We are starting to shop for a generation 3 Prius to replace our Gen 2 that was totaled last month. As we're balancing features and price, we're looking for input to help us decide what the maximum mileage we should be looking at on a used one as long as it has good service records. We bought our Gen 2 at 120k but it only got to 131k before it was in the accident so we have no experience with mileage beyond that. Should we be overly concerned about a 2010 that has 140, 150 or even 160k on it if the price and maintenance records are right? We do know at that mileage point we're gambling on the battery but it seems the odds are still going to be in our favor until around 200,000 and we only will be putting about 8-10k miles a year on it, almost all of it on the open highway.
If it were me I would be looking for an '11 (because of all the recalls were on the '10). As for battery life age and hot weather are also factors, so the newer model year the better and cars from moderate climates should also fare better, as for mileage, some say the warranty limit (150k in California) is a good stopping point for purchases. That's my 2 cents, but then again I have not bought a used car in 20 years. Good luck!
I'm a believer in the 100k cut off mark. You can still find '10-'11 prius with 60-90k mileage but that's just me as for battery you can get a special battery tender made for the traction battery which will repair the cells and promote a longer life SM-N920V ?
i think the prius is built for 180k. of course there are repairs along the way, some more than others. i would look at my yearly miles X years i want to keep it, and subtract from 180.
If your range is 140,000 to 160,000 then I'm going to say that factor is nearly unimportant. That's only a 20,000 mile difference between your lowest...and your highest acceptable amount, and on a older used vehicle I think it's nearly impossible to evaluate any potential difference between the two mileage points. IF that is the mileage range you find your budget most often putting you in? Then I'd concentrate more on all the other determinable factors such as the condition of the vehicles as a whole, engine, transmission, etc. I think you could buy a 140,000 mile Prius and have a problem pop up at any point, or buy a 160,000 mile Prius and be taking nearly the same risk. In my opinion when shopping for a higher mileage vehicle, the actual mileage should only be a starting point for evaluation. Ascertainable condition and nearly every other factor would trump a 20,000 mile difference between potential vehicle candidates.
Well, that was quick. Thanks for the input but it looks like we're going to remain a Gen 2 family for the time being. A trusted small dealer that we and other family members have purchased from in the past got his hands on a beautiful 2008 Red Touring model with leather seats. 101,000 miles and traded in for a new one. Service records every 5,000 miles, mostly by Toyota dealers. Test drove it tonight: the dealer's going to replace a headlight and we'll pick it up Saturday. Even the first aid kit is still in the original plastic wrapper.
