Electrical automobiles might not but be appropriate for everybody; nonetheless, the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius Prime might be a wonderful different. The Prius Prime boasts a substantial electric-only vary for each day driving wants, and when its battery is depleted, it capabilities like a standard Prius. Furthermore, it’s competitively priced when in comparison with different plug-in hybrid autos.
Used Toyota Prius Primes current an interesting choice for a lot of patrons. Whereas the pre-2023 fashions might not match the present technology’s vary (25 miles versus 44 miles), aesthetics, or driving dynamics, they nonetheless supply effectivity and affordability. Notably, they might qualify for the used electrical automobile federal tax credit score.
When contemplating which technology of a used Toyota Prius Prime to buy, it is important to notice that Toyota has produced three generations of Prius plug-in hybrids. The unique Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2016) had 134 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, with a 4.4 kWh battery offering an EPA vary of 11 miles in blended mode. The subsequent-generation Prius Prime (2017-2022) dropped to 121 hp however noticed its electrical vary greater than double to 25 miles with an 8.8 kWh battery.
The 2023 Prius Prime underwent a complete redesign, leading to a extra interesting exterior and improved specs. It now includes a bigger 2.0-liter fuel engine and an enhanced 13.6 kWh battery, providing the very best EPA vary amongst inexpensive plug-in hybrids: 44 miles in electrical mode. Moreover, driving dynamics have improved, with a 0-60 mph time lowered to six.6 seconds.
Relating to value, the value of a used Toyota Prius Prime varies by technology. The unique Prius Plug-in Hybrid usually ranges from roughly $5,000 to $17,000, relying on mannequin yr and mileage. First-generation Prius Prime fashions sometimes promote between $20,000 and $30,000, usually priced slightly below the $25,000 mark to be eligible for the federal tax credit score. Present-generation (2023 and 2024) used fashions can value between $30,000 and $40,000, which is similar to new fashions.
Relating to battery degradation, all lithium-ion batteries expertise a point of decline over time. A 2020 examine indicated {that a} 2019 Toyota Prius Prime misplaced 2.3% of its battery capability inside its first yr, and degradation will proceed, albeit not at all times at a uniform tempo. Nonetheless, it is vital to notice that battery degradation is much less important for a plug-in hybrid than for a totally electrical automobile. For example, a 15% loss in battery capability for a Toyota bZ4X would considerably influence its vary, however for a Prius Prime, it could solely barely cut back the all-electric vary earlier than switching to traditional hybrid mode.
Sellers ought to carry out diagnostic checks on Prius Prime batteries, permitting potential patrons to guage battery well being. Moreover, observing the electrical vary throughout a check drive can supply insights into the battery’s situation. Newer batteries with much less utilization are prone to have increased capability.
By way of reliability, the Toyota Prius Prime and Prius Plug-In Hybrid usually uphold Toyota’s fame for high quality. Some important security recollects have occurred for sure fashions; for instance, 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrids confronted recollects associated to the EV fuse, whereas some 2022 Prius Prime fashions had been recalled on account of hybrid ECU points. Nonetheless, constant or extreme mechanical issues haven’t been prevalent in plug-in hybrid fashions.
As for guarantee protection, Prius Plug-in Hybrids and Prius Primes manufactured earlier than 2020 had been coated by an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery guarantee, which elevated to 10 years or 150,000 miles for fashions from 2020 onward. Whereas the battery guarantee covers producer defects, it doesn’t lengthen to gradual capability loss over time. Most pre-2020 Prius Primes should still have some battery guarantee left, whereas newer fashions seemingly retain substantial protection. Different warranties that include a used Prius Prime embody a 3-year or 36,000-mile primary guarantee, a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain guarantee, and a 5-year limitless mileage rust guarantee.
In the end, deciding whether or not to buy a standard Toyota Prius or a plug-in hybrid Prius Prime will largely hinge on availability. As standard Prius hybrids are extra prevalent than plug-in variations, discovering a used Prius hybrid is commonly simpler. When contemplating older Prius plug-in hybrids, one ought to weigh the advantages of wire charging in opposition to any inconvenience, particularly since early fashions supplied restricted electrical vary by right this moment’s requirements, and older Prime variants might exhibit diminished electrical vary on account of battery degradation over time.
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