I have a 2016 GMC Terrain SLE-2 with 86,000 miles on it. It has done well for me, but I don't need the power it has and the gas mileage is about 18-19 mpg. I'd like to have better fuel economy and the V seems to be similar is cabin space. I'd also like my next vehicle to have a nicer trim package. There is a 2013 Prius V Five with 75,000 miles listed for $14,500. I'd be going to and older car with slightly less miles. Better fuel economy and trim. I offered an even trade and I'm waiting for their response. I think they'll come back in the $1-2k out of pocket level. My decision would be trade into the V or keep the Terrain for another 50k miles. Either way I may have vehicle maintenance costs ahead. Would the expenses I see in a V over the next 50,000 miles far exceed a GMC? I appreciate your thoughts and advice. Let me know if I need to give any more information.
Unfortunately, gen 3 is not bulletproof. There is some risk with expensive repairs like head gasket and brake actuator. If you need the room, can you afford a rav4 hybrid?
The v will easily double your mpg. That's a lot of cash for a possible problem....... like big battery, head gasket and more.....the one for sure is big battery replacement.... $1600 if you do it yourself..... but maybe this year or in a few....unknown..... the v is great as a new car...but used......especially approaching 150,000 miles..... inverter can go out with zero warning anywhere.... same thing with the Traction Battery.......and others.... there is a unofficial service schedule (cleaning) that could enhance the durability and time till sold or junked.
Very likely the battery and head gasket could cost you $5k or more. The inverter or brake booster could strand you. Rings are a known design flaw which often leads to excessive oil consumption. I would get a 2015-17 v if buying a used v is the only option. Best bet would be a gen4 standard Prius, 2016 or newer. Much better mpg and most of the gen3 problems were fixed.
Think vehicles like this will be game changers in the near future if you drive a non high performance car....Crummy pic i took of a service insights mag in the mail. But this can give credibility to electric purchases.
My beloved home state of Indiana isn’t even CLOSE to being a CARB state, so you get no extended warranty options and the V will be a “come as you are” car as far as a warranty is concerned. BUT it does have some advantages, and at 75,000 miles you’re well poised to avoid most of the pitfalls of G3 ownership - many of which are due to owner neglect. So… What are your maintenance plans? If your idea of “maintaining a car” is to throw the keys at a dealership mechanic and hope that they’re not a month behind on their boat payments, then a G3 Toyota would be a hard pass for me. GMC Terrains have their little problems too…BUT…their dealership network is slightly less corrupt and they are cheaper to repair (I have four… ) If you’re a DIY’er I’d lean the other way. The V is a pretty dowdy so probably adult owned, and it will be slightly cheaper to maintain (which is different than repair!) Your call.
When you buy a used Prius you have little control on factors influencing excessive oil consumption. The rest of the issues are not really in your control even if you bought new. Toyota acknowledging flawed rings, brake booster failures and inverters problems on gen3s speaks volumes. A hv battery replacement is expected at this age and head gasket issues have become chronic with no Toyota assistance in sight. At least look for a 2015-17 v with revised pistons and rings. Gen4 is really the way to go although v's never had gen4 improvements. It is illustrative to see those improvements. Check this comment: Did 4th Gen fix 3rd Gen? | PriusChat
