Best and Worst Used Toyota Hybrids to Buy

[@gianmariavolonte4315]

I have long told friends and family members when shopping for a used cars, always ask to see the service history. A car with a life history of being serviced at the specified intervals is a good indication the vehicle will be a reliable purchase. The same goes with leased vehicles, most manufactures require you bring the car in for service at the recommended intervals for the term of the lease. The golden rule I tell everyone; stay far away from vehicles, especially hybrid vehicles, that were used by rental fleets. They may look pretty at an attractive price, but almost guarantee their service is non-existent and what little miles they do have were very hard and will be detrimental to the longevity of the vehicle.

[@tardeliesmagic]

I concur. Here in the UK it's a major & v.important question.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed!

[@kimdavis5631]

Great tip! I also get leary when people service their cars at jiffy lube type places. Dealership service history is the best.

[@tardeliesmagic]

@@kimdavis5631 I had full service history on an old car u recently sold. Decided to service it myself,went to my local parts store with what's needed,i wrote on the paperwork/receipt the miles 7 date when i did the oil and filter,plugs,filter etc..... i did that for 8 yrs. New owner liked that and purchased it,as the car idled,ran & drove perfect! It was a 2002 Yaris 1.3L auto with 90,000m here in the UK. I still speak to the new owner,it passed it's MOT (yearly inspection) last month. I told him it would pass the next MOT.

[@kimdavis5631]

@@tardeliesmagic Great. I also did DIY oil changes for a while but it just made me feel safe to drive my family when I see the car pass the safety inspection checklist at the dealership. When they try to sneak in unnecessary services (such as fuel induction service lol) , I'm able to decline them with the knowledge gained from AMD's videos.

[@ruhelproduction5360]

My current prius is on 527,000 miles, interior is a little bit worn, but still drives fantastic.

[@robertlindsco3176]

😂

[@jodyel]

Wow! What year is it?

[@whyworkwhenicanrap6830]

Wow

[@microgreensgrower3946]

My first thought was, what year is it? I have a 2008 that I love!

[@Rashil-tw7so]

bruh how has your car not been pressed in a cube yet?

[@Quackdup]

Dear Mr Nut, Middle aged Car Girl here. Thank you so very much for your wonderful videos. The information you provide is critical and truly fascinating. I used to just love cars for the thrill and freedom of driving - i'm now learning to love the idea of getting my hands dirty with maintenance. You're truly awesome, dude!!! I adore you! ❤

[@nazimL1011]

Quater million views and only 20 thumbs up....are you guys sleeping ? He is THE BEST ....BEST Toyota knowledge on the internet.

[@joeshmoe8952]

I bought a used 2015 prius in Jan of 2019. It had 50k miles and as of today it has 105300. Never had any issues. It had a major tune up at 90k and the transmission fluid changed at 80k. Runs excellent and saves me money on gas. UPDATE- AS OF 07/21/2023 MY CAR HAS 124,500 MILES WITH ZERO ISSUES. ****New Update, 06/26/24 & 139,500 miles & still running strong w/zero issues.

[@anthony559]

Badass !

[@DavidVega-ef2ur]

How much does it have now ?? Update it on Dec 31st 🙌🏼😎

[@joeshmoe8952]

@@DavidVega-ef2ur I got 130,900 as of today. The original 12v battery started going bad and I recently picked one up at the dealership for $190 out the door which is cheap compared to other places. Walmart sold me $167 per tire Michelin Defenders for $240 out the door because they screwed up on my original order which was for some cheapy tires. Paid another $80 for installation but I'm ok with that. I bought some new stabilizer bar links which I will install on Sunday. Dealership wanted $200 out the door but I ended up going aftermarket, Mevotech TTX, way better than AutoZone, Pepboys, eBay, etc. and it actually has a grease refill plug which the OEM didn't have and I paid $120 for the pair.

[@2rich2care]

Awesome! How much did you pay for it?

[@memorizarapido2072]

You are a lucky Man

[@gmjsimmons]

Expert advice from a man who actually works on the cars: you can't do better than this. This is the most extensive information on Toyota hybrids that I have found. Thank you very much.

[@daveb495]

We are the original owners of a 2007 Camry hybrid, currently with 313k on the clock. We've been meticulous with dealer-only maintenance at 5k mile increments and have complete records to support that. We never heard from Toyota regarding the oil burning fix, however it consumes maybe 1/2 quart between services. We are one of the aforementioned owners who will hold onto this machine until it just quits. It's basically a member of our family at this point. Thanks, Ahmed for consistent, excellent content.

[@Tuppoo94]

At 14 years and 300k+ miles most cars would be consuming a bit of oil. Think about it, your car has driven around the world over 12.5 times, or to the Moon and a little under a third of the way back, and in a couple of years could have a driver's license of its own in some states.

[@daveb495]

@@Tuppoo94 LOL well put. Thanks!

[@JohnDiMartino]

You know dealer maintenance every 5000 miles is still only a dry service every other oil change unless you specifically pay extra for and ask for an oil change every time.If you don’t your getting 10000 mile oil change intervals.

[@ticktock2383]

Neighbor had a 2007 Camry hybrid oil burner. It was a mess.

[@dj3114]

Wish I could thank this man for the education he has provided me. As the owner of a 21 Rav Hybrid, I feel confident in it's care. Oil every 5k / 6 mo and check the battery filter every 6 mo even though no animals or kids. Nothing in the back seat on the passenger side, no liquids on the back seat, no excessive speed, gas off on the click, no extra weight, etc. I genuinely appreciate his content.

[@KillerofGods]

Nobody should sit in the back seat passenger side? Gas off on the click? What's that? Also speeding is bad for the battery? I thought the engine took car of that? Thinking of buying one, does he have an all encompassing video on hybrid care?

[@dj3114]

@@KillerofGods I meant nothing on the floor on the back seat passenger side. That is where the hybrid battery filter is and it needs to remain clear for air flow. According to AMD, constant excess speed (85+) is hard on it because the engine is working hard to go that speed plus it also needs to charge the battery. Gas off on the click means not to continue to fill it after the pump clicks off because it can damage the charcoal canister. I got all these tips from the Car Car Nut. Just search for him and you'll get educated. I'm happy with my hybrid with no regrets.

[@Zeck88522]

2012 Prius V owner here with 242k. Issues I had: 1. Fuel pump went out at 50k, under warranty. 2. Purge valve went out at around 100k. 3rd issue was wiring to a water pump due to accident ( doesn’t count). 3rd current issue happened after 200k, engine would rattle quite badly when it starts due to slow head gasket leak. Slowly loosing coolant. But I fixed by watching Scotty Kilmer by adding “Bar's Leaks 1111 Block Seal Permanent Head Gasket Fix 24 oz. , Brown” its been 2 months so far so good, coolant is at the same level and engine starts smoothly. Btw I replaced original brake pads for the very 1st time in its car life at 238k Miles. I was Ubering on this car for 5 years, i was always gentle on brakes

[@1952stratcat]

I also have a 2012 V which I bought with 120,000 miles a little under 2 yrs ago. I put a lot of miles on it, subcontractor driving auto parts delivery routes. It now has over 250,000, but at about 230,000 it had the same head gasket problem as yours. I also used a sealant solution and it has worked very well. I do not know how long this “fix” will last but so far so good

[@1952stratcat]

By the way, the sealant I used was ThermaGasket a company out of California

[@matthewheckman2981]

I also had the same issue but at 160,000 miles and unfortunately I didn't find the issue until it was probably too late. Try to use the same bars stop leak and it wasn't working well enough so we tried about another half a can cuz we figured we didn't use it correctly the first time and we ended up burning the water pump out. Our oil had already turned to milkshake so it didn't really make a difference. I wish those problem was more known in the community

[@markp6586]

Thanks so much for this candid video. I recently bought a used 15 Prius. What sold me was the mpg and recommendations that this model year was one of the most reliable. What ultimately sold me on the car was the previous owner left several maintenance records in the glovebox. That along with the Carfax records and a mechanic review of the car clinched it. Even though it has a little over 100K miles and you hear a lot of road noise, I’m averaging nearly 50 mpg consistently since I bought it. With $4plus/gallon gas this car is a godsend as I commute 120 miles each day.

[@theaxalanfam1107]

If I got questions on my Toyota Hybrid, I always watch your videos and it never disappoints.

[@stevenphotog4594]

This was one of the best overall hybrid vehicle breakdowns I've seen. I'm sure you put a lot of effort into this video and I whole heartedly agree with everything you've said. I'm on one of your baddie lists with a 2012 Prius but as you've mentioned I've been very diligent regarding the maintenance of the vehicle. We are at 170k and you are right. Our cost of ownership has been almost nothing compared to our gasoline aspirated vehicles. As a matter of fact we are still on the original set of brakes and as of last oil change they are still in the yellow. Started to consumer oil at about 150k but a change of the PCV valve solved that issue. Other than that, Nothing. Thanks for a great breakdown of all hybrid vehicles offered. I know now which will be my next purchase. Keep up the good work, your channel is great.

[@stevenmarquis2073]

Bought bronze edition highlander xle awd hybrid 2022 14,500 miles. Thanks to this gentleman’s videos I have learned to pulse and glide and I’m getting 45 mpg. Love the comfort of this model

[@SilverIndian]

Most important channel for all Toyota onwers !

[@SibRevs]

I bought a 2006 Prius with 210000 miles. Wish me luck everyone.

[@stevenleighton1947]

Wish you luck ... Learn a little mechanics and you'll be okay.

[@SibRevs]

@@stevenleighton1947 I already flushed the transmission, cleaned the battery cooling fan, changed the front rotors and pads, cleaned the MAF and throttle body. Hopefully it lasts.

[@hudsoncarmouche1795]

Keep a good eye on that dip stick

[@kimdavis5631]

Wow! Do you still have the original hybrid battery 🔋?

[@SibRevs]

@@hudsoncarmouche1795 I sure am

[@danieljohnson4418]

I purchased a 2010 Toyota Prius with 125k miles approximately 2 years ago. I serviced the transmission and coolant (engine and inverter) myself in addition to replacing the spark plugs and struts/absorbers. It now has 153k miles. No issues to report. I'm currently averaging 51+ mpg.

[@Nebraska2927]

2013 Prius owner with 218,000 miles on it. Always done your basic maintenance on it and never had an issue. Biggest repairs I’ve done are the brakes at 205,000 miles and spark plugs at 205,000 miles. It’s been an amazing car so far.

[@dmzhockey94]

Original owner?

[@Nebraska2927]

@@dmzhockey94No. bought it in 2015, so I assume I am the second owner maybe? Possibly 3rd at most?

[@dilkoko24]

I drive a 2008 Toyota Prius I got at an auction as a gamble and it was my first hybrid. Absolutely love it (I was switching from a 2013 Chevy Tahoe- talk about gas mileage whiplash). Have been considering a newer Prius, so I really appreciate your breakdown regarding the filters (never knew about these). I was considering the 4th gen Prius, so this helped a ton. I am so glad I found your video and channel- will make sure to recommend you to my friends! Have a great day.

[@dougfromsoanierana]

I bought a one-owner 2008 Prius with 125K miles in 2020 before used car prices skyrocketed. It's been good - with two main caveats: 1) I decided to replace the gas tank because it has a bladder that wears out over time, limiting the amount of gas that it can handle. I was only able to put in six gallons at a time in mine -- about half a tank. That replacement cost about $1K at an independent garage. (I plan to keep the car a while, so I thought it was worth it.) But beware - this apparently is a common problem with Gen2s. If you test drive one, fill up the tank and see how much gas it can handle. 2) I had to have the dashboard rebuilt because the electronics were not functioning all of the time. That was another $1K at an independent garage. Other than that, I've put on a new set of tires and headlights and that's been it. Still on the original hybrid battery and I hope it stays that way. Hope to get it over 200K miles and re-evaluate then.

[@18_rabbit]

@@dougfromsoanierana interesting, and not first time i've heard of those two needs. Really adds up fast! Others here have had quotes of 3K for dash, and 3K for catytlic converters, so im' a bit wary.

[@yorkiem0m]

I love this channel! Just bought out my 2019 Prius lease and in this economy will probably be driving it until I retire, 70 mile/day commute. I feel equipped to maintain it without getting ripped off having found The Car Care Nut!

[@donswier]

Such good info on this channel!!! 20 years into HSD, and we STILL hear other car "enthusiasts" who conflate Toyotas e-CVT with the traditional CVT found elsewhere. Is it just willful ignorance??

[@damilolaakanni]

It's not just Toyota. I've heard such things about the Ford Maverick base engine (it's a hybrid as well).

[@kevinW826]

Weber university has a video explaining Toyotas e-cvt. Amazing explanation, even idiots would be able to understand

[@TaijiArban]

I have only driven the corolla and prius with cvt and I couldn't even tell it was cvt for the corolla. The prius I think it was more along the lines of it feeling underpowered for my taste but I don't think it was necessarily caused by the cvt.

[@meki___6881]

Pretty sure Toyota even calls It electrical controlled CVT Which sounds like a CVT with electric driven pullis Wen it's completely different

[@waltp3373]

After I bought my 2010 Prius, I saw a KZbin video where the guy said don't buy that year because they are oil burners. OH NO! Too late. I quickly put in an oil catch can and change the oil every 3K to 4K miles. So far, at 114K miles, it uses no oil between changes. I love the car and have repaired any problems myself so far. I replaced the hatch actuator and took the old one apart and rebuilt it with a new RC motor to save as a spare. A little tip on why it went bad: I left the hatch open getting groceries out and water got into the actuator. It shorted out the motor. When I took it apart, the motor had dried out and started working again. The motor takes forever to dry out inside the plastic enclosure. So if you leave the hatch open in the rain, put a piece of plastic over the latch to keep the rain out.

[@recycledpaul9728]

Thanks for this informative video. You are correct on maintenance. I have a 2011 Camry Hybrid purchased new. I do my own maintenance and use Amsoil 0-20w. So far no oil burning. In 2017 purchased a used 2011 Prius for my daughter with 143K miles. It hasn't had any of the problems mentioned. Checked the maintenance before purchase and it was good. Performed a dump and fill of the transmission fluid and it was black. That was concerning but after 4yrs no issues.

[@jp23x]

In 2015 i considered a new prius c...i also considered a used car and a new Mitsubishi mirage. I did the math over and over and over, i was an engineering student afterall. I needed the car to make an hour long commute to school. I ended up going with a 2002 saturn sl2 with 70k miles for $3k. Almost 9 years later and i still have my saturn. Car has been great with 0 problems. Im never selling it, but now im considering a 4th or 5th gen prime.

[@JCJourney]

drive my Prius C for 10 year 100K miles I am happy when I see the dashboard show 55-60 MPG . lol only maintenance is fluid and filter change.

[@richardgray8593]

I bought a 2012 Prius C from a Toyota Dealer with 108K miles in 9/20. I didn't know about the battery air filter until about a month after I got it home and started watching some KZbin videos. Anyhoo, I checked that thing, and it was completely packed with dust, dirt, and hair. I guess I'm lucky, since I'm at 121K miles now with no problems so far. Thanks for all the info you give out.

[@hotriffsofthrash]

Hi Richard. I own a 2014 prius C, which is basically the same car. How is yours doing today?

[@richardgray8593]

@@hotriffsofthrash Still no problems. I'm @ 142k

[@rickuyeda4818]

2 years in a row, the most reliable car, according to Consumer Reports, was the Prius C. More reliable than the Prius and Prius Prime. I generally put on 3000 miles a year so I change the oil and filter once a year. I bought a used 2013 Prius C with 50K miles. The first thing I did was a complete service including trans fluid and cleaning the hybrid fan and screen.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Excellent.

[@JCJourney]

I have a 2012 Prius C, there is no filter for the hybrid battery fan. make sure the fan is not dusty. once a while, drive the car on highway to clean up the engine if you only drive locally or short trip. if you plan not to drive the car for a while, it is best to charge up the battery by regenerative braking before turning it off.

[@richardgray8593]

@@JCJourney I have a 2012 Prius C and it has a filter for the hybrid battery fan. Maybe mine was put together late in the model year.

[@skepticalmechanic]

One a year is not enough.. should be every 6 months or 6k

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@skepticalmechanic He said he only drives it approx. 3k miles per year though.

[@spyderlogan4992]

This video is Master Class quality describing the entire Toyota Hybrid models and powerplant generations, especially the older 'used' models. My take away? The owners of the older and possibly newer generations do not understand 'the systems' of the vehicle, leading to passive neglect. You must be pro-active for long vehicle life and reliability. Well Done.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

Amen.

[@Tuppoo94]

It seems to be a common theme that those owners who actually take care of their cars don't want to sell them, because they run just fine, because they took care of them. The other guys don't take care of their cars for whatever reason, so they start getting issues, and they dump them in the used car market. Also, many people lease cars these days, and these drivers often thrash the hell out of their cars with little regard for anything, because they know that the lease will expire soon and the car won't be their problem anymore. Unfortunately, those cars also end up in the used car market.

[@brucewayne2773]

I have owned all generations of Priuses up to my 2021 Prime. I have to say my favorite has always been my 2010 to 2015 Prius, 2013 prius plug in was my favorite over all , I even prefer it over my Prime. I have 2 prius V, both 2012 and 2013, only issue was the oil pressure switch leak on the 2012 V with 80k miles on it other wise been great cars. Maintenance is the biggest factor folks. I did not know about the Hybrid filter, I will check on it . Thank you AMD

[@lizmesa7545]

Car care nut, you are awesome. I believe you are one of the best channels on KZbin. Thanks for all of your hard work. God bless you.😊

[@nicolasm4121]

Hey guys, I tell you this guy is the best! Thank you one more time!

[@dominicfong6341]

I can attest to the Prius C's reliability; the ownership experience with my 2014 is just amazing. Just wished that it came with a hybrid battery fan filter instead of a mesh. Plus the stout A and C pillars took a long time to get used to. Last but not least, the center rearview mirror hangs down so low that it is big enough to hide a transit bus in some intersections. Too bad North America is not getting the updated version of the C.

[@Tuppoo94]

In Europe we get the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. The Prius C is basically the previous gen Yaris Hybrid. I've driven the new 2021 Yaris Hybrid, and it's really nice. I'm probably going to get either that or the Corolla Hybrid. Of the two, the Yaris is actually a bit over 1 second faster from 0-100 kph.

[@JCJourney]

they are pushing for the Corolla Hybrid. all the models of Toyota will have a hybrid model. 2022 tundra hybrid. I am sure the 4Runner Hybrid and sequoia Hybrid are on the way as 2023 models.

[@sandrastovall9770]

Pp

[@ceciliabryane5894]

Thank you the education. I have been on the market for a Prius and Prius V. When I inspect them found similar issues with them. I walked away. This education saved me from making a purchase on the wrong Gen year. I will dive deeper on your other videos. I am a true Subscriber!

[@TVMADoc]

My wife had a 2008 Highlander hybrid. It gave her no trouble aside from the typical Toyota shock mount deterioration up to about 240k miles. Unfortunately that is when the ABS module failed. That ties into the high voltage electrical system so indie shops won't typically touch it. The part from the dealer was $2,500 and the labor was a bit north of that. For a vehicle that was 10 years old having equally aged hybrid batteries it just wasn't a repair that we wanted to pay for. She picked up a 2018 Highlander V6 and hasn't been happier. Apparently the ABS module is a VERY common failure point in Toyota hybrids. Check the brake pedal, it if makes a clunk sound when activating/letting off the brakes, walk away.

[@markg999]

Wifes 08 Camry when we had her abs module went out got quoted a crazy price I thought to replace like 5k. Got a used one and had installed for like $200 total labor and part...never had issues till we sold it like 90k miles and 5 years later.

[@stephenwhite9957]

I think car nuts brilliant. He talks sence & really cares about toyota & just loves being able to share his professional Experience with toyota .

[@steffen7624]

Every time I watch your videos I feel the urge to buy a new Toyota. But then i realize my current 12 years old toyota is still in too good shape, so my next purchase has to wait :(

[@toyota4x4canadaguy]

I'm kinda in the same boat as you except my Toyota 4x4 is 37 years old and still going.

[@dianaalfaro8392]

Wow! I feel lucky with my 2010 Prius with 159k miles as all I do is change the oil and I have not had any issues at all. Now, my husband's 2012 Prius V with 240k miles has had all the listed problems.

[@johnd4348]

I rented a Prius in 2021 for a vacation and was very impressed. It felt solid, drove great and was quirt and smooth. I will look at buying one when I decide to get a new car. Compared to my Kia, the Prius was like driving a space age vehicle compared to my kia which is like driving a gocart. The only thing I did not like about the Prius was the interior was all black. Made seeing the controls inside hard.

[@lindap.p.1337]

Have driven a Prius since 2011. I find the only problem is that it is so low to the ground. I hit curbs, etc. 53mpg

[@BrucefromLondon]

I own a 2013 Prius T Spirit T4, the oil has been changed every 5000 miles, never had a problem apart from brake pad changes and a rear shock, it is a beautiful car with 214k miles.

[@davidtait6877]

Good to hear that I just got a 2013 Prius c with 212k

[@chrismasters4951]

AMD.....there are some companies that make new hybrid battery packs with supposedly better batteries that hold more of a charge for a longer period of time or give the car more power than factory battery packs. Are these aftermarket batteries any good in your opinion ? I mean, when it’s time to replace the hybrid battery I’d rather have one that could outperform the stock hybrid battery.

[@patrickbotti2357]

The problem is that the hybrid batteries are very high voltage and need to be manipulated with extreme precaution by trained people.

[@hanzo2350]

Great content Ahmed! I owned a 2010 Prius I purchased brand new. I religiously changed the oil every 5000 miles and it still had oil burning problems. Sold w 127k miles thinking it will end up to be a money pit. It gave me a negative impression of hybrids but good to hear they got better.

[@bocardiallo9942]

Hello Thank you for your help I know that the auris hybrid is not sold in America but it is part of the toyota hybrid. What do you think about them. Are they also good cars?

[@fanbuddy5852]

I have 2010 prius II. It does burn engine oil. Other than that, it's very reliable. I do oil change myself every 3000 mile. Now it's 190000 miles

[@mylesgray3470]

I have a 2013 with 125k miles and zero oil burn. I change the oil every 7500 miles full synthetic. Toyota changed the piston rings and the head gasket part numbers starting in 2012 making these years much better. They also fixed major headlight issues. I absolutely refused to buy a 2010 or 2011 Prius when I was shopping.

[@kobak5]

@@mylesgray3470 i have heared this before. Do you have source for this? Coming from a 2014 Auris (pruis engine) owner.

[@WakeUpAmerican000s]

My 10 year old Camry Hybrid only has 67k miles on it, and it has been a wonderful car. I researched carefully back in 2012, and also noticed that nearly all taxi cabs in NYC were Camry or Prius Hybrids. I'd ask drivers about mileage on the cars - most were over 150k, many over 250k. Two drivers told me that NY taxi outfits would scour used car auctions for Hybrids with 100K or more miles that were being sold by owners looking for a new car. They'd pick them up for taxi cabs, knowing they'd last another 150k miles or more. My only maintenance expenses have been oil service, new tires, and some warranty work on the sunroof. Brakes have over 60% of original linings. So I can verify what the Car Care Nut is saying about Toyota Hybrids, as can NYC taxi drivers.

[@markg999]

Yeah but after 10 years in age your likely going to run into hybrid battery issue if you haven't already. 10-15 years is when they seem to go.

[@chriscmz5649]

First hybrid I had was a used 05 Prius with 185,000 loved the the gas mileage. Hated the brake actuator going out. I replaced it then the ac went out then actuator went out again and at almost 300,000 miles we parted ways. I bought another 07 and loved it just as much. We recently bought a new sienna and have had it for 7 months now and love getting 36 mpg,s. But it’s a mini van and some features are not holding up. But 36 mpg can’t beat that when your hauling 6 people.

[@LAURABOHDAN]

2003 with 220,000 miles. I’m the original owner and still love this car.

[@bme7491]

2012 Prius Plug-In....130,000 miles. No failures yet. Runs like a swiss watch. Change oil every 3500 miles. Added a hybrid fan filter myself.

[@TheMarine1967]

2012 Prius owner. Thus far no issues. I have 140K miles and it gets service every 5-6K miles all schedule maintenance. I guess if you treat your car right, it will take care of you. Thanks for the informative video.

[@markg999]

You and the Car Angel are a wealth of knowledge on buying food uaed cars.

[@N7492]

FWIW, my 2010 Prius with 135K miles on it doesn't burn any oil, and the EGR system seems OK, as the EGR pipe was fairly clean when I inspected it. It has had regular oil changes! I also am fairly careful to not make short (engine never warms up) trips.

[@radanovics]

2016 Prius V owner. Best car ever. Yes it averages 45mpg (7mpg less than regular Prius) but the interior room and utility is unmatched to any Prius. Owned since it had 58k miles. Now it has 121k. Original brakes, just change oil every 5k, spark plug change at 120k along with all coolants, tranny fluid every 50k. Just treated with new Pirelli tires.ready for another 100k. Drives like when I bought it.

[@johnchastain7890]

My 2007 Prius was still going strong at 95k miles and 40+ mpg... until someone stole the catalytic converter. The repair estimate is about $2,800. It's not worth fixing, because a few weeks earlier the fuel gauge failed, and the dealer said THAT repair would cost over $3,000!

[@Angel-nu7fm]

Yeah I have an 07 with 77k miles...debating as well since things will go, gas mileage has dropped. But I will NOT pay over MSRP which is what the dealers are trying to get away with.....

[@geevee9582]

@@Angel-nu7fm wow that is a very low mileage car for the year.

[@rodolfokennis7793]

2009 Camry hybrid here. 198k miles and only things I’ve done is put a new 12v battery and it needs an abs pump . No hybrid battery issue at all. The oil burn is very much a thing , I wasn’t able to get the rings fixed so I run 10/30 instead of the 5/20 oil and it runs just fine ( oil change every 4k miles)

[@frederickclause2694]

I have a 2013 Prius V with about 40,000 miles on it. It is up to date on all service requirements, oil changes were always done at the 6 month mark which was 3500 to 4000 miles. I'm retired now and probably won't be putting on much more that 5000 miles a year. How often should oil changes be done? I can't seem to get an answer to this question even from the dealer. Just as a note, I love the service department at this dealer.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Honestly for best results I would change it every 6 months

[@frederickclause2694]

@@TheCarCareNut Thank you. I was shocked by your quick reply. Love your channel.

[@DrEarbuds]

Great info . My 2010 Prius 4 with Solar Panel . Battery replaced @ 92K . Never had Engine oil problems because I don't use regular oil and I change it around 5K miles . 10K is waiting to long .

[@kevinW826]

This is why I like the car nut over Scotty Kilmer. All he says is STAY AWAY from a hybrid, it’s bad, it’s crap, it’s this, that, and the other thing. All the while flapping his arms in the air and laughing at his own jokes. He never has any real proof just “trust me, I’m a mechanic.” I don’t trust shade tree mechanics, and I have been taught not to trust them for good reason. You explain what to look for, what to avoid, etc. a very good and informative video. If I got used I was thinking of a 2017 highlander hybrid or if I went new, it would be the Corolla hybrid.

[@ddk80]

Kilmer used to provide good content but is all about the click bait these days.

[@jaysmith179]

Well if Brandon was not in charge and did not shut the pipe line down we would not have to buy a hybrid because we would still have gas under 2 bucks.

[@mattb9664]

Kilmer also is pretty negative these days. I unsubscribed well over a year ago.

[@labradachi1]

@@jaysmith179 who's Brandon?

[@waltp3373]

Good point. I no longer watch Scotty, the Clickbait king. I caught him in some conflicting information once and questioned him about it. He never responded. He's just out for maximum views.

[@wkwmobile]

I passed on a 2017 Prius V after having a 2012 Prius V with the typical issues of the 3rd Generation Prius. What changed in the 2015 version of the Prius V that made them more reliable? BTW, I ended up purchasing a 2017 Prius Two (I seriously miss the V) with 86K miles on it, only one owner who took it to the dealership for it's routine scheduled maintenance. I love the fact that it drives like a normal car instead of the typical hybrid feel of the previous version.

[@billliebert122]

My 2014 Avalon Hybrid is a wonderful car! Kept indoors, oil changed and serviced every 5,000 miles, does not use oil (nor drip!). 138,000+ miles. Used the Carista scanner on it this week, nothing... absolutely nothing showed up as a problem.

[@alextyshkevich8210]

We have 2015 prius w/400 k miles - original hybrid battery and original engine( never had head gasket problem) .Every 100 k miles replace EGR buy a new one dont clean it and install oil can pick it helps a lot

[@RonaldMcDonald519]

My 2015 Prius C has been a phenomenal car. Regular oil/filter changes, tires, and a new battery is the only thing I've ever had to do to it.

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

Thank you very much! Liked, subscribed and shared. My absolute favorite KZbin channel by far.

[@FourJaysFour]

With the rise in theft of cat converters, would you consider a video discussing options to prevent and/or address this very real risk? Peace to you and your family ❤️

[@josebenedico7379]

I bought a cat shield protector in Amazon, in ebay is cheaper...

[@garykuwada5011]

Thanks!

[@pattyv341]

I own a 2008 Prius, almost at 370K now. It still has the original hybrid battery. The only annoying thing is the gas tank, it only takes 5 gallons at a time and I find myself at the gas station every other day. Is it worth having the tank replaced? I might need a new hybrid battery soon... Very good maintenance history, 2nd owner. Purchased it with only 17K miles.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Honestly at this mileage I would live with it. The tank is a bit pricey for the 2nd gen

[@bens6865]

Get your fuel guage recalibrated. There's no way there's only 5 gallons in tank

[@pattyv341]

@@bens6865 thanks Ben. I'll try that.

[@xaviermann9963]

I just came across a fellow selling a 2013 Prius V with only 53K miles. This video is giving me second thoughts.

[@josephdebes3060]

Have to agree about the versatility and efficiency of the 2013 Prius C I own ( now I also got the LOADED version 4 with retracting/angling roof vent/satellite radio/Navigation system /heated front seats)…with the flexible fold down back seats for cargo transport…I love it ( and I’m 6ft 3”) … have taken trips with 3 adults, cooler, 3 suitcases and other accessories for the beach all in this car…45-64 mpg of gas. 129k miles, and other than every FIVE thousand mile oil changes and 2 sets of tires, I had no maintenance/repairs until 100k miles to replace the ACCESSORY battery (just because), not the hybrid battery. What I do fault Toyota for was not saying STRONGLY to open the rear seat driver side under seat hybrid battery cooling vent and clean out the vent and spray WD40 type lubricant on the fan center….had to learn it from THIS website! Pulled out a 3” round 2” thick “hockey puck size plug of carpet fibers, dog hair and debris! Now I set a reminder every year to repeat! Most early failures of hybrid batteries is due to overheating of the battery….no wonder! It is easy to do yourself, rather than $275-350 to pay the dealer I will drive this car until the wheels fall off! Oops, that’s not such a joke anymore with the recall of the new total EV Toyota…sorry People used to look down on the Prius C….but not anymore with the 2022 gas crisis!!! So sorry they only sell them outside the USA after 2020 under the Aqua (?) model name.

[@GabrielGarcia-hr4rh]

Thank you for the information on which Prius to buy. Before I bought my Prius, I watched your videos and avoided the ones you said to avoid, which are 10 to 14. I purchased a 2016 four touring with 90k miles. I could not be happier with it. However, I recently came across a website that also says to avoid some of the same years you mentioned in your videos. I was shocked to see them say to stay away from the 2016 Prius since it was one of the least reliable cars to own. Copilot is the name of the company that recommends avoiding the Prius year 2005, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11,12, and 2016. I wondered how accurate they were.

[@sjfreedom3]

Really appreciate you! I bought my 2010 Prius new. 200k mi now. Zero oil use until 120k. Then suddenly it started drinking oil. I’ve been using your recommendation of oil cleaning products before oil change to clean up the oil return rings. Also using a catalytic converter cleaner every 3 fill ups. I also replaced EGR valve. Oil burning decreased and MPG increased. I’ll keep the regimen going as it really helps. Going for 300+k miles! Thank you for your insight! Oops, that’s a Honda product … sorry. 😆

[@prioritytree]

Thank you, this was really good and informative.,,I wish there was a page with all the numbers and specs you gave out. I stopped this video multiple times and wrote stuff down and did screen shots , ha ha..Good work, keep it up! Much appreciated

[@JPX20005]

You might want to also consider the Corolla Hybrid, but I know it's a relative new car in the hybrid side...

[@leepower2717]

The 2 litre hybrid Corolla is very good choice, nearly as efficient as the 1.8 hybrid but a lot more fun to drive ( 2 litre hybrid power train isn't available to some markets )

[@Vacilando22]

Thank you so much for this video! I am helping a friend look for a car, and she wants a Prius or at the very least a hybrid. I feel so much better equipped to look for a great used Prius and hybrid and I am so excited for her next car. Thanks again

[@lady.T00K]

I currently drive a 2005 Honda pilot and clean houses for a living. Last week I spent $100 just in gas getting to jobs. I started looking into Prius’s and took a consensus on Facebook and was shocked at how many people either loved theirs or hated theirs. This video gave me so much information on WHY people loved and hated them. What their kinks and hiccups were and WHY. And what to look out for when it comes to buying them. Thank you so much for this video! As someone who hates needlessly throwing away money, this really made me happy to find a reputable person explaining why they’re good or bad and what to look out for ❤

[@jessaphillips2846]

Did you get one yet? If not I would suggest a Prius V since it’s the big one and you’ll lose less cargo space for your cleaning supplies, particularly your vacuum, brooms and mops

[@lady.T00K]

@@jessaphillips2846 thank you so much!

[@zach7269]

I bought a 2nd gen Prius last year to replace my '04 problematic something-breaks-every-month trailblazer. At the time none of the dealerships had anything older than '20-21 Toyotas and could not find anything decent on Facebook so took the risk. So far it's been decent for a A to B daily driver. I've replaced the original 12battery, front struts, front & back brakes, transmission / oil fluid, and replaced steering shaft universal joint this month for stiff clunky steering. It did come with lots of scratches, bad interior(known problem on this generation), 4 previous owners, and not so steller vehicle history. I know it wasn't a good buy but honestly didn't have any other options financially. Didn't want to get a loan for 30k+ for newer Toyotas so paid 5k for the 2005 Prius. I will definitely be keeping up with the maintenance. Hoping it will last at least a few years while I save up for a newer RAV4.

[@3rdworldgarage450]

I have a 2015 Prius C 3 with 129,000 miles on it and it is a very good car. It was bought new to deliver pizza (which it no longer does) and has only ever had 3 failures. The biggest one was covered under warranty and that was the A/C compressor. It would have been $2000 at the dealer if I had to pay out of pocket. The next failure was the brake pedal pad, but mostly because I hypermile a bit. Finally the 12 volt battery failed at about 115,000 miles. This cost me $250 at the Toyota dealer and I installed it myself. I have done the 10k mile oil change interval with Mobil 1 0W-20 and a Mobil 1 filter, but will be switching to 5k mile intervals like I use for my other cars (one of which has 424,000 miles on it). I have looked inside the engine and not found it to be sludgy or varnished, so I am hoping it hasn't done any damage. It is coming up on the time to replace the original front brake pads, and I have a quality set of replacements on hand to do it in the next few weeks. I also regularly change the cabin air filter and clean the battery cooling fan screen every 15,000 miles. Every 50,000 I take the fan assembly out and clean the fan blades. Fuel mileage in Tampa Bay traffic is 43 to 50 MPG with the A/C on, depending on the outside temp. One thing to mention is that these cars should NOT be run with the A/C off if the ambient temp is over 85 degrees F. The car relies on the A/C to cool the battery at temperatures above that and it can overheat the battery if you run without it. Oh, one more annoying failure: The radio touch screen seems to be out of alignment at the bottom, making it impossible to adjust the scale of the navigation system. You can get a new digitizer for it on Ebay for $50 or so, and I am planning to do that so I can use it. What is it like to drive? Well, it is slow and loud and throttle input seemingly has little to do with acceleration except for making the engine louder. I find it comfortable though, but I prefer subcompact cars to larger ones. The rearward visibility is terrible and I remove the rear seat headrests when I have no passengers to deal with it. Overall though, I can't complain too much as it provides me with reliable transportation that I don't have to spend too much time working on. Operating costs are very low now that it's paid for (and I no longer deliver pizza!). I can run it on about 10 to 15 gallons of gas a month with a round trip commute of around 27 miles a day. If you just want transportation, these cars are hard to beat.

[@josefstrenk8597]

Díky!

[@roastum1usa206]

Got on board a few weeks ago 2022 camry hybrid. My first! hope I made the right move?

[@Always_sojourning]

On your info and advice 2 1/2 years ago I purchased a 1 owner 2015 Prius with 89,0000 mi.'s, documented service records . I have traveled in it all over the United States and Canada. While on trip to VA from FL Aug. of 2024 I got the dreaded "Triangle of Death." Long story short, I had it diagnosed by a local shop in Richmond Who determined it was the Inverter /converter. There was a recall on that and I had it towed to the local Toyota dealership who replaced it , installed all new fluids and returned it to me at zero cost to me!! Look up the cost of that ! My next oil change will be at 150,000. Zero other issues. I love Toyota!!

[@cmburns2606]

The 2012-14 Prius can be a great long-lasting car but the key is keeping the EGR system clean. It’s a faulty design that causes carbon to build up in the EGR circuit, and if it gets bad enough it can cause a blown head gasket. Read through the priuschat message board, guys harp on this constantly.

[@turboclaybird]

2nd generation Prius (2004-2009) had no EGR.

[@pinzgauernorcal]

i have a 2013 prius Plug-in i bought new and i changed the oil every 5K and did all the maintenance its been the most reliable car ever

[@namegoeshere2903]

I like how the CCN calls it as it is. Honest opinion, based on experience... so rare these days. Even if I don't own the video highlighted car(s), it is still great information.

[@flagmichael]

The good, the bad, and the ugly. That is information we need.

[@dcabana1]

I bought a 2012 Prius V .It had 130,000 Kilometers or on it,or 90,000 miles. I've owned five years now. I change the oil every 5,000 miles, I changed the PCV valve , as well, I changed the 12 volt battery, which was the original. The car uses no oil whatsoever,and as well, I changed the plugs as per the maintenance scheduIe.I love this little car. I cleaned the blower on it a couple of years ago, and put in a screen on the intake duct to keep out heavy lint, etc. The car now has 204,000 kilometers on it, or roughly 130,000 miles.I changed the brakes once. So far , so good.

[@dcabana1]

I forgot to mention, I also changed the engine coolant this year and two years ago, I changed the converter, and transmission coolants. It runs great.!

[@Rogerraybemsleyjr]

Honorable mention 2022 Toyota TUNDRA 😂 been waiting a long long time for this one ☝️

[@tomsanroman3542]

I have a 2006 Prius with 275,000 miles. Still runs Great!

[@vby9588]

i own 2nd gen prius. 340k. all highway miles. still going. 45mpg average.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

2011 Prius here. Got mine with 69,000 miles 7 years ago and I’m at 142,000 now. First problem I had was a battery failure at around 100,000, got it replaced under warranty/recall, luckily it happened a month before the warranty went out. I just got done having to get the engine gasket and oil pressure gauge replaced, luckily my brother is a mechanic so it saved me a good chunk of money on that one. I still love this car even with the few issues I’ve had. Taking it on a few month road-trip here soon.

[@ShamsulAlam-ie8rt]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As I am in the market for 2022 RAV4 hybrid, I was hoping to hear more about RAV4 but you didn’t say much, does that mean I should stay away from them.

[@Tuppoo94]

The 2022 cars are still so new that at their age any car would be expected to work just fine.

[@WokeisaJoke0522]

Super reliable engine(2.5l) and of course the hybrid system is reliable, too. I’d buy one, if I didn’t already have a Venza

[@cosmicviewer477]

I bought a used 2018 Toyota Prius Two Eco w/60K miles. I love the car. This is my 3rd Prius-based car. Some people like to bash them, but once you get used to the driving dynamics and specialized maintenance, they are some of the best cars to own.

[@timothybrown7121]

Thank You for this video. We own a 2015 Prius and a 2018 Camry Hybrid. Thanks to you I will be changing the oil in the Camry every 6 months or 5000 miles. Would you suggest doing the same with the Prius?

[@flagmichael]

In a previous video he said it was important do do the Prius oil changes every 5K miles. Our 2014 does the oil change reminder at 5K even though the schedule says 10K miles.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi’ yes I do recommend it for the Prius as well.

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

My Toyota Prius 2009 300 thousand miles and still going strong 🙏

[@p6102zrfxe]

I watched this video two times in a row. Masterpiece. Thank you AMD.

[@patrickbotti2357]

My 2014 Prius V has 108,000 miles. I am the original owner of the car. It has been dealer-serviced since the beginning (including oil-change) every 5,000 miles. I followed the advice of checking my hybrid battery filter in the Fall. It was very cleaned as was the fan. That was good news, especially knowing that from 2014 to 2019 that car was a new England car. I will not ask ow long can the hybrid battery last. I have heard of Prius owners going over 200K before replacing. But I also read of many owners replacing the hybrid battery at 7- or 80 K miles. That is crazy.

[@z-k7673]

Do u recommend service it from toyota or local

[@patrickbotti2357]

@@z-k7673 It really depends on the dealer and also if you can find a good reliable shop that knows about Toyota hybrids, and is know to be honest and knowledgeable. My car was always dealer services. I was lucky with the dealers I sent my car too (five years in MA, one in FL and since 2021 in VA). They were always honest with me and not more expensive than many shops. I think what makes a difference is when they know that "you know what you are talking about". A good dealership usually respects that. My advice is to search for a good reputable local shop and then compare prices on specific repairs. I don't always trust comments (good or bad) on the web for dealerships or shops. But a dealer with a zillion negative reviews should be a good indication to avoid it. The same for a local shop. The advantage of a dealer is that their auto mechanics are highly trained in working on complex hybrid Toyota cars.

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, I agree, the super practical Prius v deserves a place in the Prius Hall of Fame. Outside of the purpose-built Toyota Hybrid taxi which is sold only in Japan, the Prius v was the most sensible and accommodating taxi on the market. Every Hybrid in Toyota's current fleet impresses me but I do miss the Prius v wagon.

[@leepower2717]

My manager has a 2019 Prius + ( we are in Europe ) as his company car, people have tried to flag him down before thinking its a taxi.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@leepower2717 As an occasional taxi customer I like the Prius v because they offer adequate head and leg room in the back combined with low environmental impact. Here in Canada, the days of spacious sedan/saloons being used as taxis are long gone. The irritating trend to low seating positions and sloping roof lines has rendered today's sedans useless to passengers over 6 feet tall. BTW our Prius v was offered only with 2 rows not the 3 rows your Prius+ had in Europe.

[@patrickbotti2357]

I have a 2014 Prius V with a 106K miles. Never had an issue. Always serviced at the dealer, taken for service every 5K to 7K. Normal maintenance (brakes). Gas mileage has gone down but not by much.I need to check on the hybrid battery filter in the next couple of weeks. Dealer wants to charge me a fortune to do it. I did not notice it was burning oil. I do mostly 75% highway mileage. It is a great car. My main complain: it is loud at speeds above 55 mph. The kids used to joke that the high reving of the engine sounded like a coffee grinder. I also find the paint fragile. The tiniest little thing will scratch the paint... Also, some of these cars are known to have a problem of rust above the windshield. That one I did not know.

[@aburawat607]

Owned a 2011 Prius from new, ran it to 309,000 miles with no issues. Hit a deer and got written off.Always did oil changes at 5000 miles, then the brakes at 150k, replaced 12v battery at about 222 k, but these where mainly highway miles.

[@BecauseReasonsReviews]

Would you please do Lexus hybrids, too? Thanks.

[@BlueDroneBlues]

I remember another video you have put out explaining much of what your saying today. 1st and 2nd generation you wanted to stay away from and waiting for the 2015 on up. I have seen a few videos of Scotty Kilmer putting out videos and basically telling people to just stay away from Used hybrids altogether because the hybrid battery tends not to last very long and replacing them is very expensive. So glad you put this video and others like it trying to calm those fears and explain the comparisons of a gas car vs hybrids regarding maintenance and what the hybrid has or hasn’t to the gas only version. Question: Why over the past few years have the fuel tanks in the Camry been getting smaller and smaller? My 16 has a 16 gallon tank and 2018 went down to 13.5 gallons now the 2022 has just over a 10 gallon tank I believe. Please correct me if I am wrong here. Dealers tell you they make them smaller because of aerodynamics which I think is a lot of hog wash. What do you think?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Honestly it all comes to the packaging of the car. A smaller tank means less weight when it’s full and smaller size so they can give the car more space inside

[@Slickpete83]

*how is the 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 hybrid system compared to the new +2019 RAV4 hybrid system ? , is it worth it to get the newer RAV4 +2019 hybrid system models*

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! They are both solid honestly reliability wise

[@cgmarch2359]

My understanding is that the new rav4 hybrid awd have better AWD . Check channel test 4x4 on rollers

[@phillipsizemore11]

2010.. 332,000 miles. No trouble except the lights in radio blinks. Tap it and its fine. Use no oil and passes inspection.

[@rogerb7147]

Mr. Car Care Nut is very personable and patient and he is to be thanked , we learn much here. I have a 2012 Prius V, bought new. It's had onlyToyota service, including inverter fluid changes. I did the 10,000 mile oil changes but the last change went to 5,000 as I don't drive quite as much now. The only unusual item was a failed LF brake caliper. Yes, those were rebuilt at the dealer! It has 116,000 miles now and will be 10 years old at Thanksgiving. Still on the original 12V battery too. This car has impressed me with its quality and durability. As Mr. Car Care Nut says, maintenance is important, this earlier hybrid system is holding up well for me.

[@davidbrown9404]

I have a 2010 Prius 320k on it bought it for 2800 in 2020 right before pandemic had 289k on it did wheel hubs all around, rotors brakes all around front struts and sway bar bushings, 3 oil changes and a transmission fluid change~!! love my Prius still gets 46 ish where most roads have a 55 or 60 mph speed limit!

[@DrumPeearl]

Is your 2010 still alive?

[@davidbrown9404]

Yessir and going strong 💪

[@davidbrown9404]

​@@DrumPeearl yessir and going strong 💪

[@lorimiller7949]

Wow, my 2010 "mama" prius is now 13 years old, with 88,000 miles on it, and yeah I guess I've taken pretty good care of it. I've replaced the standard (not hybrid) battery 2 or 3 times, replaced the tires twice and thats it. This has been the best car I've ever owned. Starting to think about getting a prime, someday.

[@naturegirl5681]

I have a 2014 I bought last year and it has 247,000 miles has original battery. Ignition coils are the only things it has needed. Carfax said 2 previous owners history shows regular 10,000 oil changes. I only paid $5500 walking out the door from Cardipity.

[@MmC-vn1mf]

What about the 2014 Lexus es 300h? I bought one that was 1 owner and serviced only at a Lexus dealer all it's life. Do they have any major issues or are they bulletproof?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! They are very good and basically similar to my recommendation on the Avalon hybrid

[@genarov160]

I got a 2008 Camry hybrid in 2018 I’ve put 150k miles on it at 248k and counting knock on wood most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned as long as you take care of it it will take care of you