Good idea to buy an '07 Prius with 170k miles?

kissinger

This will be my very first car since passing my test recently. I needs something reliable, with a relatively low purchase price, low insurance, good MPG, and which is fairly large, so I've decided upon a second generation Toyota Prius.

I've found one that fits the bill: it's within budget (it's on sale for £3800 but I think I could get it for £3500), it's a high spec model (the T Spirit), and it's the colour I want. The only catch is that it has really high mileage of 170,000 miles.

That sounds to me like a scary number of miles, but I've also heard that these Prius are nigh on indestructible, so I was hoping for some advice. Would I be making a mistaking buying such a high mileage car?

Nodding_Donkey

Check out the prices of new batteries

daltonss

Never heard of many battery issues with that generation Prius . Seen some go 250k plus miles. Preferred by many taxi drivers so must say something about its reliability.

daltonss

Ignore NoddyingDonkey. Batteries are fine

gord115

Ring Toyota and ask how much it costs to test the batteries.

If it's not too much take the car there and have 'em checked.

If the seller won't let you, walk away.

kissinger

I found some data online about the battery failure rate on these Prius and it said that the 10 year failure rate was something like 1-2% depending on the particular year model, so I'm fairly confident in that aspect, especially seen as how I'll be buying from a dealer as opposed to a private seller.

But I was wondering more about general repairs. I don't know whether certain things start to go wrong on these past 100,000 miles. 170,000 'sounds' like a lot of miles, but I suppose that much on a really well made car isn't really a problem.

daltonss

What is the service history like on the car you're viewing with 170k? Make sure it has full service history and no.2 keys

kissinger

daltonss wrote: »

What is the service history like on the car you're viewing with 170k? Make sure it has full service history and no.2 keys

It doesn't say on the listing. I'll definitely ask about it when I see them in person.

I've been told that a high mileage isn't a problem providing the car has FDSH.

daltonss

I also suggest if you do get a Prius run it on either fully syn 0w20 or 5w30; the former being the preference and carry out oil changes at least once a year. They are very good cars but not as fuel efficient as its figures claim. They're best suited for town trips not motorways

daltonss

It's unlikely it will have full dealership history as people tend to stop using main dealers after 100k or when the warranty is up. But this isn't really a big issue as any competent garage can carry out basic servicing for that car- as long as they used correct grade oil. Was this an ex taxi car by any chance?

daltonss

I've just had a quick browse on Prius prices and they've seem to have gone up in the past 6 months!