Second thoughts

[scottw07071961]

O.K....this will sound stupid, but here goes. After years of car shows and cruising through dealer car lots, I've decided the Prius makes the most sense of any car I've ever seen. I'm AM on the waiting list and could have my new Prius as soon as next month.
Problem is, my '95 Geo Prizm still runs well with 165.000 miles. It's (obviously) paid for, and my insurance costs are low. I still get 35 mpg highway, and it's very reliable. I'm not rich, but I CAN afford a new Prius (basic model...with side curtain aorbags). What makes more sense....Get the new Prius now and sell my Geo or...hang on to the Geo for a couple more years and THEN buy the Prius.
Like I said, sounds stupid, but it's keeping me up at night! Any advice?

[dbarry]

Scott,

Get the Prius - you'll feel better. I think you Geo has done you well, but it's time to "move on"... welcome to the new millennia.

Just my $.10 worth!

Don

[exces6]

Go for the Prius. You'll be more comfortable and have the joy of this wonderful machine for years instead of driving the Geo. The Prius is wonderful, and I hope you see the light and get one soon.

[Tideland Prius]

well, depends I guess. It's a tought decision. What is the insurance cost with the Prius? Is there a large difference? That might be a factor. In terms of environmental concerns, of course the Prius pollutes much much less than the Prizm. If your trips are mostly city trips, then the Prius makes sense. Just note that (depending on your location), you may or may not get 50mpg right away. That's fine, it'll take some time.

I'm leaning towards getting a Prius because
a) it's easier on the environment
it will go farther on a slightly smaller gas tank (abt a gallon difference btwn the Prius & the Prizm)
c) It has more features
d) Seeing that you seem to keep your car for a long time, aside from fuel savings, you'd benefit from maintenance (engine tune-ups), reduced brake wear (thx to regen braking) and lower stress on the engine
e) It's time for a new car!

[scottw07071961]

Thanks for the response. I'm pretty sure I'll go through with it (the Prius purchase)

[Tideland Prius]

:clap:

[kkister1492]

Any idea how long you are to wait for the Prius? If it's a few months you may have the decision made for you by that time (the car needs a new transmission, etc.). Decide when you get 'the call' and have driven the car.

[Dave]

Scott,
It's a tough call, indeed. I had a Tercel with 260,000 miles on it when I got my Prius. I was getting 38 mpg with the Tercel. Your Prizm is a well-built car, and probably has many reliable miles left.
The advantage to keeping the Prizm: You save money. You are averaging about 16,000 miles/year, so although your savings in gas cost with the Prius would be noticeable, it's not a deal-maker.
The advantage to buying the Prius: Your car would be polluting far less, and your mileage would go up. I have consistently been getting 51 mpg with my Prius. The other advantage is that the Prius is more comfortable, more refined, and quieter than your current car.
I'd say you're in a win-win situation. Whatever your decision, it works. If funds are tight for you, you might want to wait. If not, spoil yourself with a wonderful new car.

[flareak]

its simply more luxurious and comfortable

[Darwood]

Additional thoughts:

1) It might get harder to get one in a few months when the gas price goes up even more.

2) Are you single? I would bet the Prius would be much more advantageous to your social life. If you're married, it doesn't matter what you drive.

3) Part of my reason for buying was to "speak with my wallet" on my thoughts on the future of transportation. This is what will spur change.

4) Do you have to borrow to buy? If so, you could wait till you could pay cash and save the interest cost.