What is your or the specific year you are looking at so I can give you a more targeted checklist?
Pull the dipstick. If it’s low or the oil is pitch black, it may have the notorious Gen 3 oil-burning issue. 4. Verify History & Recalls how to buy a used prius
Buy a cheap Bluetooth OBD2 scanner (like OBDLink LX ) and run a "Life Expectancy Test" during your inspection. It will give you a percentage score of the battery's remaining capacity. What is your or the specific year you
The hybrid battery is the most expensive component to replace ($1,500–$3,000+). Do not rely on the dashboard "bars" alone. The hybrid battery is the most expensive component
Always get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from a mechanic who specifically knows hybrids. A standard "all-purpose" mechanic might miss a pending inverter failure or a weak battery cell.
Use the NHTSA Recall Lookup to ensure software updates for the inverter or brake system have been completed.