Verdict
A naturally aspirated 1.8 four-cylinder with Atkinson cycle and a timing chain, combined with an electric motor and an e-CVT transmission: 136 hp combined on the Prius 3 and the Auris, 122 hp on the Prius IV and the C-HR, and 140 hp on the facelifted 2023 Corolla. The point to watch is the cylinder head gasket of high-mileage Prius 3 and Prius+ cars used in town or as taxis, linked to the electric water pump and to EGR clogging: Toyota plans a preventive reprogramming of the computer. Check that it has been carried out, that there is no coolant loss, and the condition of the traction battery on older cars.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- No year to avoid identified
Known faults
Traction battery at end of life
Severity 3/3 · SeriousOn older Prius cars, the traction battery can become faulty: warning lights, fault codes (P0A80) and higher fuel consumption signal end of life. Replacing it is expensive.
- Versions
- toyota-hybride-1-8-2zr
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Cylinder head gasket failure (Prius 3 and Prius+)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyOn the Prius 3 (2009-2016) and Prius+ (2012-2019), the cylinder head gasket can fail, linked to the water pump, under difficult driving conditions (long idling, town driving, taxi use), especially when the temperature often rises and beyond 200,000 km. Symptoms: coolant consumption, white smoke, misfires on cold start. Clogging of the radiator and EGR ducts is cited as an aggravating factor. Toyota plans a preventive reprogramming of the engine computer on cars built up to a certain date.
- Versions
- toyota-hybride-1-8-2zr
- Onset
- from 200,000 km
- Repair
- not documented
Sources
Faulty electric water pump
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe electric water pump can leak or stop working, risking overheating and loss of power; owners of Prius 3 report its replacement.
- Versions
- toyota-hybride-1-8-2zr
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Buy with carePhoto: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy with carePhoto: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota Auris
2012–2018 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €325/month
Excellent choicePhoto: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg/1280px-2024_Toyota_C-HR_2.0_HEV_Premiere_Edition_in_Sulfur_Bi-tone_color_(Front).jpg)
Excellent choicePhoto: MoCars, CC0
Excellent choicePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: M 93, Attribution
Buy with carePhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Good choice, check firstPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.