[AnIdleWaffle]

I'm looking at buying a 2011 CT 200h with a little under 150k miles on it from a local dealership. I'm currently driving a somewhat shabby 2008 Prius with close to 200k miles on it. I love the gas mileage, but I feel like I'd like something a little nicer that I can take pride in owning, so I'm considering making the switch to the CT.

Is there anything I should know or be on the lookout for when shopping for a CT? I already plan on having an inspection done before buying, probably at the local Toyota dealership.

 

[TobiasSing]

I would be wary of head gasket failures on that car. Seems like a lot of people have complained about the problem with that age and mileage. I'm not sure if there's a way to tell until it's too late.

 

[AnIdleWaffle]

Good to know. I plan on having a pre-purchase inspection done before I buy, so hopefully that will be sufficient to identify any such major issues. Do you know what test needs to be done to check for this?

 

[jwesenbe]

bet whatever you are paying a lexus dealer is too much.

 

[AnIdleWaffle]

It's actually being sold at a Ford dealership, oddly enough. Price seems reasonable from what I can tell though.

 

[elrjay]

I'm looking at buying a 2011 CT 200h with a little under 150k miles on it from a local dealership. I'm currently driving a somewhat shabby 2008 Prius with close to 200k miles on it. I love the gas mileage, but I feel like I'd like something a little nicer that I can take pride in owning, so I'm considering making the switch to the CT.

Is there anything I should know or be on the lookout for when shopping for a CT? I already plan on having an inspection done before buying, probably at the local Toyota dealership.

The head gasket issue is more complex than suggested. Others have explained it in greater detail on this site. Blown head gasket cause loss of coolant and triggers engine codes. But the cause is more complex. It relates to Atkinson cycle and engine operations. Restrictions in the exhaust gas recirculation system and any failure of spark ignition. Dirty fuel can be another cause.

 

[AnIdleWaffle]

The head gasket issue is more complex than suggested. Others have explained it in greater detail on this site. Blown head gasket cause loss of coolant and triggers engine codes. But the cause is more complex. It relates to Atkinson cycle and engine operations. Restrictions in the exhaust gas recirculation system and any failure of spark ignition. Dirty fuel can be another cause.

Well, that's a concern... is there anything that can be done to prevent or mitigate the issue? I searched "head gasket" and found quite a few posts, but I didn't see much about prevention.

 

[RickLafford]

Good to know. I plan on having a pre-purchase inspection done before I buy, so hopefully that will be sufficient to identify any such major issues. Do you know what test needs to be done to check for this?

I suggest you have any inspection done at a trusted shop with Prius and CT200 experience. That vehicle is right in the range many start complaining about high oil use and head gasket problems. I'm fighting both those issues today.

 

[AnIdleWaffle]

I suggest you have any inspection done at a trusted shop with Prius and CT200 experience. That vehicle is right in the range many start complaining about high oil use and head gasket problems. I'm fighting both those issues today.

Well, I did get an inspection done, but I'm new to the area so I don't have a preferred mechanic yet, and there don't seem to be any toyota/lexus specialists in the area. Hopefully I don't have too many issues right away, but if I have to deal with an expensive fix at some point, I guess I'll just have to deal with that.