Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Toyota Prius

Greg _Your Car Angel shows you everything you need to know and problems to look out for when buying a used Toyota Prius. Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, and Gen 4 are all discussed with problem areas explained. From headlight problems to piston ring problems in the 2010 model Greg makes sure you understand the areas of concern . Generally high quality the Prius has some defects year by year. through each generation.The Honda Insight is also mentioned.

Other videos in this series:

Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Toyota RAV 4

Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Toyota Highlander

Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Honda CRV

Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Honda Civic

Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Subaru Forester

10 Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Car from a Private Party

[NickMcGivney]

Strange though it may seem, a straight up video like this, with honest and unbiased commentary, is a rare and welcome thing in this day and age. Fair play, Greg. I admire your neutrality, lack of agenda and commitment to just telling it like it actually is (not to be confused with the political 'like it is' nowadays which cannot be trusted. I have learned a lot from this, and I'm pleased to report that 16+ minutes is no burden when the content is good.

[zamzammrfixit]

I have a 2004, I bought it new in Florida, today, it has gone over a million miles, all original, original battery, Toyota Dealership in Miami wants to buy it fir display but I said na na, it’s for me for keeps .. way to go Toyota .. o what a feeling !!!

[Jimbezy]

Short Summary:
2nd gen: Buy the 06-09
3rd Gen: Buy the 11-15
4th Gen: This guy freaking HATES IT!

[jfarrisMU]

The description of the aesthetics of the fourth generation had me DYING 😂😂😂

[rebeccamd]

After watching this video, we purchased a 2011 Prius with the upgraded package and have had the most amazing car for the last year! Your video made all the difference in our final decision. Thank you!!

[scottymonochrome]

I work at a Toyota dealership. Any Prius that isn't a 1st Gen is worth your money. And I'll be honest with you; for most consumers, it isn't worth your money to solve the "timing cover" seepage issue. These issues, as well as any other gasket failure on Toyota motors, is simply because Toyota assembles their motors with RTV for most gasket applications. If you are experiencing oil consumption/loss in your Prius, I'd strongly suggest reducing your oil change interval mileage from 10k (Yes, you heard me right, that is Standard Mileage for an Oil Change at a Dealership for nearly ALL Toyota products since 2014) down to 5k. I advise against using Lucas Oil or other such additives that will "swell gaskets" and increase compression in these motors; the ECM is not only already used to the current operating conditions, but RTV is NOT meant to handle high levels of compression, especially beyond stock, due to the type of RTV they use during assembly.


If you have a failing battery, don't buy a new one!! Go out and find a shop that can deplete, balance, and recharge light/medium duty application LiPo's or other commercial batteries. 99% of the time, this is going to save you 3-4k over a remove/replace job. Or, if you think you can figure it out, you can purchase some cheap Battery Management unit off Amazon and deplete/balance/recharge the cells yourself. As long as you have a 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm Socket on a ratchet and the same wrenches, you can do nearly anything on a Toyota.

[CarolinvonPetzholdt]

Thank you for this video Greg. I just had to replace the multi function display screen. I have 146k on my Gen2 Prius and it when out.
The dealer wanted $2500 for replacement. They don’t fix it. Just replaced it. I got a new screen from eBay for $200 and put in myself. I watched a video on YouTube how to replace it. Now it works!
I also just bought a 2019 Pruis prime. I’m excited for the new prime adventure. But I love my pruis 2009.

[KarlRock]

Your descriptions of the fourth generation Prius omg 😂😂😂

[danmccurry]

Thanks for your expert advice on the Toyota Prius. I once questioned a uber driver about the 3rd generation he picked me up in and he was glad to share his experience. He had a 2nd generation with over 400, 000 miles on it all original! In the New York tristate area. I assume Toyota made them look ugly by design, but I have never met a dissatisfied Prius owner after talking to over a dozen owners.

Keep up the good work and happy New Year

[loveable]

2004 with 350k
2013 210k
2018 prime 35k

Still own all of them and never had any issue

[klaseronen]

Hi Greg, thank you for your excellent video. This video was the first one I was ever suggested by Youtube to watch, I am happy I did. I particularly liked your clear articulation and your no-nonsense approach. In my opinion, you are one of the very best presenters if not even the best I have seen here on YT. I look forward to watch the next ones. Thank you again, my best greetings from Finland. 🏁🏆👍🏻

[WolvesInferno]

Very helpful video, and gave the video a like. I bought a 2012/2013 basically a late 2012 Auris Hybrid with the 1.8 engine. It has just over 100, 00 miles on it, but still very solid, well put together, and no loss of power. Most other cars would be falling apart at that mileage. I never get tired of the power mode, but I only do it when the car is up to temperature. I'm thrilled with the car and I average about 62 to 66 mpg so far.

[TheBitGuy]

I have owned all of these Prius models. I agree with many of the warnings on buying a used model. But once he got to the Prime, I was like WTF? I mean, it went from being a video about looking out for problems on used cars, to just trying to subjectively rip the car based on its appearance. I own one of these and happen to think it is attractive both inside and out. I agree about the touch-screen air conditioning controls, and that is something I have complained about on many different cars, including Tesla.

[TheSeanUhTron]

It annoys me to no end when people say "Oh, don't buy a Prius, it's too expensive to repair". They say it like it's guaranteed to have problems. Yet the Prius and other hybrids have been constantly proven to be more reliable than their gas-only counterparts.

[justme.]

Just bought a 2011 Prius Two today.... Love the way it holds the road during curves. And seems like I made a great choice after listening to this video.

[joemamauwu]

For the 2nd gen prius this video didn't mention alot of common mechanical problems for the car including an inverter pump that goes bad(bricks the car till its replaced), an bad combination meter that goes bad, a 3 way coolant valve that typically goes bad. These issues I think should be looked at before purchasing a 2nd gen prius otherwise it will be alot of harsh learning moments. Good luck and get that prius!

[jayk]

Prius, and all Toyota models, best made vehicles ever. Thank you Japan.👍

[livingthedash]

2005 with 664K miles. New 12V, everything else original. Other than standard maintenance.
2010 with 382K miles. New 12V battery, everything else original. Standard maintenance.
2017 Prime with 75K miles. Original everything. Standard maintenance. On my 24th tank of gas after 75K miles.

[Victortrotska]

Two years after this video and this is still gold! thanks man!

[biaggiwins]

I just wanted to thank you Greg. I have watched many of your videos, and with your help I chose a gen 3 prius. I am happily enjoying just over 53 mpg.