Thinking about a Prius - Page 2

 

Don't ignore the used market, Ebay can give you an idea of the options:

1) less than 3/36000 - these Prius will have some of the initial milage
on them and will be fairly current. Buying from a deal is a good idea.

2) more than 3/36000 - often there is a price break here. However, you
need to avoid the first model years, 2004 and 2001. A lot of early
defects were corrected the following years.

3) 2001-03 vs 2004-current - if you can budget in a 2005 or later model,
you'll be very happy. However, I've got a 2003 bought two years ago and
I'm getting 52.6 MPG after 50,000 miles.

If you are risk adverse, there are extended warranties around but I'm a
'do it yourself' owner so they've never appealed to me.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

 

I NBUSC, I was in your position until last Thursday when I finally
bought my Prius! Like you, I was waiting until my old car was old enough
and I had more of a down payment.

To answer your question, driving a Prius is no different in most
respects from driving any other car. You get in, start the car, and go.
Same old same old. There are some subtle differences in using my Prius.
For example, when I was given the keys to mine for the first time by the
dealer and I tried to start it, the car was so quiet, I didn't realize
it was running so I went back in the dealership to ask for help. I am
also getting used to the idea of not having to grab the keys out of my
pocket each time I walk up to my Prius because it has the smart key
system, so no key is required.

Other than that, its the same as any other car.

 OK, I'm sure somebody has already done the math.  What would the difference
between buying a 2008 Corolla with, let's say, 30 mpg for $
4,000 or a Prius
that gets, let's say, 45 mpg but costs $
4,000?  Would it ever be more cost
effective to buy the Prius?  Please tell me yes and in a short time because
I really like the Prius.
Rosscoe

 

It isn't that easy as the Prius comes with:

- automatic transmission
- cruise control
- temperature controlled heater/AC
- alloy wheels
- functional spoiler
- air-dams and wheel air blocks
- 6 disk CD player
- electric doors
- smart key system
- interior space (hotel Prius)
- in some areas: free parking, HOV lane access, state tax benefits
- plug-in optional (3d party)

Bob Wilson

 

If you're looking at the $
4K Corolla, then don't look at the $
4K
Prius.  Look at the $
1K base model, just like the Corolla is base.

Apples to apples.