thinking about a Prius- some ?

nancynat · 04-01-2006, 10:23 PM

My car was totalled a couple of weeks ago and I need a replacement asap. I am sick of how much I put out in gas so wanted something with better mileage. I had a Camry which I loved except for the mpg. I was pretty close to going with a Corolla and then started to look at the Prius. I have not driven anything yet- just looking at prices, etc online.
I have a few ? for the experts

1- I am a tightwad- this is my only motivation for getting a Prius. I go thru alot of gas. I would not buy a new Prius because of the price(and I can't go without a car much longer). So, what is your opinion on used Prius? I see a 2001 w/56K and a 2002 w/30K in a price that I am willing to pay(about 5K more than a comparable Corolla).

2- I live in Wi and am concerned about the reported poorer gas mileage in cool weather

3- reliability and maintenance $$. My Camry had 110K on it, drove like new, and never had anything done to it other than brakes, tires. My DH changed the oil. I loved that. I don't want to get a car to save $$ and then pay out the wazoo on maintenance or repairs. Even if a used Prius comes with some kind of warranty, it would not take me long to get up to 100K and be on my own. I am not the type to trade in every few years- I would drive it til it died.

4- I am probably drving about 25K per year and gas is up to 2.65 here. Is there a place to do some kind of cost comparison calculation?

5- I live in an area where they force the ethanol gas down our throats- is that bad for the engine?

6- is insurance much higher on a Prius?

thanks for any help. I did some reading, but don't have alot of time to do as much as I normally would do before buying a car.

john1701a · 04-01-2006, 10:32 PM

*ALL* vehicles get lower MPG during the cold season, so focus on Lifetime averages instead.

10% ethanol isn't the slightest bit bad for the engine. I've got just a little under 111,000 miles of experience using the stuff in Prius. So it is definitely a non-issue. Again, focus on Lifetime values.

With my Classic Prius, that average using 10% ethanol in Minnesota for 3 years was 45.4 MPG.

With my HSD Prius, after 2.5 years now, it is currently at 48.6 MPG and destined to climb as the warm season returns.

hdrygas · 04-01-2006, 10:38 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nancynat @ Apr 1 2006, 07:23 PM) [snapback]233615[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

My car was totalled a couple of weeks ago and I need a replacement asap. I am sick of how much I put out in gas so wanted something with better mileage. I had a Camry which I loved except for the mpg. I was pretty close to going with a Corolla and then started to look at the Prius. I have not driven anything yet- just looking at prices, etc online.
I have a few ? for the experts

1- I am a tightwad- this is my only motivation for getting a Prius. I go thru alot of gas. I would not buy a new Prius because of the price(and I can't go without a car much longer). So, what is your opinion on used Prius? I see a 2001 w/56K and a 2002 w/30K in a price that I am willing to pay(about 5K more than a comparable Corolla).

2- I live in Wi and am concerned about the reported poorer gas mileage in cool weather

3- reliability and maintenance $$. My Camry had 110K on it, drove like new, and never had anything done to it other than brakes, tires. My DH changed the oil. I loved that. I don't want to get a car to save $$ and then pay out the wazoo on maintenance or repairs. Even if a used Prius comes with some kind of warranty, it would not take me long to get up to 100K and be on my own. I am not the type to trade in every few years- I would drive it til it died.

4- I am probably drving about 25K per year and gas is up to 2.65 here. Is there a place to do some kind of cost comparison calculation?

5- I live in an area where they force the ethanol gas down our throats- is that bad for the engine?

thanks for any help. I did some reading, but don't have alot of time to do as much as I normally would do before buying a car.
[/b]

1 How well you do with MPG is dependent on how you drive, and how you have to drive. Freeway, city. You need the history of the car
2.You can improve your milage with a block heater and radiator blocker.
3. The maintenance has thus far been minimal. There are a number of G1 Prii (what you are looking for) that have gone over 250K. Change your own oil sure. Brakes need less maintenance. If you can get a 04 it may be better. Drive it into the ground.
4 I am not sure about that, but the higher it goes the better you will do. Read up on how to get the most out of this car.
5 We get E10 here in the winter and no problems. I am not sure about E85, but I would not go there. E10 is ok.

nancynat · 04-01-2006, 11:09 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Apr 1 2006, 09:32 PM) [snapback]233620[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

*ALL* vehicles get lower MPG during the cold season, so focus on Lifetime averages instead.

10% ethanol isn't the slightest bit bad for the engine. I've got just a little under 111,000 miles of experience using the stuff in Prius. So it is definitely a non-issue. Again, focus on Lifetime values.

With my Classic Prius, that average using 10% ethanol in Minnesota for 3 years was 45.4 MPG.

With my HSD Prius, after 2.5 years now, it is currently at 48.6 MPG and destined to climb as the warm season returns.
[/b]

whats the dif between a classic and a hsd? 2001 and 2002 models?

thanks for the help

galaxee · 04-01-2006, 11:28 PM

couple things i can toss in here.

as far as wi driving- remember that any corolla or camry takes a big mpg hit in the winter too. partially due to temperature and partially due to winter gas. the flip side is that in the summer you don't have to use the a/c as much as we do in the south, which evens the score as far as lifetime mpg goes IMO.

insurance depends on your record and where you live and etc. but for comparison our 1990 buick/1987 camry liability only policy cost around $70 a month, now with 2005 prius/1987 camry with full coverage on the prius costs $108 a month.

where in wi are ya btw?

ScottY · 04-01-2006, 11:31 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nancynat @ Apr 1 2006, 11:09 PM) [snapback]233635[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

whats the dif between a classic and a hsd? 2001 and 2002 models?

thanks for the help
[/b]

HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) is model year 2004 and later. Classic is before that.

Check out John's website if you want to learn more, http://john1701a.com/

ghostofjk · 04-02-2006, 12:11 AM

[quote=nancynat @ Apr 1 2006, 08:09 PM) [snapback]233635[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

whats the dif between a classic and a hsd? 2001 and 2002 models?

thanks for the help
[/b]

"Classic" = '01-'03. Toyota started calling the drivetrain "Hybrid Synergy Drive" with the '04, which is also sometimes referred to as the first year of "Gen II".

Priuses thus far have a history of way above average reliability, though there have been a couple of glitches with the computer software the car uses. Routine maintenance is minimal---basically oil changes and an occasional air filter. There have been almost no reported problems with the gas engine, electric motor, CVT (transmission) or battery pack. The battery packs, which do have a finite life, and as of now cost about $3K-3.5K to replace, nevertheless haven't been in use enough years yet for us to know if most of them will "wear out" at a predictable point. Toyota engineered the recharging system so well that it appears they might be good for 200-300K mi.---or more.

Be aware that the market for used Priuses is quite inflated now, and will remain so until the supply of new ones catches up with demand, and a little beyond. The best way to see what the typical asking prices are for different years, IMO, is to go to autotrader.com and input different years into their calculator/listings. You can look only within your area, or regionally or nationally. Private sales are listed along with dealer sales. If you're going to save some money, it'll likely be with a private party sale---and you may luck out and find one with extended warranty coverage to 100K mi.

You can easily do a comparison of gas cost between a Prius and a Corolla. Just figure ABOUT 44-45 MPG average for the Prius and 33-34 MPG for the Corolla. These numbers will depend, of course, primarily on how you drive the cars. Others might advise you to use higher or lower numbers; these are my best guesses, having owned two Corollas and four Priuses.

Here, I'll do a quickie, using 25K mi and $2.50/gal. Corolla] 34 MPG = $1838; Prius @45 = $1389; difference = $427. Projected 5 yr. = $2135, but who knows?

The rear seats don't fold down with Gen I Priuses, and some don't have cruise control or even CD players. When looking at a used one, remember that the original price could have varied up to $7,500 (the higher priced ones have the navigation system and a few other goodies).

nancynat · 04-02-2006, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxee @ Apr 1 2006, 10:28 PM) [snapback

233656[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

couple things i can toss in here.

as far as wi driving- remember that any corolla or camry takes a big mpg hit in the winter too. partially due to temperature and partially due to winter gas. the flip side is that in the summer you don't have to use the a/c as much as we do in the south, which evens the score as far as lifetime mpg goes IMO.

insurance depends on your record and where you live and etc. but for comparison our 1990 buick/1987 camry liability only policy cost around $70 a month, now with 2005 prius/1987 camry with full coverage on the prius costs $108 a month.

where in wi are ya btw?
[/b]

Hey- fellow Wisconsinite! I am near Milw. Thanks for the insurance info! I still use my A/C alot in the summer. Too hot for me most of the time- LOL

[

You can easily do a comparison of gas cost between a Prius and a Corolla. Just figure ABOUT 44-45 MPG average for the Prius and 33-34 MPG for the Corolla. These numbers will depend, of course, primarily on how you drive the cars. Others might advise you to use higher or lower numbers; these are my best guesses, having owned two Corollas and four Priuses.

Here, I'll do a quickie, using 25K mi and $2.50/gal. Corolla] 34 MPG = $1838; Prius @45 = $1389; difference = $427. Projected 5 yr. = $2135, but who knows?

The rear seats don't fold down with Gen I Priuses, and some don't have cruise control or even CD players. When looking at a used one, remember that the original price could have varied up to $7,500 (the higher priced ones have the navigation system and a few other goodies).

OK- I did it using 30 mpg and 50 mpg and got about 1K per year, BUT, who knows where gas prices are going?? I heard $4 a gal is coming our way. I think the Priuses I am looking at must be very basic. I don't think they even have CD players. I will have to admit, I am probably a 'bad' driver- no coasting to the stoplight for me, and I step on the gas as soon as I get the go ahead. I certainly find it hard to drive the SL.

syncmaster · 04-02-2006, 06:27 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nancynat @ Apr 1 2006, 11:23 PM) [snapback]233615[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

1- I see a 2001 w/56K and a 2002 w/30K in a price that I am willing to pay(about 5K more than a comparable Corolla).

[/b]

the older model prius have a good repair record so far but repairs would be very expensive.
I would only buy a used 2004 or 2005 prius with less than 36K miles.
And make sure you buy the extended warranty before the 36K mark ($980.00 on line)

with the $3250.00 tax credit alot of 04-05 prius owners will want to sell and get a 06.

richard schumacher · 04-02-2006, 11:40 AM

Investment writer Scott Burns has a fuel economy savings comparison tool at http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/bus/scottb...iciency_cal.htm He also has a column on this topic at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...urns.a9401.html

(You may need to register for those sites. Or, to get a throwaway anonymous login for them see http://www.bugmenot.com/ . There enter <http://www.dallasnews.com> as the url.)

There is a "true cost to own" calculator at http://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController .

I suspect you will find that the total cost of ownership would be smaller with several other small used cars than with a used Prius, unless the cost of gas goes a lot higher than $3/gal. Buying a car that does not require a loan helps a lot.

04-01-2006, 10:32 PM	#2
john1701a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,715 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Pioneer #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 3	ALL vehicles get lower MPG during the cold season, so focus on Lifetime averages instead. 10% ethanol isn't the slightest bit bad for the engine. I've got just a little under 111,000 miles of experience using the stuff in Prius. So it is definitely a non-issue. Again, focus on Lifetime values. With my Classic Prius, that average using 10% ethanol in Minnesota for 3 years was 45.4 MPG. With my HSD Prius, after 2.5 years now, it is currently at 48.6 MPG and destined to climb as the warm season returns. __________________ JOHN http://john1701a.com 47.9 MPG average @ 108,544 miles

04-01-2006, 11:28 PM	#5
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,066 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 21	couple things i can toss in here. as far as wi driving- remember that any corolla or camry takes a big mpg hit in the winter too. partially due to temperature and partially due to winter gas. the flip side is that in the summer you don't have to use the a/c as much as we do in the south, which evens the score as far as lifetime mpg goes IMO. insurance depends on your record and where you live and etc. but for comparison our 1990 buick/1987 camry liability only policy cost around $70 a month, now with 2005 prius/1987 camry with full coverage on the prius costs $108 a month. where in wi are ya btw? __________________ black 2005 prius, tweaked just the way i like it my diagnostic guy on electronics: "lack of troubleshooting ability is due to a high common sense rejection ratio."

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04-01-2006, 10:23 PM	#1
nancynat Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	My car was totalled a couple of weeks ago and I need a replacement asap. I am sick of how much I put out in gas so wanted something with better mileage. I had a Camry which I loved except for the mpg. I was pretty close to going with a Corolla and then started to look at the Prius. I have not driven anything yet- just looking at prices, etc online. I have a few ? for the experts 1- I am a tightwad- this is my only motivation for getting a Prius. I go thru alot of gas. I would not buy a new Prius because of the price(and I can't go without a car much longer). So, what is your opinion on used Prius? I see a 2001 w/56K and a 2002 w/30K in a price that I am willing to pay(about 5K more than a comparable Corolla). 2- I live in Wi and am concerned about the reported poorer gas mileage in cool weather 3- reliability and maintenance $$. My Camry had 110K on it, drove like new, and never had anything done to it other than brakes, tires. My DH changed the oil. I loved that. I don't want to get a car to save $$ and then pay out the wazoo on maintenance or repairs. Even if a used Prius comes with some kind of warranty, it would not take me long to get up to 100K and be on my own. I am not the type to trade in every few years- I would drive it til it died. 4- I am probably drving about 25K per year and gas is up to 2.65 here. Is there a place to do some kind of cost comparison calculation? 5- I live in an area where they force the ethanol gas down our throats- is that bad for the engine? 6- is insurance much higher on a Prius? thanks for any help. I did some reading, but don't have alot of time to do as much as I normally would do before buying a car.

04-02-2006, 11:40 AM	#10
richard schumacher nacreous lacquer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 4,126 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Investment writer Scott Burns has a fuel economy savings comparison tool at http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/bus/scottb...iciency_cal.htm He also has a column on this topic at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...urns.a9401.html (You may need to register for those sites. Or, to get a throwaway anonymous login for them see http://www.bugmenot.com/ . There enter <http://www.dallasnews.com> as the url.) There is a "true cost to own" calculator at http://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController . I suspect you will find that the total cost of ownership would be smaller with several other small used cars than with a used Prius, unless the cost of gas goes a lot higher than $3/gal. Buying a car that does not require a loan helps a lot.