked the fuel economy. Make sure you get two working fobs and the retractable cover for the deck. Mats were an accessory so they may or may not be present. If the car has wheel locks make sure you get the key (looks like a socket). It could be stored under the deck. A thought about oil changes: Just because the oil was changed on schedule doesn't mean anyone ever checked the level.
The new 18 Camry Hybrid gets very close to Prius mileage, starts at 27k and would make a comfortable commuter. I wonder if Prius sales will take a hit?
Probably. I have not looked too closely but I may have chosen the 2018 Hybrid Camry LE had it been offered last year when I purchased my Prius.
The Model 3 will be unavailable for new purchase for many years and the tax rebate will be exhausted by them. Tesla is not known for reliability. My brother in law is still trying to kill my 1996 Camry!
Model 3 deliveries start at the end of the month. Time will start running out on Tesla's Federal tax credit (probably) in 2018.
back on topic.... OP...have you considered a used Leaf? Would probably save you a little money upfront plus a lot over the life of the vehicle in fuel. Although if your route is all high speed you may be cutting it close as far as range (unless you can charge at work). But I totally understand if you were dead set on Prius.
I suggest buying a nice humble little Corolla! People won't Tailgate you, and they won't throw eggs at your car, and you don't have a $4,000 battery under the backseat to replace when it dies. :-(
Saw a friend of mine today with a 07 Prius, 288,000 miles, original battery and he has only replaced the 12 volt once. other than that it's good to go, my guess when things start to go bad, he will dump the car, but as he says now, I'm driving a free car because I've gotten my money's worth and more. Battery worries are just that.....
If so, not by much. We hear tons of stories of Prii making it 300k+ but very few of them making it less than 200k.
