MotorMigo
This is an example inspection report to show the format and type of information MotorMigo provides. It is not a real vehicle assessment.

Inspection Report

2015 Toyota Prius

160,000 mi

negotiateConfidence: 100/100

Suggested offer: $5,800

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Photos

Exterior view of the 2015 Toyota Prius.

Exterior view of the 2015 Toyota Prius.

Interior view showing dashboard and driver area.

Interior view showing dashboard and driver area.

Expert verdict

Proceed with caution and negotiate the price.

Leverage potential future high-cost repairs and current minor issues to secure a significant discount.

What looks good

  • Clean title and VIN match confirmed, with dealer service records for routine maintenance.
  • No critical warning lights observed on the dashboard or for the ABS system during inspection or test drive.
  • Exterior and interior are in great cosmetic condition, aside from the noted odor.

Watch outs

  • EGR System Issues: Oil leaks and an exhaust gas smell were noted near the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler, a common point of carbon buildup and potential failure for this model.
  • Hybrid Battery Degradation: At 160,000 miles and 11 years old, the hybrid battery is at a high risk for significant degradation or requiring replacement, a major upcoming expense.
  • ABS Actuator Failure Risk: This is a common and expensive failure on Gen 3 Prius models around this mileage, despite no warning lights being present during your inspection.
  • Head Gasket Failure Risk: More prevalent in Gen 3 Prius models after 150,000 miles, often exacerbated by neglected EGR system maintenance, which shows early signs of issues here.
  • Musty Interior Odor: A slight musty odor was detected in the interior, which could indicate moisture issues or require professional cleaning.

Top risks

Use these estimates as negotiation leverage. Tie each ask to a specific finding.

  • Hybrid Battery Replacement
    high

    $2,000-$5,000 USD

    • Vehicle is 11 years old and has 160,000 miles, aligning with the typical lifespan for hybrid batteries.
  • ABS Actuator Replacement
    high

    $1,500-$3,000 USD

    • Common and expensive failure on Gen 3 Prius models, often occurring between 100,000-180,000 miles.
  • EGR System Cleaning/Repair
    medium

    $300-$800 USD

    • User noted 'Some oil leaks near the EGR cooler. Some exhaust gas smell' during the visual check.
  • Head Gasket Repair
    high

    $2,000-$4,000 USD

    • More prevalent in Gen 3 Prius models after 150,000 miles, potentially linked to EGR system issues.
  • Interior Odor Remediation
    warning

    $100-$300 USD

    • User noted 'some slight musty odor' in the upholstery.

Visual observations

  • The exterior paint appears to be in good condition with no major dents or scratches visible.
  • Panel gaps appear consistent, suggesting no major bodywork.
  • The interior, specifically the driver's seat and dashboard, shows minimal wear for the mileage.
  • The car appears well-maintained cosmetically from the provided images.

Detailed findings

At a Glance

This 2015 Toyota Prius, with 160,000 miles, presents a mixed picture of careful ownership alongside significant upcoming maintenance risks.

  • Exterior and interior are in great condition, with a clean title.
  • No critical warning lights were observed during the inspection or test drive.
  • Oil leaks and exhaust gas smell were noted near the EGR cooler.
  • A slight musty odor is present in the interior.

Model Specific Risks

Several known high-mileage risks for the Gen 3 Prius were assessed, with some cleared but others showing early signs of concern.

  • The critical ABS Actuator Warning Lights Check passed, indicating no immediate ABS actuator failure.
  • The Head Gasket & Coolant System Check passed, with no visible issues or clean oil cap.
  • The Hybrid Battery Performance Check during the test drive seemed okay, with no noticeable issues.
  • However, the EGR System Visual Check failed, with oil leaks and exhaust gas smell noted, aligning with a known risk of clogging.

Exterior & Interior Condition

The vehicle's cosmetic condition is generally good, reflecting careful ownership, though an interior odor was detected.

  • The exterior body panels, glass, lights, and tires are in good condition.
  • The overall exterior condition was noted as 'great' and 'perfect shape,' suggesting it was garage kept.
  • Interior electronics and dashboard controls are fully functional with no warning lights.
  • A slight musty odor was detected in the upholstery, despite the overall clean appearance.

Under the Hood & Vehicle

Most under-the-hood checks passed, but the EGR system shows signs of concern.

  • Fluid levels and condition are good, and belts and hoses appear fine.
  • No noises or visible leaks were found during the Inverter & Engine Water Pump Check.
  • The EGR system showed oil leaks and an exhaust gas smell, indicating potential carbon buildup or gasket issues.
  • The undercarriage is free of rust, and the exhaust system shows no signs of leaks.

Driving Performance

The test drive revealed no immediate concerns with braking, handling, or acceleration.

  • Braking and handling were reported as good during the test drive.
  • Acceleration and shifting felt normal.
  • The hybrid battery performance seemed acceptable, with no obvious issues noted.
  • The brake pedal feel and ABS actuator test passed, indicating proper brake function.

Negotiation points

  • Given the oil leaks and exhaust gas smell from the EGR system, we need to account for a potential repair cost of at least $500.
  • The musty interior odor suggests a need for professional cleaning, which adds another $200 to our expenses.
  • Considering the high mileage and age, the car is at a high risk for major upcoming repairs like the hybrid battery or ABS actuator, which could cost $3,000-$5,000. We need a significant adjustment for this future liability.

Full script

MotorMigo's assessment indicates that while the car appears well-maintained, the noted oil leaks and exhaust gas smell near the EGR cooler, along with a musty interior odor, require immediate attention. More critically, at 160,000 miles and 11 years old, this Prius is entering the high-risk zone for expensive repairs such as the hybrid battery and ABS actuator. We propose an offer of $5,800 USD to account for these known issues and significant future liabilities.

Next steps

  • Present MotorMigo's suggested offer of $5,800 USD, referencing the EGR system issues and future high-cost risks.
  • Discuss the EGR system's oil leaks and exhaust gas smell with the seller, inquiring about recent maintenance or awareness of the issue.
  • Inquire about the source of the musty odor and any past attempts to address it.
  • Review the dealer service records for any past mentions of the EGR system or hybrid battery health.

Assumptions

  • The routine scheduled maintenance records from the dealer are complete and accurate.
  • The 'musty odor' is not indicative of significant water damage or mold requiring extensive remediation.

This preview is informational only and omits sensitive details.

Verify details with the seller and an in-person inspection.

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