Looking to buy a Mk3 Toyota Prius

[Mudgey]

I know, I know.... let's get the Clarkson comments out the way!

I actually like these cars and appreciate the technology that is in them. I am hoping to find one with about 50k miles and appreciate some can be up to 7 years old now. These things are generally regarded as being one of the most reliable cars ever made but I expect there are still things I should look out for?

What would you guys recommend I look for when viewing one of these cars?

Cheer!

[liner33]

Toyota service history first off by far most important and wouldnt buy one withouth, they do reports on the battery etc but even so nowadays replacement batteries arent horrific outside of the dealer network.

We have had one for more than 2.5 years and apart from a faulty 12v battery its been great, they are very relaxing to drive and arent as slow as people think

Cant think of anything I would be concerned about , just the usual noises and smooth operation of the gearbox

[Mudgey]

Thanks for the info.

I didn't think there was much wrong with them from trawling user reviews online, nothing really stuck out apart from a couple of recalls.

Most of my journey is sat in traffic so it will be a welcome change driving something that only has 2 pedals and not a manual!

[liner33]

I had a 180 mile trip to Manchester the other week couldn't leave until almost 4pm on a Friday so I knew it was going to be a real pain, had the choice of taking either my Jag XF or my Octavia , both are modern autos and fairly good in traffic but the Prius is so much more relaxing so took the wifes car

As expected heavy stop start traffic all the way around Birmingham and 50mph roadworks up to Manchester

Kept up with traffic and it took 4hrs 15 mins with no stops, car read 68.7mpg or 12 litres of fuel used

Came back two days later in 3 hours (inc stop) at more normal (For me) motorway speeds and got 57mpg and had a little under half a tank left

Both figures a little ambitious but a genuine 55mpg is very easy to achieve day to day if just driven normally with no regard to saving fuel

[Mudgey]

Damn, you can't complain about those economy figures!

I'm quite looking forward to having something relaxing to drive and cheap to run, if it was my only car my inner petrolhead would probably have me looking at v8 estates!