REDLINE ALLEYToyota Prius ZVW30 buying guide
2009 to 2015. A ZVW30 suits a buyer who wants a roomy, frugal hatch and will check the coolant level and inverter recall before buying.
Big jobs
- 2ZR-FXE head gasket and coolant loss. Head gasket failure on the 1.8 is the most reported third generation problem, and it can go unnoticed until it does real damage.
- Inverter. Inverter failures are reported, with Toyota recalling cars over the inverter and still some failing after it. A failure can leave the car without drive.
- Hybrid battery. Battery life is a concern on older cars, genuine Toyota packs are very expensive and used packs from wreckers are best avoided.
- Electric air conditioning compressor. The air conditioning compressor runs on its own electric motor, which can wear out on older cars and is costly to replace.
Workshop jobs
- EGR cooler and intake carbon. Carbon from the exhaust gas recirculation system builds up in the EGR cooler and the small ports in the intake manifold, and is linked to faster head gasket failure.
- Electric water pump. The engine uses an electric water pump, and when it fails the car is stranded.
- Headlamps. The LED headlamp bulbs are costly and the electrical ballast can fail with age.
Small jobs
- Brake disc corrosion. Many cars fail inspections on brake disc corrosion more than on wear, because the hybrid system does much of the braking.
Questions for the seller
- Has the coolant needed topping up, and has the head gasket ever been replaced?
- Has the EGR system been cleaned, and at what km?
- Has the inverter recall been done, and has the inverter ever been replaced?
- Has the hybrid battery been replaced, and is there a battery health report?
- Does the air conditioning blow cold?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.