Hope to be a new Prius owner (and Hello!)

Shannon,

You will find a ton of useful information here. I think you'll love the 2010- and I would personally advise getting it over an older model if you can afford it because, honestly, anytime I've ever bought a used car it typically means I'm buying someone else's maintenance problems! Though, plenty of others here will likely tell you that at 50K, that 2006 miles still has a LOT of mileage left in it before you might have to replace the batteries, etc.

That said, the 2010 gets better mileage, handles better, has more power, and depending on what package you get, more technology.

I have the IV package. It's the one with the Moon/Solar roof. I bought that specifically because I LOVE being able to open the top up and watch the sky go by. The Solar roof is cool, but I doubt in my climate I'll ever really need it. Were I living in a desert area, that would likely be different. I don't like my car taking me out of control, so I didn't want the Lane Keep Assist or the Parking Assist or the Dynamic Cruise Control features in the V model- and you can't get the moonroof and the higher tech package combined.

I also really wanted the factory installed leather seats over any port or dealer installed leather seats. I got absolutely everthing I wanted...and only had to wait about two weeks for it.

I really like my Prius- I'm sure you will too and welcome aboard!

Here's a neat little something for you that I've noticed in owning a Prius. It used to be I would DREAD having to get a tank of gas for my cars or truck. Now I actually enjoy it. I don't have to do it nearly as often and when I'm filling my tank it feels good knowing that I'll be getting 50 miles of travel for each gallon I put in...and then I look at all the other cars at the other gas pumps and have to feel just a bit sorry for them...

 

Oh, and at 17mpg, 120 miles per workday...that means you're currently spending (at my local rate of about $3.00/gal) $21 per day for your commute...$105/week...$420/month...so I guess with some extra miles tossed in you're easily looking at $500/month...yikes~

You can change that to $500 x 17/50 = $170/month with a 2010 Prius...that's a savings of $330 a month...more than enough for a car payment I think!!!!

 

No, that would be the Honda hybrid/Prius lookalike!

 

I just got a 2008 with 8K miles on it. It really is like new. Maybe look at a certified pre-owned, dealers "generally" won't certify a car unless it really is not going to end up costing them money for problems they own.

While it is not a gen III, it was in my price range with the features I like.

Also, a 50K car will not be eligable for extended toyota warranty, and 50% of your battery warranty life is gone. At least get one under 3 years 36K miles. If you put 30K miles a year on it, you really want the toyota 125K warranty (IMHO) - cover yourself for 4 years with a lower milage car to begin with.

 

I've got a UK 2010 Prius and love it too. I think you should seriously consider the 2010 and offset the fuel savings per month against the car payments. My car is saving me so much compared to my previous vehicle that I only have to find about £50 extra per month on top of my savings!

A new car for £50 per month is quite a result.

I'm sure if you do your sums and considering your mileage, you'll find that the monthly fuel savings will go a long way towards your car payments.

Despite all the negative press about the car lately, it is still a fantastic machine which I'm sure you'll love. Try and arrange a day test drive and use it to commute to work and back and then fill it back up just to see how much fuel you used for the day. You'll be amazed