Dealer visit checklist
2020 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 2020 Toyota Prius problems to check
- Inverter coolant pump failure is a known weak point on Gen 4 Prius models and can cost $300-$600 to address if not caught early
- Head gasket oil consumption issues have been reported on some 1.8L engines, particularly before 2021 — check oil levels at every fill-up
- The EV battery (high-voltage hybrid pack) is robust but individual cells can degrade unevenly after 150,000+ miles; a used unit purchased near 80,000 miles warrants a battery health scan
- Rear suspension control arm bushings tend to wear and produce clunking around 60,000-80,000 miles, with repairs running $200-$400
- The touch-sensitive dashboard controls (volume, HVAC) are widely criticized and can become unresponsive, though this is a nuisance rather than a safety issue
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $20,000 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