A CR good buy, even after 10 years
Prius still very reliable after 10 years
Using data from 36,000 consumer surveys, Consumer Reports has found that first generation Toyota Prius hybrid cars have offered “outstanding reliability and low ownership costs.”
And, while some hybrids have had battery issues after 100,000 – 150,000 miles, CR found even those problems could be handled cost-effectively.
Overall, Consumer Reports found that a 10 year old Prius offers the same fuel economy and acceleration after 200,000 miles as it did when new. In fact, CR noted that even after 200,000 miles the Prius drove like new and was still using the original engine, transmission and shocks.
And in cases where the battery begins to degrade or even fails, there are plenty of used batteries at salvage lots available for a cost of about $500 according to CR. Or, a new battery can be purchased for $2200 – $2600, although CR recommends a used battery since the cars are already so old.
Consequently, according to Consumer Reports, even a 10 year old Prius is still a “good buy”.
Source: Cars.com