Should You Buy a 2013 Prius?

The 2013 Prius is a reliable car with outstanding fuel mileage at 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.
Written by Joshua Levy
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2013
Prius
stands out as one of the most reliable hybrids of its kind. Unfortunately, many buyers still noticed some engine issues that are relatively common among Prius models.
Imagine a hybrid car. If you didn’t just picture
Toyota’s
Prius hybrid hatchback, then you’re in the minority. For years, the Prius has stood at the top of the hybrid market, performing at a high level for an affordable price. Even as the competition continues to grow, the Prius still has a special appeal.
If you’re looking to buy a used 2013 Prius, the first step is research. Luckily, the car insurance
super app
and broker
Jerry
is here to tell you everything you need to know about the 2013 Prius. In this article, we’ll break down all the pros and cons of the 2013 Prius, from the most common issues to fan-favorite features. 
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Is the 2013 Prius worth it?

In short, yes. The 2013 Prius is a great option for anyone looking to hop behind the wheel of an affordable, fuel-efficient car with the performance of a high-end vehicle. While the 2013 model wasn’t particularly innovative, it improved on former issues and continued the Prius legacy of comfort and reliability.
Considering the Prius depreciates slower than any other
green car
on the market, 2013 models have become even more accessible than when they first hit the market.

Cost

Prius has always been proud to sit at the intersection of innovation and affordability. While the 2013 Prius reached new heights of mileage and reliability at the time, it was still sold for a relatively low cost—especially when compared with similar models of the time. In fact, the base cost for a 2013 Prius was originally$24,960. Considering the Prius's overall quality and desirability, it’s not such a bad deal! 
Here’s a quick breakdown of Kelley Blue Books' market range for all 2013 Prius trims:
Trim level
Fair market range (dealership)
Typical dealership listing
Private party listing
Prius One Hatchback 4D
$10,634-$13,655
$12,645
$12,145
Prius Two Hatchback 4D
$11,068-$14,207
$12,793
$12,638
Prius Three Hatchback 4D
$12,365-$15,555
$14,135
$13,835
Prius Four Hatchback 4D
$13,719-$16,591
$14,902
$14,753
Prius Five Hatchback 4D
$13,831-$16,597
$14,913
$14,758
Prius Persona Series Special Edition Hatchback 4D
$12,264-$14,856
$13,616
$13,211
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Considering the information above, the 2013 Prius is an absolute steal these days. Of course, advancements in-car technology have made older Prius models somewhat less desirable, but the 2013 Prius still stands out as a worthwhile buy, especially at today’s price point.

Specs and performance

The 2013 Prius was a continuation of everything Prius was doing right in the years before, and it has the specs to prove it. The 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine is complemented by the 202 V nickel-metal hydride. Together, they give the 2013 Prius a total of 134 horsepower, which is relatively high for a hybrid car.
In terms of speed and acceleration, the 2013 Prius isn’t anything to write home about. While it can go from 0-60 in a respectable 10.1 seconds, its speed tops out at 103 miles per hour. While that’s probably more speed than you’ll ever need on the road, it isn’t exactly something to brag about.
Where the 2013 Prius really shines is in fuel economy. The 2013 Prius can get 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway. While the Prius definitely won’t hold up against your average sports car in terms of speed, it’s above and beyond almost anything else on the market in terms of mileage.

Complaints

The 2013 Prius still holds up as one of the most reliable Prius years. According to car
CarComplaints.com
, the 2013 Prius has fewer complaints than almost any model before it and comparable complaint levels to nearly any model since. Of course, you’ll probably hear more complaints as it gets older—but that’s to be expected of any car. 
The biggest problem cited by owners over the past few years has been its tendency towards excessive oil consumption. Many drivers report that the 2013 Prius quickly runs through oil, and may need a change more often than is typically recommended. While it’s still better for the environment and your wallet than most other cars on the market, it’s somewhat problematic when a green car starts wasting oil. 

The bottom line: it’s a good buy

While newer Prius models are more reliable, they’re also more expensive. The 2013 Prius is a great buy for anyone hoping to save money on maintenance, help out the environment, and hop behind the wheel of a Prius for a fraction of what a new model would cost. 

Is it better to buy a used Prius or a new Prius?

Toyota’s Prius models are like bottles of wine—some years are better than others and not all of them age well. While you can find better deals on used models, new models are typically more reliable and efficient than their predecessors.
In terms of upfront costs, you’ll be better off with a used model. After years of depreciation, you can finally find a 2013 Prius in good condition for about half the price you would have paid when it was first released.
In terms of reliability, you’ll be better off with a new model. New models simply have fewer problems. As a result, you probably won’t need to deal with anywhere near as many problems with a new model as you would with an old one.
In terms of fuel economy, you’ll be far better off with a newer model. Nowadays, the average Prius gets almost 60 miles per gallon in the city. Of course, there’s a big difference between comparing a 2013 Prius or a 2021 Prius with the newest model. Prius models from the last few years will be far cheaper than a brand new model, and they may come with comparable specs. 

Pros and cons of owning a Prius

Pros 

The best reasons to buy a Prius are fairly universal from year to year. Time and time again, people keep coming back to the Prius for its low cost, durability, and fuel efficiency. Say what you will about the Toyota Prius, but it’s consistently one of the most reliable vehicles on the market.

Cons 

The biggest problems with the Prius are also somewhat universal. Nobody goes out of their way to buy a Prius for power, comfort, or looks. If you’re someone who needs a strong car and plans on traveling all around the country, the Prius may not be for you. But if you’re looking for a solid commuter vehicle, then you’re on the right track. No, the Prius isn’t winning any races, but it’s perfect for picking up the kids from school.

How to find the best Prius insurance

No matter which Prius you choose, make sure you have the right car insurance coverage before you hit the road. Luckily, finding affordable car insurance policies is faster and easier than ever with
Jerry
.
Just download the app, answer a few questions, and review the list of personalized quotes from over 50 top providers like Progressive, Nationwide, and Allstate Jerry sends straight to your phone. When you find a quote you like, Jerry can help you switch plans and even help cancel your old policy.
Users save an average of over $800 a year on car insurance with Jerry—and it only takes a few minutes to sign up. 
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