Considering my first used Prius, need advice

Which level of the 2010 is it? Some 2010 Prius have been alleged to have excessive oil consumption but many do not. I would go early and bring everything you need to complete the transaction that day. It sounds like a great deal! I hope it works out for you.

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Too bad you are out on North Shore of Long Island. I recently had my 2011 totalled and have a bunch of items (including almost brand new Michelin X-Ice snows) that you would love to have. Alas, I am in Syracuse area.

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I don't believe that Nav was available on Prius in 2010 without being a level IV or V. Does it have heated leather seats? At that mileage with that service record I wouldn't be too concerned about traction battery issues. If the 12V battery hasn't been replaced it will probably be due soon. If the dealer is cooperative have them do a quick scan for any error codes which will give you a considerable amount of assurance concerning the traction battery.

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If it's a cloth interior I don't believe it is a factory Nav which I don't think was available on level II or III.

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Find & download the 2010 sales brochure so you can identify the trim level. Make sure you get two working fobs, the retractable cover for the hatch, and the key if it has locking lug nuts. Ensure all the lights work. One member didn't and discovered he has a headlight problem.

Pull everything out form under the deck to look for signs of leaks (especially from the right side) and to make sure you have the correct spare tire and tools.

Pink residue in the engine compartment could indicate a coolant leak.

If the dealer isn't putting LRR tires on the car expect to take a fuel economy hit.

 

Can you provide a link to the car? Last March I purchased my first Prius (2010 Prius III w/Solar Roof, 55K miles, paid $12K) from a private seller on Craiglist here in Northern Nevada where I live. No issues with oil consumption. Being a Lexus dealer, I suspect the car is in good shape. Lastly, I liked my 2010 so much, I bought a second Prius (2011 Prius IV w/Solar Roof, 33K miles, paid $9400K). Probably overpaid on the former and underpaid on the latter.

 

If it has cloth seats and navigation it is a level III for sure.

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A III had a cloth interior and the NAV and Solar packages were available. Solar contained the NAV.

A IV had leather and could have the NAV or Solar packages.

The V had leather and could have the NAV or Advanced Tech (which also included the nav) package.

Nav, Solar, and AT was the only way to get the backup camera.

 

used 2010 Toyota Prius 5dr HB I (Natl) for Sale at Lexus of Westport, Your CT Lexus Dealership

Also just found a 2012 II with 60k for 9500 on craigslist. Orig owner well maintained...but its white..not my fav but looks like a better deal. Thoughts?

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i'd avoid 2010. the '12 sounds interesting. can you get ownership, maintenance and accident records?

 

Yes. I was told it was dealer maintained and original owner. Driving it on wed

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sounds good. ask the owner to reset trip a or b and take it on a good long ride under varied conditions, to see what average mpg you get. get a car fax, and plug the vin into the toyota website to see maintenance records. all the best!

 

If you are willing to go to Florida, you may want to consider the listings at Tampa Hybrids. I understand Todd (@TampaPrius.com ) is a really good Prius expert.

 

Looks like the 2010 is a Prius III with Navigation. I say that because it has the JBL stereo. As mentioned by another replier, sign up on the Toyota Owners website and plug in the VIN to get service history.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site

I plugged it the 2010 Prius in and looks like 12V battery was replaced in 2013. Suggest you look at service for April 2017 service performed at that Westport dealership. Looks like there was recommended service that the previous owner declined.

 

I'm with bisco on this one. There's enough evidence on this forum to avoid 12 if you can afford not to buy one. Also the saggy butt (rear bumper) in the rear of 2010 can be a sore eye.

 

Go with the 2012, it's the first year of the G3 mid-cycle refresh.

 

I inspected the 2012 today and it looks good. It was put on a lift and no major issues. Took a test drive and no issues. Just needs tires and a alignment. Only thing was she cant find the lug nut lock. Any idea how i get a new one and how much?

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