Hi all, very new to cars, trying to buy my first car. Have found a 2010 Prius at 224k miles. The car runs fine little bit of sound from the new brake+old rotors mismatch (I am told). Has a missing TPMS sensor so has that check light on. Asking price $4000. I took it to a mechanic for inspection they mentioned rotors rusted and in general undercarriage rust. Please see pictures. Please let me know if you think it is worth buying with this level of rust and old rotors. There was some leakage that the owner has repaired (I am told). Thanks a lot in advance.
You'd like to have no part of that if possible Do something else take a ride down south something anything.
Local (Chicago) car? Road salt has taken its toll. Your call; I’d pass. If not for the rust, the miles: 3rd gen with those miles, and for sale, almost inevitable to have knackered engine, held together by gasket sealer.
Yes it is local and was street parked. I see. Thanks a lot. I do not have much budget (~5000-6000) and looking for a car to use for about 2-3 years then sell it. Can the rust pose a danger? I cannot gauge that at all. As the reason to sell, the owner said they have changed car as the prius was not doing well in a rough/inclined road condition etc.
That is a nice shop with a lift in it. Who owns the lift? What did he think about the rust? I think for rust, you need to jab it hard with a screwdriver or whatever and figure out if it's some surface rust that's not such a big deal or if it's serious. Those rusty control arms can be replaced, and may need to be soon. The subframe where they attach is a bigger issue and if you have significant rust in structural areas of the body, that's the death knell. $4000 is pretty cheap for a Prius. But this is probably a better car for a DIYer who is willing to tackle the little issues that pop up. Old or rusty rotors are not much of a consideration for me, it just means that a brake job will probably be needed sooner than later. I'm a little skeptical about the source of the noise. I've owned - and currently own - some rusty vehicles and rust is pretty high on my list of stuff to avoid.
^ Screen grab of your first pic, I've sketched in the hinge point of the rear axle. It's obscured by some plastic panels, take those off (bolts for them may snap off...) and have a look at the conditions at the hinge point.
The lift is at the mechanic shop. They said it was rot (referred to the support rod I think) and needs to be replaced but would not say more without further inspection (which I did not go for). Right, I know next to nothing about cars but learning more as I am going through the search. Thanks!
The owner would not agree I guess. I bargained for a lower price, with the logic that if I buy the car I will go for some rust treatment or something. Not sure if it will go through. Otherwise I will look for a newer car. Thanks a lot for the detailed discussions.
Rust treatment is not a quick fix for rust problems. I think you should tune into the vibe you got from the mechanic who inspected the car. If he was alarmed by the rust, run away. He is experienced eyes and hands that saw the car in person, and also knows how fast rust spreads in your area.
Skip that one. An old Prius is a lousy choice for anyone on a tight budget. They are very complex cars. When everything works they're magical, but when anything goes wrong they get expensive in a hurry.
