Hey all, I have the opportunity to purchase a 1 owner 2012 Prius TWO. It has 251k on it. I plan on using it for Uber BUT...it's currently throwing the dreaded C1391 code. They are asking $4000 for it, but reading up on this possible very expensive repair has me apprehensive. Thoughts? (Actual car)
251k miles is a lot of miles. Probably best not to get this one, especially with 3 high priced failure components on the way (head gasket, hv battery, and brake booster)
Could easily cost you $10k in repairs for the big three which are increasingly common. Plus nickel and dime you for water pumps, wheel bearings and egr cleanings. In this case a nickel is $500 and a dime is $1000 a whack. So what do you get for $4k that will be better? Start with a car you can take to any mechanic. That excludes a Prius. Budget Oldies But Goodies (w Lower Miles) 2000-04 Avalons (no rust) 2004-06 Camry V6 2004-06 Lexus ES330 2005-08 Corolla (very good)
Since budget isn’t an issue, buy it and set aside a lot of spare time and 10K cash for repairs Saving gas cost a lot of money
Why do that when you can get 4.99% for 48 months from Toyota Financial? Plus it is a business expense for Uber and delivery drivers which amounts to a 15% or better income tax savings on the vehicle cost.
A 2012 Prius with a brake booster failure, $2500 of that $10k, is not a good car for rideshare. Especially with 251k miles, very little hv battery left and an engine that blows head gaskets or blows a hole in the block. But in the end, its your choice.
The estimates and advice from all the members above are good and reasonable assuming you'll take the car to a mechanic. If you DIY, the parts will cost you about $3200 all in for head gasket, water pump, brake booster, and traction battery (after core return). Add $80 per bent rod, if any. However, not everyone has the time, tools, space, or willingness to take it on themselves, so that is a judgement you must make for yourself.
