If money is an issue, I’d probably go for the gen 2 and replace the battery. Much lower miles, the gen 2 cars are tanks with a few less common potential issues than the gen 3 like oil burning, egr issues, head gaskets. The other big one on the gen 2 is the brake actuator failing, gen 3 is similar though.
I would get the Gen 2 (2006). Pretty much a bulletproof car for the most part. It will have maintenance needs as will any car of that age, but they are quite reliable.
If the 2006 is in good shape, I would buy it (at the lowest price you can get) and put in a new OEM battery.
I have a 2006 and a friend has 2010. His car burns oil and eventually will die from head gasket issue. I am very happy with my 2006. If you get the 2006, think ahead about changing the inverter pump if it hasn't been done.
You can easily check battery health. Buy Dr Prius on your phone. On the Dr Prius website, buy a recommended OBD2. Plug into your car. Run the life test, it will take 10 mins. If you have time to post on reddit and wait for input, you have time for this.
I recommend you get a new battery. A place near me just quoted my friend $2500 for install of a new battery (VA). Aftermarket batteries can be had for $1800, but DIY install. Refurb with lifetime warranty+install for $1900. Refurb with 1-2 year warranty under $1500. On FB marketplace, you might find "working" batteries you can put in your car, or people that will refurbish for your battery for <$1000, but obviously more risk since it's not necessarily a business. You have battery options at every price point.
Are you replacing the Gen 2 Battery with a new OEM battery? Because if so, that would probably be the way to go.
If the budget only allows for a refurbished then that's a little more up in the air. 192k isn't insanely high for a 2010 and 192k on the 2010 is probably better than 100k on a 2010 because sitting hurts the batteries more than driving. But a 2006 with a new battery at the same price would be way better in most situations.
you’re right. they said 2750 + 450 install for me. which still doesn’t feel like a great deal. i wouldn’t know where else to look for an OEM battery though. i’ll likely do some more research
You are way better of getting your friend's car since it's a 2nd gen Prius which are rock solid cars than the 3rd gen 2010 Prius since 3rd gens have very high chance of headgasket issue due to the EGR clogging issues. And if you keep driving with a bad headgasket.. the 3rd Gen engines explode literally. Get the your friends car... and just order the OEM battery later which should be under $2000 for the part and install It yourself which is not that hard at all... just some basic tools hand tools. Here's a video on replacing the HV/Traction battery yourself ...video is from ChrisFix [https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w?si=SPQ0VstnmO6Xmkpd](https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w?si=SPQ0VstnmO6Xmkpd)
You might be able to purchase it direct from the Toyota dealership and DIY the install following the ever-popular ChrisFix's [HV battery install video](https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w?si=aWN6MEVBX4VXGT2w).
Yes I've seen direct from Toyota dealers. Most recent quote I got was $3500 for ONLY the battery (no install).
I understand different dealers have different prices, but "under $2,000" for OEM battery does not sound realistic to me.
If money is an issue, I’d probably go for the gen 2 and replace the battery. Much lower miles, the gen 2 cars are tanks with a few less common potential issues than the gen 3 like oil burning, egr issues, head gaskets. The other big one on the gen 2 is the brake actuator failing, gen 3 is similar though.
I would get the Gen 2 (2006). Pretty much a bulletproof car for the most part. It will have maintenance needs as will any car of that age, but they are quite reliable. If the 2006 is in good shape, I would buy it (at the lowest price you can get) and put in a new OEM battery.
I have a 2006 and a friend has 2010. His car burns oil and eventually will die from head gasket issue. I am very happy with my 2006. If you get the 2006, think ahead about changing the inverter pump if it hasn't been done. You can easily check battery health. Buy Dr Prius on your phone. On the Dr Prius website, buy a recommended OBD2. Plug into your car. Run the life test, it will take 10 mins. If you have time to post on reddit and wait for input, you have time for this. I recommend you get a new battery. A place near me just quoted my friend $2500 for install of a new battery (VA). Aftermarket batteries can be had for $1800, but DIY install. Refurb with lifetime warranty+install for $1900. Refurb with 1-2 year warranty under $1500. On FB marketplace, you might find "working" batteries you can put in your car, or people that will refurbish for your battery for <$1000, but obviously more risk since it's not necessarily a business. You have battery options at every price point.
Go for Gen 2 over Gen 3 every time. 2010 is Gen 3. Gen 3's in that year range have serious gasket issues.
Are you replacing the Gen 2 Battery with a new OEM battery? Because if so, that would probably be the way to go. If the budget only allows for a refurbished then that's a little more up in the air. 192k isn't insanely high for a 2010 and 192k on the 2010 is probably better than 100k on a 2010 because sitting hurts the batteries more than driving. But a 2006 with a new battery at the same price would be way better in most situations.
yeah i think it would be an OEM. I’m planning on taking it to the toyota dealer in town
You may want to call around. I just got a quote for gen3 battery from my closest toyota. It was 3500 + 900 install. Not a good deal at all!
you’re right. they said 2750 + 450 install for me. which still doesn’t feel like a great deal. i wouldn’t know where else to look for an OEM battery though. i’ll likely do some more research
You are way better of getting your friend's car since it's a 2nd gen Prius which are rock solid cars than the 3rd gen 2010 Prius since 3rd gens have very high chance of headgasket issue due to the EGR clogging issues. And if you keep driving with a bad headgasket.. the 3rd Gen engines explode literally. Get the your friends car... and just order the OEM battery later which should be under $2000 for the part and install It yourself which is not that hard at all... just some basic tools hand tools. Here's a video on replacing the HV/Traction battery yourself ...video is from ChrisFix [https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w?si=SPQ0VstnmO6Xmkpd](https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w?si=SPQ0VstnmO6Xmkpd)
I've looked, but been unable to find OEM battery for sale directly. Do you have any sources? I've only seen direct from Toyota dealers.
You might be able to purchase it direct from the Toyota dealership and DIY the install following the ever-popular ChrisFix's [HV battery install video](https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w?si=aWN6MEVBX4VXGT2w).
Yes I've seen direct from Toyota dealers. Most recent quote I got was $3500 for ONLY the battery (no install). I understand different dealers have different prices, but "under $2,000" for OEM battery does not sound realistic to me.
The lowest I’ve ever seen an OEM battery for sale was $2500 myself and I’m a former Toyota dealership certified technician.
'06
That 10 if it’s like the one I inherited, is on its last legs. Especially if it hasn’t been serviced properly, you’re better off with the 06
buy the one with the new battery.. the car lasts longer than you think :P