Used high miles Prius - what to look for?

[Flatcoat]

In looking for a cheapy second car I came across a second generation Prius, privately owned, not ex taxi, full Toyota dealer history with 170k miles. What should I look for? 

[Paul john]

Blown headlights. Sloppy suspension. Brake dust covered front wheels. Pre 2007 dark or dim central display. High oil consumption.
you might want to replace the sparks with new irridium NGK’s 

I drove my 2005 to 96k and my 2007 to 157k no major issues.

[Flatcoat]

Thanks. I might give it a pass. It looks ok in photos and the FDSH is clearly a bonus but I simply don’t have time for sorting out problems other than minor odds and ends. Possibly better to stick to something simple such as an Aygo or Yaris… 

[Paul john]

10 minutes ago, Flatcoat said:

Thanks. I might give it a pass. It looks ok in photos and the FDSH is clearly a bonus but I simply don’t have time for sorting out problems other than minor odds and ends. Possibly better to stick to something simple such as an Aygo or Yaris… 

A 2016 gen4 would be a good choice

[TonyHSD]

Prius gen 2 is a way too old. 
If you are looking for a hybrid older than 10 years you need to take into consideration a replacement hybrid Battery cost. 
Hybrid Battery chemistry does age with the time and no matter the mileage they need replacement after around 10-12 years on older models gen2 and gen3 .
Gen4 and later are warranted to 15 years but it is too early to see in reality how far they will go, we are only 8 years away from the first gen4 hybrids. The phev are in the same category together with all electric cars which makes them currently cheaper than any other hev only cars.
Batteries are the enemy of the electrified vehicles. 
Aygo, Yaris, Auris , Avensis petrol only models are way safer bet for a budget car purchase. The worst ones are bev, phev, hev. 🪫💡⚡️

[Cyker]

If you get a Prius do yourself a favour and get at least a Mk3, if not a Mk4 - The original Mk2 was a good proof-of-concept but I think it would be painful to use by modern standards; It is the car that cemented the hybrid reputation for being slow and drony, a reputation which they still have trouble shaking despite my best attempts to rectify    (And not because I have zero self control )

The Mk3 and Mk4 are much more pleasant to drive by comparison as they addressed most of the complaints about the Mk2.

I still think a *pre*-2009 Mk2 1.3L Yaris is a good shout though - Should be fairly cheap by now and you can go for higher-mileage to save money as the mileage doesn't really matter as long as the car's been looked after. Much more spacious and comfortable than an Aygo too, although the centre-digital dash can be a bit Marmite (It ruined me - I can't drive a car with a normal dash any more, they just feel so inferior and backwards in comparison!)

 

[wass]

I would agree with most of the comments about the Gen 2. Modern hybrids are more efficient, quieter and of course have much newer batteries. The Gen 2 does have some very good features in that it was way over-engineered to create something with extreme reliability. Time is the killer of batteries and no matter what the mileage is, when the Battery time is up, service and reliability goes out the window as a bill for a new Battery comes through the door.

[Paul john]

20 minutes ago, wass said:

I would agree with most of the comments about the Gen 2. Modern hybrids are more efficient, quieter and of course have much newer batteries. The Gen 2 does have some very good features in that it was way over-engineered to create something with extreme reliability. Time is the killer of batteries and no matter what the mileage is, when the battery time is up, service and reliability goes out the window as a bill for a new battery comes through the door.

New (refurbished)  gen2 Battery pack is around £1000. 
gen2 rocks against the mistakes on the gen3