There are a few factors to consider when purchasing any vehicle that is over 100k miles. The life of the battery, its past history, accident reports, and the last time the owner took the Prius to get a tune-up.
If the owner of the Prius cared for the vehicle correctly, then it should be fine to buy it if it is over 100K miles.
Should I buy a Prius with over 100K miles on it?
Purchasing a used car is an endeavor, as you want to make sure the vehicle owner is telling the truth about his history.
However, purchasing a vehicle with over 100,000 miles can be twice as troubling.
A vehicle that has over 100,000 miles on it has its own issues and concerns. But you should not steer away from any vehicle over 100,000 miles.
Some owners take excellent care of their vehicles and they could possibly last for another 100k miles.
But, there are other vehicle owners that don’t give two shakes of a dog’s leg about their car or truck.
Because of their negligence, their vehicle will start breaking down at 60,000 miles.
What are some factors to consider when purchasing a Prius with over 100,000 miles?
Here are some things to consider if you are thinking of purchasing a Prius with over 100,000 miles.
The health and life of the battery.
All Priuses are equipped with a Hybrid battery. This Hybrid battery helps power the vehicle so the vehicle does not use gasoline.
On average, a Prius battery has to be replaced every 8 years or when the mileage of the vehicle passes 100k.
If you purchase a Prius with over 100,000 miles, and the battery has not been replaced, there will be a hefty battery replacement bill in your future.
The average cost of a Prius battery ranges between $2,200 and $4,100.
The batteries of certain luxury Prius models can cost up to $8,000 to replace. So you may not want to get a Prius that has its original battery.
But if the owner has already replaced the battery, within the last year, then it should be fine. But a Prius with 100,000 miles on it that has a brand new battery will not be as cheap as a Prius with its original battery.
The Carfax or accident report
If the owner of the Prius does not want to hand over an accident report, you can search for it yourself. Find and enter the VIN number into an accident report finding website.
It should take only a few minutes and you may have to pay about 20 bucks, but you’ll have the information you need.
But do not think that because a vehicle has some incidences on its report does not mean the reported incidences are the only incidences.
We have all gotten into fender benders and small scuffles and didn’t report it to the police.
The bottom line is: if you do not trust the individual selling the Prius, then don’t buy it. Only buy a used Prius from a used car dealer. They are legally obligated to tell you the truth and know the history of the vehicle.
Original parts that have not been replaced
A good amount of parts in any vehicle are usually replaced by their sixth or seventh year or by 80,000 miles.
If they have not been replaced yet, that doesn’t mean that they won’t need to be replaced within the next year.
This is why it is important to find a vehicle ornament that takes great care of their vehicles.
If you purchase a dead vehicle that is on its way out, you’ll have to pay a hefty price tag for a failing car.
Is anything leaking or shaking?
A vehicle over 100,000 miles so absolutely experience some leaking somewhere.
Maybe the motor oil leaks out or the windshield fluid has to constantly be refilled. We must watch out for coolant leaks and parking brake fluid leaks.
How to care for a Prius with over 100k miles on it?
Take your new Prius for a tune-up more often than usual. Purchasing an old vehicle with over 100,000 miles is far cheaper upfront. But that does not mean that it will be cheaper for ongoing costs.
Plenty of Priuses last beyond 200,000 miles. But this only pertains to Priuses that are well cared for. So take your peace in for a tune-up every 2 to 3 months.
Take it in every time you get into a small accent. We all get into small accidents. I remember when I pressed down on the gas pedal when I thought I was in reverse. I was actually in drive and I hit the garage door.
The only damage was a broken headlight. But something can come loose in an accident with an older vehicle that you wouldn’t come loose in a younger and less used car.
So when you take your Prius in for a tune-up, have the mechanic perform an inspection if you got into an accident.
Be prepared for your Prius to break down. Always carry some emergency supplies with you in case your vehicle overheats or it needs a jump.
To be fair any vehicle can break down anytime, especially if it hasn’t been serviced for a while. You should have AAA or some other car maintenance service anyway.
Conclusion
Yes, you should buy a Prius with over 100,000 miles if the owner took great care of it and it is in good shape.
Many vehicles that are over 100,000 miles continue to operate for 4 to 5 years. Some vehicles even reached 200,000 miles.
Before purchasing a Prius with 100,000 miles from an individual, get the vehicle accident report and assess how trustworthy the seller is.
Get your Prius service area 2 to 3 months and have emergency supplies with you at all times.
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