I'm looking for a car, and I found a 2005 Toyota Prius with 210,140 on the odometer. It is being sold by the original owners and they claim to have meticulously cared for the Prius. (changing the oil every 3-4k miles, storing it indoors, and changing the tires every year for snow) They are selling it for $2,450, which seems reasonable, but the high mileage is what is making me hesitate.
So my question is, is this a good buy if I want it to last at least another 3-5 years, or should will it potentially break down at say 250k miles. (I'd be doing just every day commuting from A to B, probably putting an average amount of miles on it)
I would pass. That battery is near its end and the cost to replace it will well exceed what you pay for the car.
If you know what to expect and have accurate records, with that many miles it can be an ok buy.
I have a 2004 Toyota Prius with 295K miles. Owned it since the beginning. And kept up with the basic maintenance. And runs like a beauty.
The biggest expense was the battery, which I replaced with a refurbished around 270K. The other high mileage expense was the inverter water pump. just before the battery.
Just from keeping an eye on the Prius forums. Some Prius owners have gone 300K without replacing the battery. And some have them replaced at around 175K.
Anecdotal evidence suggests the higher mileage batteries actually last longer, perhaps because of consistent use.
Anyhow.
In your case, if $2450 at 210K.
If the hybrid battery and water pump has already been replaced, and everything else checks out, that is a decent deal.
Otherwise, it is a gamble. You may spend an additional $1900 over the next few years on the hybrid battery and inverter water pump. Or you may be perfectly fine and go up to 270K like me or even 300K with no problems.
Stay away from high mileage used hybrids! Scroll down to 2:20 below. If will be hard to find a competent mechanic to work on hybrids should it need repair not to mention more costly, and if you have to go to the dealer they will charge an arm and a leg.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p0F5e-lrlWQ
I would definitely pass this one up.
Better question is, why would anyone ever want to buy a 15 year old first gen Prius for $2500? Those were notorious for problems.
I believe this one is second gen.
Yes it is the second gen
