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Used truck versus new compact pickup

ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterSep 19, 20252013 Toyota Prius ThreeOhio
2013 Toyota Prius Three, about 118,000 miles. Same money buys an older full-size truck with capability I may never use or a newer compact truck with better fuel economy and warranty. Anyone make this switch and regret the smaller truck? Trying to diagnose before I book a shop.
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44 replies

OldSchoolBuilder95Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. I'd do that before spending real money. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
ShiftWeekend72Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. That's where I'd start. That's the whole play. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
MileageBuilder65Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. That's where I'd start. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Useful. I'll report back after I verify that on my 2013 Toyota Prius. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
BoostedEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. I'd do that before spending real money. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
PistonRoadie40Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. I'd do that before spending real money. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
ApexHauler73Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. I'd do that before spending real money. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
PistonRoadie40Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. Then you'll know the next fork. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
BoostedEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio with 118,000 miles. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
CruiseGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. Then you'll know the next fork. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio with 118,000 miles. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
I parked the 2013 Toyota Prius and wrote down what I already tested so I'm not repeating myself. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
V8Guy52Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
MileageBuilder65Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
ApexHauler73Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. That's where I'd start. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
CruiseGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. Then you'll know the next fork. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
ApexHauler73Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. I'd do that before spending real money. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
PistonRoadie40Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. I'd do that before spending real money. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
PistonRoadie40Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. I'd do that before spending real money. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
PistonRoadie40Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. That's my plan before I call anyone.
MileageBuilder65Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. I'd do that before spending real money. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
V8GarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. That's where I'd start. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
EcoGuyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
CruiseGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. Then you'll know the next fork. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. That's my plan before I call anyone.
BoostedEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. Then you'll know the next fork. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
CruiseGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
V8GarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. That's where I'd start. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 19, 2025permalink
Following up on used truck versus new compact pickup: still happening, but I have better notes now. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
PistonRoadie40Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. Then you'll know the next fork. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
V8Guy52Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. Then you'll know the next fork. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
BoostedEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. That's where I'd start. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
CruiseGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 22, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio with 118,000 miles. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
EcoGuyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 23, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. Then you'll know the next fork. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Thanks — that narrowed it. I'm going to try the simpler check on the 2013 Toyota Prius first. I'll update if anything new shows up.
BoostedEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
EcoGuyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 21, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio with 118,000 miles. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Make the next action something you can finish this week. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
V8Guy52Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. That's my plan before I call anyone.
ShiftWeekend72Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. Stop there until you know. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
EcoGuyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. I'd do that before spending real money. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. That's my plan before I call anyone.
ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
I parked the 2013 Toyota Prius and wrote down what I already tested so I'm not repeating myself. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
OldSchoolBuilder95Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “used truck versus new compact pickup,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Ohio with 118,000 miles. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. That's my plan before I call anyone.
ColdStartTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
I parked the 2013 Toyota Prius and wrote down what I already tested so I'm not repeating myself. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
V8Guy52Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2013 Toyota Prius before a big repair or a big spend. Then you'll know the next fork. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I'll update if anything new shows up.
OldSchoolBuilder95Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2013 Toyota Prius owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
V8GarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 20, 2025permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2013 Toyota Prius, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. I'd do that before spending real money. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
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