Dealer visit checklist

2023 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 2023 Toyota Prius problems to check

  • Inverter coolant pump failure is a known issue on older Prius generations and worth monitoring via Toyota service bulletins on the 2023 platform
  • Some owners report wind noise from the A-pillars and door seals at highway speeds due to the new fastback roofline
  • The infotainment system's 8-inch touchscreen has drawn complaints for laggy response and lack of physical volume/tuning knobs
  • Regenerative braking feel can feel abrupt and inconsistent at low speeds until drivers adapt, occasionally prompting brake inspection visits
  • Rear visibility is limited due to the steeply raked rear windshield, which can increase minor parking lot incidents

Ask: have these recalls been fixed?

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles.
  • EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.

Negotiate the price

  • Know the typical price: about $24,000 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