Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius

Mawcawfee · 12-19-2007, 11:34 PM

My daily-driver Prizm is almost 10 years old now and not as safe as newer cars. I like the idea of buying a Prius. I've driven them enough to know I like how it drives and handles. I've seen the spy shots of the upcoming '09 refresh with the projector headlights and the Camry's little wart nose. I think I prefer the tried and true looks of the '08.

I *might* put 10K miles per year on a Prius. It's likely to sit in my garage for up to a week at a time. I would make a habit of disabling SKS. I don't mind keeping a battery tender connected to the 12V battery during colder months, since I already do it on a classic car. I don't mind installing and using an EBH. I don't mind replacing the Goodyear Integrities immediately.

When I do drive the car, it will mostly be for one of two things:
1) Sub 10-mile trips into town for errands and groceries.
2) 125-mile round trips to/from my business office, once or twice per week.

I've heard and considered all the arguments about saving money by buying a cheaper econobox, upcoming Corolla included. But I don't like the idea of needlessly wasting fuel, vehicle price difference aside. I hate going to the gas station. I'm not worried about the Prius' size, since I like smaller cars. I like the functionality of the Prius' hatchback. I have no budget for vehicle price.

Other new cars I've test driven based on excellent crash test performance: Subaru Legacy, Honda Civic (EX and HCH), Nissan Versa, Toyota Camry (LE 4-cyl and TCH), Honda Accord EX 4-cyl, Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4-cyl. Of this bunch, I like the Legacy and Malibu equally well. DW drives an '04 Forester.

Why shouldn't I buy a Prius?

moxiequz · 12-20-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mawcawfee

Why shouldn't I buy a Prius?

Well, that's not really a fair question to ask seeing as we're all a bunch of rabid anti-hybrid gas-guzzler lovers here....

I think that:

1. if the Prius is a comfortable car for you (by that I mean physical comfort) especially on extended trips and....
2. if you can afford it (i.e. plunk down cash for the best price you can get on the package of your choice) and ....
3. if you think it will meet your needs and the needs of your current and/or future family...

go for it!

That's my completely unbiased opinion.

Quote:

I've heard and considered all the arguments about saving money by buying a cheaper econobox, upcoming Corolla included. But I don't like the idea of needlessly wasting fuel, vehicle price difference aside.

There's always the option of buying a used Prius. They hold their value well but now that more and more of them are becoming available on the second hand market you should be able to get a good price for one that's a few years old. Maybe even go for one with higher mileage on it if you can get a deeper discount. Concord Toyota had a base model Gen II Prius with 90K for $10,000 at the time I was shopping for mine. If you have time to shop around you can get a really great deal.

And since you're going to be taking the car on an extended drive every week consider also not just the fuel savings but the emissions you'll be putting out. A Corolla or Civic can come within spitting distance of the Prius' mileage but the Prius is still one the cleanest operating cars available today.

Mawcawfee · 12-20-2007, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiequz

Well, that's not really a fair question to ask seeing as we're all a bunch of rabid anti-hybrid gas-guzzler lovers here....

It's a nudge-nudge, tongue-in-cheek question.

Quote:

There's always the option of buying a used Prius.

I just re-read my post. My statement "I have no budget for vehicle price" does not read quite right. Money is no object for purchasing this vehicle. I am only considering new.

Your points are all very good. Thanks.

NoMoShocks · 12-20-2007, 01:59 AM

In a word "YES"
You should buy a Prius, unless you can afford two or more, in which case, you should buy as many as you can afford and give them out to friends as holiday gifts.

You will get at least 35 MPH on you short trips to town, and 50 on your longer trips.

Of course you are not worried about the size, becuase there is plenty of room in this roomy Mid Sized car.

If there is a WART on the hood of the 2009 like the current model Camry has, that is too bad. The Camry hood looks like it has a pimple in the middle.

Current Prius has a real tiny one, but it is camoflauged quite well under the little Toyota T in a circle thingy.

clintd555 · 12-20-2007, 10:43 AM

I think you answered your own questions! YES you should buy the Prius. You're well educated on how to handle long stays in the garage. Since cost isn't an issue, go for a brand new one. If cost is an issue, a used Prius or even a Honda Fit or Toyota Matrix (both have hatchbacks) will suit you.

If you do not like going to the gas station then it's easy - Get the Prius.

daniel · 12-20-2007, 11:20 AM

The Prius sounds right for you. The one down side, based on your post, is about not liking going to the gas station. While some folks have succeeded in hitting the magical 500-miles-per-tank mark, the gas tank, especially in cold weather, holds much less gas than it's supposed to, and consequently 350 miles on a tank is more realistic, for most people, than 500. Add to that the severe consequences of running out of gas, and a prudent person will fill up much sooner, for maybe 300 miles on a tank.

I consider that no problem. I mention it because it's the only negative to an otherwise perfect match, based on your post.

I think you should get the Prius.

Please note that you would not need to disable SKS or use a battery tender when you leave the Prius parked for a week. I once left for a month and forgot to disable SKS, and encountered no problems. While I would not advise leaving SKS on for a month, my experience clearly shows that a week is no problem.

Ichabod · 12-20-2007, 11:40 AM

To add to Daniel's comment about not liking the gas station:

You may even get to like going to the gas station. I hate to be a smug SOB, but I just LOVE pulling into a gas station, fueling and leaving while people who were there first sit and wait for their huge tanks to fill!

subarutoo · 12-20-2007, 03:32 PM

Asking "Should I buy?" here is kind of a forgone conclusion. Short answer: YES!

If you're worried about mileage, I've never gotten less then 48 on any tank in 50,000 miles over almost 2 years. My lifetime average has dropped to about 51.5, mostly due to our bitter California winter. Living in sunny california, weather-driving isn't an issue for me, and I still have the original Goodyears that everybody whines about. I have had ZERO dealer or quality issues, and do all the easy maintenance myself. I bought mine simply for gas savings, and to keep from adding more miles on my beloved Subaru. Now the Subaru mostly sits. I sometimes consider driving the Suby to save putting miles on the Prius! At 450 a week it really adds up, but then so does the gas savings.

Like the shoe ad says: JUST DO IT!

usbseawolf2000 · 12-20-2007, 03:41 PM

You shouldn't buy Prius if you are not planning to spend a lot time driving, talking, chatting online, making videos (ahem) about Prius. Most likely, you can and will not stop.

HighBreed · 12-20-2007, 04:48 PM

You shouldn't buy a Prius if:

1. you think it 'd be a mistake.
2. you have reason to believe you'd be unhappy
3. you are still in doubt.
4. you are not convinced you have put in due diligence doing your homework. (I think you already have)
5. you have not pulled prices from carsdirect.com and faxed 5 dealers in your area to get their fleet department quotes to beat that price.

Good luck.

12-19-2007, 11:34 PM	#1
Mawcawfee Prius-less (for now) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: The Free State Posts: 98 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius My daily-driver Prizm is almost 10 years old now and not as safe as newer cars. I like the idea of buying a Prius. I've driven them enough to know I like how it drives and handles. I've seen the spy shots of the upcoming '09 refresh with the projector headlights and the Camry's little wart nose. I think I prefer the tried and true looks of the '08. I might put 10K miles per year on a Prius. It's likely to sit in my garage for up to a week at a time. I would make a habit of disabling SKS. I don't mind keeping a battery tender connected to the 12V battery during colder months, since I already do it on a classic car. I don't mind installing and using an EBH. I don't mind replacing the Goodyear Integrities immediately. When I do drive the car, it will mostly be for one of two things: 1) Sub 10-mile trips into town for errands and groceries. 2) 125-mile round trips to/from my business office, once or twice per week. I've heard and considered all the arguments about saving money by buying a cheaper econobox, upcoming Corolla included. But I don't like the idea of needlessly wasting fuel, vehicle price difference aside. I hate going to the gas station. I'm not worried about the Prius' size, since I like smaller cars. I like the functionality of the Prius' hatchback. I have no budget for vehicle price. Other new cars I've test driven based on excellent crash test performance: Subaru Legacy, Honda Civic (EX and HCH), Nissan Versa, Toyota Camry (LE 4-cyl and TCH), Honda Accord EX 4-cyl, Chevrolet Malibu LT2 4-cyl. Of this bunch, I like the Legacy and Malibu equally well. DW drives an '04 Forester. Why shouldn't I buy a Prius?

12-20-2007, 01:59 AM	#4
NoMoShocks Electrical Engineer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Camas, WA Posts: 1,219 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 2 Thanked 49 Times in 31 Posts Friends: 1	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius In a word "YES" You should buy a Prius, unless you can afford two or more, in which case, you should buy as many as you can afford and give them out to friends as holiday gifts. You will get at least 35 MPH on you short trips to town, and 50 on your longer trips. Of course you are not worried about the size, becuase there is plenty of room in this roomy Mid Sized car. If there is a WART on the hood of the 2009 like the current model Camry has, that is too bad. The Camry hood looks like it has a pimple in the middle. Current Prius has a real tiny one, but it is camoflauged quite well under the little Toyota T in a circle thingy. __________________ Lightning Green McQueen Jr. and owner Larry 2010 Blue Ribbon Pkg IV with Solar Moon Roof Picked up on 5/20/2009. Lighning Green McQueen Sr. is 2007 Silver Pine Mica Pkg 5 who was named for his appearance, sustainability and resemblance to Lightnig McQueen, star of Pixar's movie "Cars". Jr. carries on the family name, even though he is Blue Ribbon Metalic in Color.

12-20-2007, 10:43 AM	#5
clintd555 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 253 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 1	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius I think you answered your own questions! YES you should buy the Prius. You're well educated on how to handle long stays in the garage. Since cost isn't an issue, go for a brand new one. If cost is an issue, a used Prius or even a Honda Fit or Toyota Matrix (both have hatchbacks) will suit you. If you do not like going to the gas station then it's easy - Get the Prius.

12-20-2007, 11:20 AM	#6
daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 11,278 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 59 Thanked 201 Times in 127 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius The Prius sounds right for you. The one down side, based on your post, is about not liking going to the gas station. While some folks have succeeded in hitting the magical 500-miles-per-tank mark, the gas tank, especially in cold weather, holds much less gas than it's supposed to, and consequently 350 miles on a tank is more realistic, for most people, than 500. Add to that the severe consequences of running out of gas, and a prudent person will fill up much sooner, for maybe 300 miles on a tank. I consider that no problem. I mention it because it's the only negative to an otherwise perfect match, based on your post. I think you should get the Prius. Please note that you would not need to disable SKS or use a battery tender when you leave the Prius parked for a week. I once left for a month and forgot to disable SKS, and encountered no problems. While I would not advise leaving SKS on for a month, my experience clearly shows that a week is no problem. __________________ Daniel Primary car: 100% Electric 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera. Estimated range at 55 mph: 81 miles total or 64 miles to 80% discharge. Top speed 70 mph. Secondary car: Zap Xebra SD, also 100% electric. 1.9 cents per mile. Range: 40 miles total, or 32 miles to 80% discharge. Top speed 35 mph. Faster downhill. Both EVs use electrons generated from water power. Gas guzzler for when I have to travel farther than 60 miles: 2004 Prius. "If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal." -- Emma Goldman "Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think long and hard before starting a war." -- Otto von Bismarck

12-20-2007, 11:40 AM	#7
Ichabod Artist In Residence Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 1,793 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Friends: 7	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius To add to Daniel's comment about not liking the gas station: You may even get to like going to the gas station. I hate to be a smug SOB, but I just LOVE pulling into a gas station, fueling and leaving while people who were there first sit and wait for their huge tanks to fill!

12-20-2007, 03:32 PM	#8
subarutoo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chatsworth, CA Posts: 1,176 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius Asking "Should I buy?" here is kind of a forgone conclusion. Short answer: YES! If you're worried about mileage, I've never gotten less then 48 on any tank in 50,000 miles over almost 2 years. My lifetime average has dropped to about 51.5, mostly due to our bitter California winter. Living in sunny california, weather-driving isn't an issue for me, and I still have the original Goodyears that everybody whines about. I have had ZERO dealer or quality issues, and do all the easy maintenance myself. I bought mine simply for gas savings, and to keep from adding more miles on my beloved Subaru. Now the Subaru mostly sits. I sometimes consider driving the Suby to save putting miles on the Prius! At 450 a week it really adds up, but then so does the gas savings. Like the shoe ad says: JUST DO IT! __________________ Chatsworth, CA 06 Prius, White, Option 6, Visual Garage Shark Fin Antenna, BT Chassis Plate, BFG G-Force Sport 205-60 15 NO trim rings, Scangauge II. Other cars: '96 Subaru Outback, '00 Subaru Impreza RS

12-20-2007, 03:41 PM	#9
usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 3,254 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #3 Thanks: 106 Thanked 178 Times in 111 Posts Friends: 59	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius You shouldn't buy Prius if you are not planning to spend a lot time driving, talking, chatting online, making videos (ahem) about Prius. Most likely, you can and will not stop.

12-20-2007, 04:48 PM	#10
HighBreed Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles/Orange Counties Posts: 102 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Seeking opinions on me buying a new Prius You shouldn't buy a Prius if: 1. you think it 'd be a mistake. 2. you have reason to believe you'd be unhappy 3. you are still in doubt. 4. you are not convinced you have put in due diligence doing your homework. (I think you already have) 5. you have not pulled prices from carsdirect.com and faxed 5 dealers in your area to get their fleet department quotes to beat that price. Good luck.