Used Toyota Prius buying guide
A used Toyota Prius typically costs $8,100–$29,040 (2012–2020 cars, November 2026). It has 9 recalls in Australia, 6 of them serious (fire risk or loss of power), all with a free fix. Battery warranty: hybrid battery up to 10 years with an annual Hybrid Health Check at Toyota (eligible cars; check the terms). Here's what to pay, what goes wrong and what to check.
Is this used Toyota Prius a fair price?
Enter the year, kilometres and asking price to see where it sits against typical prices.
Used Toyota Prius prices by year
Typical November 2026 prices. Each range spans the versions sold that year, from the base model to the top one; kilometres and condition move a car within it.
2009–15 (third generation)
3.9 L/100 km (claimed).
- 2015$13,800–$20,600
- 2014$11,900–$18,400 (estimate)
- 2013$10,000–$16,100 (estimate)
- 2012$8,100–$13,900
2016–22 (fourth generation)
3.4 L/100 km (claimed).
- 2020$20,900–$29,040
- 2019$19,200–$26,600 (estimate)
- 2018$17,600–$24,200 (estimate)
- 2017$15,950–$21,780
Toyota Prius recalls in Australia (9)
Every recall has a free fix at a dealer, so a recall doesn't rule a car out. Make sure each one was done: ask for the paperwork or enter the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
- Can lose power Hybrid system can shut down after a fault so the car coasts. (2014–19, REC-001314)
- Can lose power Hybrid computer fault can cut drive power. (2021, REC-004965)
- Fire risk Engine wiring can rub through near the hybrid power control unit and short (fire risk). Inspection and repair. (2015–18, REC-001299)
- Safety ABS software can slightly reduce braking on icy or bumpy roads. (2009–10, REC-003279)
- Can lose power Hybrid water-pump motor can fail and blow a fuse, shutting the hybrid system down (limp mode). (third generation, REC-003464)
- Safety Brake booster part can crack, giving a long, spongy pedal and longer stops. (2009 (built Oct 2008 to Oct 2009), PRA 2013/13622)
- Can lose power Software over-stresses transistors in the hybrid converter, which can shut the hybrid system down while driving. Extra fixes followed in 2018 and 2020. (third generation, PRA 2014/13991)
- Safety Curtain airbag inflator welds can crack. (third generation, PRA 2016/15480)
- Fire risk Fuel suction plate in the tank can crack and leak fuel when full (fire risk). (2009–15 (built Apr 2009 to Feb 2015), PRA 2016/15491)
Battery and warranty
Hybrid battery: up to 10 years with an annual Hybrid Health Check at Toyota (eligible cars; check the terms). Hybrid batteries are small and usually last the life of the car, but ask whether the hybrid system has had any warnings, and check the service history. A Toyota hybrid battery costs about $2,500–$3,500 fitted: battery replacement costs.
Running costs
At 250 km a week with NSW prices, a 2016–22 (fourth generation) Toyota Prius costs about $20 a week in petrol.
Checklist for a used Toyota Prius
- Many are ex-taxi or rideshare: check kilometres and hybrid battery health.
- Third-generation cars are now 10+ years old: ask whether the hybrid battery has been replaced or tested.
- Do a PPSR check for finance owing or a written-off history.
- Ask for the service history, and have it inspected before you pay.
Compare before you buy
- Pick my used car: our top three used picks for your budget and driving.
- Best used EVs and hybrids by budget
- Used price checker for other cars
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Common questions
How much is a used Toyota Prius in Australia?
Typically $8,100–$29,040 for 2012–2020 cars (November 2026), depending on the year, version, kilometres and condition.
Does the Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes, 9 in Australia, including 6 serious ones (fire risk or loss of power). All have a free fix. Check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au to make sure they were done.
What is the battery warranty on a used Toyota Prius?
Hybrid battery: up to 10 years with an annual Hybrid Health Check at Toyota (eligible cars; check the terms). It transfers to the next owner and runs from when the car was first sold, so check how much is left.
Is a used Toyota Prius a good buy?
It's worth a look if the recalls were done and the price is right. We didn't find a pattern of common faults. No charging needed.
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How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.