Talk Me Out of (into?) a 2012

I’m looking at a 2012 with 161k miles listed for $8500 at a local dealership that specializes in Prii; the CT200h is the only non-Prius they sell or service due to the Gen. 3 internals.

The car has had 5 total owners. First 3 owned the car over 3 years & 75k miles. Couple gaps on officially listed service intervals.

The 4th owner ran it from 75 to about 140k and kept to a religious 5-6k oil change interval. The 5th had it this last year and added 15-20k miles.

Of note - when scanning the car using Dr. Prius etc. a permanent P0A80 (hybrid/battery issue?) popped up. No check engine, nothing active. The dealer also operates as a mechanic for Toyota hybrids, so they used their beefy scan tool during my visit (possibly Techstream?) which came back with nothing. I have no idea if this is the original or fresh hybrid traction battery, as there was nothing on the Carfax or Lexus’ online service records re: battery service/replacement.

The dealer did say they’d provide 2 months warranty on the car rather than the 30 days they give standard, just in case.

This small, locally well reviewed operation has a policy of doing basic service on any 3rd gen Prius or CT they turn over which includes an EGR replacement, spark plugs, and intake cleaning. This guy has also had an ABS pump/actuator just replaced there prior to listing.

Took it for a brief spin on a first look and was super impressed with how everything sounded/rode given the mileage. Will be going back over The weekend here to take a closer look and a longer test drive, as well as starting it first thing in the morning to listen for any rattles/shaking. I’ll check to see if they have any idea if the traction battery/head gasket have been dealt with.

Even though it’s only $8500, which would allow me to keep some cash on the side for one of the known major items, is this a bad buy? A-OK? Really just need something that’ll last the next few years & 40-60k miles. I can turn a basic wrench (fluids and stuff) but… unlikely I’d be doing a head gasket myself.

I could definitely keep waiting for a 14/15+ but… they definitely wouldn’t be in the 8 grand range.