Dealer visit checklist
2019 Toyota Prius checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Toyota Prius problems to check
- Inverter coolant pump failure is a known issue on fourth-gen Prius models and can cost $300-$600 to address if not caught early
- High-voltage hybrid battery degradation can begin after 150,000+ miles, though most 2019 units still have healthy packs at the 60,000-mile mark
- EGR cooler carbon buildup on the 1.8L engine can cause rough idle and reduced efficiency, typically showing up after 80,000 miles
- Rear suspension upper control arm bushings wear prematurely on some units, causing clunking noises around 70,000-90,000 miles
- Head-up display and infotainment screen glitches have been reported, though these are generally software-related and not catastrophically expensive to fix
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Prius vehicles.
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $19,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away