Have you ever heard the negative rumor that “You shouldn’t buy a used Prius”? The Prius is popular for its environmental friendliness and good fuel economy, but there seems to be mixed opinions on the used car market. In this article, we will thoroughly examine the reasons and provide detailed explanations on how to choose a used Prius with peace of mind.
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Why do people say “You should stop”?
There are several possible reasons behind the negative opinions surrounding used Prius cars.
1. Deterioration of the hybrid system
The hybrid system, which is the heart of the Prius, has many expensive parts and repair costs can be high. In the case of used cars, there are concerns about battery deterioration and overall system malfunctions, so maintenance costs after purchase are often higher than expected.
2. Battery replacement costs
Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, the Prius has two types of batteries: a high-voltage battery and an auxiliary battery. High-voltage batteries are particularly expensive, and replacement costs can run into the hundreds of thousands of yen. When choosing a used car, be sure to check the battery’s condition and replacement history.
3. High mileage due to popular model
Because Priuses are often used as taxis and business cars, there are many vehicles with high mileage on the used car market. Cars with high mileage are more likely to have wear and deterioration of parts, and the risk of breakdowns increases.
4. High resale value
Because the Prius is a popular car, it is traded at a relatively high price in the used car market. This means that the purchase price is high and it is difficult to expect a resale value when selling.
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Things to be aware of when purchasing a used Prius – Examples of problems
The following problems have been reported with used Priuses:
- Hybrid system failure: The hybrid system that is the core of the Prius has a complex structure, and if it breaks down, it can result in expensive repairs.
- Battery deterioration: Prius batteries have a lifespan, and if they deteriorate, fuel economy will worsen and, in the worst case, the car may become unable to be driven. Replacing the battery can cost hundreds of thousands of yen.
- Electrical system problems: The Prius has a lot of electrical equipment and is prone to problems. Problems with the navigation system and power windows not working properly have been reported.
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What happens if your Prius battery dies?
The Prius is equipped with two types of batteries: a drive battery and an auxiliary battery. The symptoms and solutions vary depending on which battery is dead.
1. When the drive battery dies…
- Hybrid system won’t start: The Prius’ drive battery is the main power source for the hybrid system. If it dies, the hybrid system won’t start and the engine won’t start.
- Unable to drive: If the drive battery dies, the Prius will be completely unable to drive because the hybrid system will not work.
- What to do: The drive battery is a high-voltage, dangerous item, so you cannot fix it yourself. Call road service and have a professional charge or replace it.
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Points to note when buying a used Prius
When purchasing a used Prius, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Check the battery status
Be sure to check the condition of the battery before purchasing. It is best to have it diagnosed at a dealer or repair shop. It is also a good idea to check the battery replacement history and warranty.
2. Check the maintenance record
Check the maintenance records to see if the car has been regularly maintained and if there are any history of malfunctions or repairs. If there are no maintenance records, consider not purchasing the car.
3. Balance between mileage and model year
The lower the mileage, the better the condition, but the year of manufacture is also an important factor. The newer the model, the more likely it is to have the latest safety equipment and features. Look at the balance between mileage and year of manufacture and make a comprehensive judgment.
4. Accident history
Cars that have been in accidents may have problems later on, even if they have been repaired. Be sure to check.
4. Choose a reliable retailer
Quality and warranty details vary greatly depending on the used car dealer. Be sure to choose a reliable dealer and make sure they provide after-sales support.
Although there are some concerns as mentioned above, if you keep the key points in mind, a used Prius can be an attractive option.
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Models and years you shouldn’t buy
Particular care should be taken with early Prius models and vehicles with over 100,000 km on the clock. Early Prius models have been reported to have many problems with their hybrid systems. Also, vehicles with over 100,000 km on the clock are likely to have deteriorated batteries and other components.
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Battery problem with used Prius
Prius batteries are expensive and can cost hundreds of thousands of yen to replace.
- Battery life and replacement cost: The life of a Prius battery varies depending on usage, but it is generally said to be about 10 years. Replacement costs vary depending on the type of battery and labor costs, but the average price is around 200,000 to 400,000 yen.
- Battery check points: Check the remaining battery level and deterioration. It is recommended to have the battery diagnosed at a dealer or repair shop.
- What to do in case of battery failure: If the battery fails, it must be replaced immediately. If left unattended, not only will the vehicle become unable to run, but it may also have a negative effect on other components.
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Fuel efficiency and risks of used Prius
The Prius is known for its high fuel efficiency, but you need to be careful when buying a used car.
- Causes of decreased fuel economy: Deterioration of the battery or engine malfunctions can cause decreased fuel economy.
- Reviews on fuel economy of used Priuses: There are various reviews on the fuel economy of used Priuses, but some say that the fuel economy is not as good as they expected.
- How to check fuel economy: Before purchasing, take a test drive to check the actual fuel economy. It is also recommended to have the car inspected at a repair shop.
Prius used market price and price guide
Used Prius prices vary greatly depending on the year, mileage, grade, and condition.
- Market price trends: The market price for used Prius cars has been declining year by year. However, because it is a popular car model, it tends to be traded at a higher price than other car models.
- How to choose according to your budget: Narrow down your search by model year, mileage, grade, etc. according to your budget. It is useful to use used car information sites and apps.
- Recommended time to buy: Used Prius cars can often be purchased cheaply at the end of the fiscal year or at the end of the accounting period, such as March or September.
Risk of breakdown and repair costs
The Prius is said to have fewer breakdowns than other car models, but the risk of breakdowns is still not zero.
- Common failure areas: The hybrid system, battery, and electrical system are among the areas that are prone to failure.
- Estimated repair costs: Repair costs vary depending on the part that is broken and the repair content, but can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen.
- Check the warranty and support details: When purchasing a used car, be sure to check the warranty and support details. In the unlikely event that something breaks down, you can have it repaired with peace of mind.
summary
The rumor that “you shouldn’t buy a used Prius” is not necessarily true. If you pay close attention to the important points and buy from a reliable dealer, a used Prius can be a great, economical and environmentally friendly car. We hope this article will help you choose a used Prius. Use this article as a reference and find the Prius that’s perfect for you.
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