Used Toyota Prius

What to know before buying: Toyota Prius

From 6 video reviews and 1 forum thread · updated 26/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The Prius built its reputation on economy and reliability; the review calls it a practical, safe and rational purchase, though not an exciting one.[2]one source
• The third-generation Prius is spacious and comfortable; petrol-electric transitions are seamless, and the e-CVT suits its relaxed character.[5][6]Third generation (XW30)
• The fifth generation looks and drives far better: it is quiet, comfortable and brisk, but its sloping roof restricts rear headroom for taller passengers.[4][3]Fifth generation
• The 2017 1.8-litre hybrid excels in town, with seamless power transitions, easy manoeuvrability and strong economy, though tyre and CVT noise are noticeable on faster roads.[7]one source

Typical faults

• The XW30 traction battery can occasionally suffer failed cells or corroded connections; a failed cooling fan or blocked vent can cause overheating.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)
• The XW30's 2ZR-FXE has reported head-gasket and overheating issues, sometimes caused by a faulty electric water pump.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)

  2ZR-FXE

• The XW30 can suffer faulty injectors and EGR valves, while poorly serviced cars may consume oil, although the review stresses these issues are uncommon.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)

  2ZR-FXE

• The XW30's upper display can fail or glitch, its fuel gauge can read inaccurately, and the infotainment screen can also malfunction.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)
• Early XW30 cars have reports of peeling and cracking paint, particularly 2009–2010 models and some 2011 cars.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)

  2009–2011

Which engine and version to take

• The XW30's 2ZR-FXE hybrid is the sensible pick: the source calls the engine statistically very reliable and Toyota's CVT particularly dependable when properly maintained.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)

What to check at the inspection

• On an XW30, inspect paint, panel gaps and overspray, plus wheels and tyres, because heavy kerb impacts may have damaged the suspension.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)
• Run a hybrid-system diagnostic and check the battery cells, connections, cooling fan and vent, especially on an older car.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)
• Scan for fault codes, particularly for the electric water pump, and check for overheating or head-gasket symptoms; also verify service history and oil consumption.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)
• Test both displays, the fuel gauge, door locks and every lamp, as isolated faults in these XW30 systems have been reported.[6]one sourceThird generation (XW30)
• If the traction battery was replaced, request the invoice and establish whether it is new or rebuilt; the source warns a rebuilt pack may last only one or two years.[1]one source
• In a fifth-generation car, test the driving position and rear seats with intended occupants: the wheel can obscure the display, while the sloping roof limits headroom.[4][3]Fifth generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Scotty Kilmer — Is the Toyota Prius the Worst Car Ever Made · ▶ video
2. [2]CNBC — The Rise And Fall Of The Toyota Prius · ▶ video
3. [3]iauto.lv — iAuto.lv tests: Toyota Prius, uz kuru atskatās (+ FOTO) · forum
4. [4]What Car? — NEW Toyota Prius review – best Uber ever? | What Car? · ▶ video
5. [5]Shooting Cars — 2013 Toyota Prius Advanced Review - The Third Generation Prius! · ▶ video
6. [6]ReDriven — Toyota Prius - Is the original eco warrior still any good? | ReDriven used car review · ▶ video
7. [7]carwow — Old = Better? Toyota Prius 2017 Review · ▶ video

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