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Deciding on which Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by TamH, Aug 30, 2015.

  1. TamH

    TamH New Member

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    Hello all. I lurked and read the threads before I decided on my first Prius, which was a 2006 base with 50k on it. We had never owned anything other than Chevy or Ford Rangers and Toyota was never a consideration until a salesman showed us a 2011 that got 50 MPG. After that I was hooked and found my 2006 that averaged 44 MPG. Sadly, every vehicle we really like after a year and 1/2 gets totaled (none of them our fault). That was the fate of my beloved Prius 2 weeks ago when a woman ran a stop sign and I broadsided her. She got the ticket and her insurance is paying. We've had 3 vehicles (2 Ford Rangers and the Prius) totaled in the last 8 years.
    I figure any vehicle I purchase I'm condemning it to death in 2 years.

    Anyway, after looking for another Prius the last 2 weeks I realize I'm going to have to drive up to 150-200 miles away to find what I want. (!) The 2 local dealers only have 1 used Prius each, both with more than 100K. At first I thought I wanted a package that has navigation but then read the updates are rather pricey and since I have a Garmin and don't really go anywhere, I can pass on it. I am looking at 2010-2014 under 50K but I've found some with under 40K and even in the 20k range and under $16. Regardless I'm going to have to drive up to 3-4 hours as around here there are maybe 4.

    What I'm wondering is what is the opinion of the Prius compared to the Prius C? I love the dash on the Prius better, but I'm looking at limited number of cars. I even went so far to look at other vehicles (Nissan, Ford) but after getting 44 MPG weekly how I go backwards? After looking online at multiple car searching sites my head is spinning with all the versions. Thanks. (sorry so long)
     
    #1 TamH, Aug 30, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! whats the best deal on a new c or lift back?
     
  3. TamH

    TamH New Member

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    Best price with lowest miles within 150 miles would be a 2013 C One for $15,990 and 9k miles. Or a 2011 Prius for $15,995 with 12,700 miles. The Prius Cs seem to have the lower miles. Of course do you look at miles or years being better? I'm been leaning at miles. I've found some 2010 with lots less miles than 2013s.

    And then there is color. I'm disappointed that I'm not finding many of those Blue Streak Metallic out there. Love that color!!

    I haven't read much on the Prius C board as after I got my Prius I concentrated on reading this board, but if they're kind of equal with same mileage, I might have to go with the C since there seem to be more out there.
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If you either have no children/friends or have another vehicle for children/frinds then a c is an excellent commutting vehicle for 2.

    The liftback is better for a family of 4 or a social person with more than one friend.

    I would not get the One, the lowest to consider is Two, and that sounds as if it is all you want.

    The v is just for folks with families of 5 or lots of cargo. It will get 10 MPG less than the C or liftback.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hard to say, but some feel you're better off with a near car with more miles.

    at those prices, have you looked at brand new cars? why not go to a dealer and take some test drives of each for comparison?
     
  6. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    I would get the lift back as well gen 2 gen 3 what about leasing and every 2 years lease a different one.
    It really depends on what features you're looking for I myself Dr a Gen 4 so I have all of the goodies solar roof JBL sound leather seats, Bluetooth s
    The prius c is a week car I would keep looking if I were you and really consider leasing instead of buyin
     
  7. TamH

    TamH New Member

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    Thanks for the replies. Only my husband and I at home and the Prius was my car to go back and forth to work, basically used 50-60 miles a day and then when we run around on weekends. New Prius runs $20-24K and I want something I can have paid off within 18 months - therefore something under $16,000.

    If they get about the same gas mileage, I guess the only difference in the Prius and the C is the C is a little smaller.
     
  8. Phil Wheeler

    Phil Wheeler Junior Member

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    Not really, at least according to reviews like Consumer Reports. They say the hatchback is a better vehicle in several ways.