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?? which prius should I buy ??

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011.

  1. tuxforprez

    tuxforprez New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    UPstate New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi there first I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this you Rock!

    Now that I have said that here is a little bit about me.
    I am a recent college grad that is a operating system developer. I am hoping that it will take off in the next 2 years. As of right now I am a head lifeguard at a indoor pool that I get paid 9hr and work 40 + hrs a week. I also clean peoples apartments on the side and bring in about 700 usd a month from that. But once again I am hoping that the OS will take off in the future.

    there are three prius that I have picked out that I like.

    the first one that I drove was nice and the car fax is outstanding
    [​IMG]
    Code:
    Date:                              Mileage:                              Source:                              Comments:                                                                             Not Reported                                                                                                NICB                                          Vehicle manufactured
      and shipped to original dealer                                07/11/2006                                                                                                Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Vehicle offered for sale                                07/24/2006                                                                                                Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated                                07/24/2006                             5                                                                   New York
                                      Inspection Station                                          Emissions inspection performed
      Dealer had vehicle inspected to
      prepare it for sale
      Passed safety inspection        
                                07/24/2006                                                                                                Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Vehicle sold                                07/24/2006                                                                                                New York
                                      Motor Vehicle Dept.
                                      Rochester, NY                                          Registered as
      personal vehicle                                08/02/2006                             183                                                                   Inspection Co.
                                      New York                                          Inspection performed                                08/25/2006                                                                                                New York
                                      Motor Vehicle Dept.
                                      Rochester, NY                                          Title issued or updated
      First owner reported
      Loan or lien reported                                10/10/2006                             5,148                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Tires rotated
      Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated                                12/07/2006                             10,321                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Vehicle serviced                                01/23/2007                             11,786                                                                   Inspection Co.
                                      New York                                          Inspection performed                                05/31/2007                             14,582                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Tire condition and pressure checked
      Brakes checked
      Recommended maintenance performed                                07/26/2007                             16,071                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                State safety inspection completed                                09/19/2007                             20,267                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Brakes checked
      Tire condition and pressure checked
      Recommended maintenance performed                                01/28/2008                             26,209                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Tire condition and pressure checked
      Brakes checked
      Recommended maintenance performed                                03/24/2008                                                                                                New York
                                      Motor Vehicle Dept.
                                      Rochester, NY                                          Title issued or updated
      Registration issued or renewed
      Registered as
      personal vehicle
      Loan or lien reported
      Passed safety inspection                                06/27/2008                             31,415                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Recommended maintenance performed
      Tire condition and pressure checked                                08/12/2008                             34,427                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Brakes checked
      Recommended maintenance performed
      Tire condition and pressure checked                                08/12/2008                             39,427                                                                   New York
                                      Inspection Station                                          Passed safety inspection
      Passed emissions inspection        
                                12/19/2008                             39,768                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Tire condition and pressure checked
      Brakes checked                                07/08/2009                             45,122                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tire condition and pressure checked
      Recommended maintenance performed
      Brakes checked
      Front wiper blades/refills replaced
      Safety inspection performed
      Emissions inspection performed                                07/24/2009                             47,039                                                                   New York
                                      Inspection Station                                          Passed safety inspection
      Passed emissions inspection          
                                11/18/2009                             50,378                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Tire condition and pressure checked
      Brakes checked
      Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated                                02/18/2010                                                                                                New York
                                      Motor Vehicle Dept.
                                      Rochester, NY                                          Title issued or updated
      Registration issued or renewed
      Registered as
      personal vehicle
      Loan or lien reported
      Passed safety inspection                                06/16/2010                             55,849                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                          Brakes checked
      Tire condition and pressure checked                                07/30/2010                             56,968                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Vehicle serviced                                07/30/2010                                                                                                New York
                                      Inspection Station                                          Passed safety inspection
      Passed emissions inspection             
                                11/09/2010                             60,221                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Brakes checked
      Recommended maintenance performed
      Tire condition and pressure checked
      Brake pads and rotors replaced                                01/03/2011                             62,475                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Vehicle serviced                                03/25/2011                             64,670                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Cabin air filter replaced
      Brakes checked
      Tire condition and pressure checked
      Air filter replaced                                06/06/2011                             66,799                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Four wheel alignment performed                                07/15/2011                             67,973                                                                   Vanderstyne Toyota
                                      Rochester, NY
                             585-225-6600
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Vehicle serviced                                07/15/2011                                                                                                New York
                                      Inspection Station                                          Passed safety inspection
      Passed emissions inspection        
                                08/10/2011                             68,696                                                                   Dealer Inventory
                                      Rochester, NY                                          Vehicle offered for sale
    As you can see that the car has 68k on it and that there is no warranty. I have taked them down to 13,999 for this car.


    the next one that I went to look at was from the toyota dealership and they where not pushy like the other salesman at the other place.

    the first one that I looked at there is real nice it is a used 2011 with only 3k on it for 22,999
    It will not let me post links until I have 5 posts
    http://www.dorschel.com/VehicleDetails/certified-2011-Toyota-Prius-II-Rochester-NY/1313519443

    I like this one and think that it. I also looked at the carfax for this one and it is impressive also. (would post but the dealership has it)


    The third one that I am looking at is a
    It will not let me post links until I have 5 posts
    http://www.dorschel.com/VehicleDetails/certified-2008-Toyota-Prius--Rochester-NY/1236867353
    this one is also nice but not as new as the one above. It also has a great carfax report.



    As you can guess that I am not rich as I work two jobs and dev the OS on the side. But I can afford any one of these.


    The last last two come with the 3yr 30,000 bumper to bumper and a 10year 100k power-train.
    the first one that has 68k on it comes with no warranty at all. but I have read here on the forums that i get one for a fair price.

    this is the 3rd car that I am going to buy. And it is going to be some sort of hybrid no matter what. I have a great co-signer that has GREAT credit. as mine is good but not great. So for the last two cars that I posted about they said that at the highest that it would be 4.99 % APR with a 72 month long contract or a 60 month contract with 2.99% APR which seems to me good.

    I know if I can afford the 60 month one but you never know what could happen in the future.

    So here is what it boils down to

    car one 68k 250 month

    car two 3 k 300-350 month

    car three 30k 275-300 month

    what one would you choose? thanks again for taking the time to read this and I look forward to hearing from you :)
     
    #1 tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011
  2. tuxforprez

    tuxforprez New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    UPstate New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    A post so I can put links up for the cars!
    please discard
     
    #2 tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011
  3. tuxforprez

    tuxforprez New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    UPstate New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    A different post so I can put links up for the cars!
    please discard
     
    #3 tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011
  4. tuxforprez

    tuxforprez New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    UPstate New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    A even different post so I can put links up for the cars!
    please discard
     
    #4 tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011
  5. tuxforprez

    tuxforprez New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    UPstate New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    A last post so I can put links up for the cars!
    please discard
     
    #5 tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011
  6. tuxforprez

    tuxforprez New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    UPstate New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    #6 tuxforprez, Oct 5, 2011
  7. Sophia

    Sophia New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2011
    42
    5
    0
    Location:
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    why doesnt the first one come with warranty? I thought all Priuses are covered for 10yrs/150,000miles (in CA, less in other states)?

    you could buy a brand new 2011 for the price of the second one (I did) right now. So unless you have them take the price down by a few more grands, I wouldnt consider it to be a great deal especially since the new ones are about to roll out soon and most dealers are looking to clear out their lots to bring the newer ones in.

    As for which one *I* personally think you should get (im going to assume you are pretty young since you mention you are fresh out of college and starting to get yourself established) I would say to go with the cheapest monthly payments. 68K on a car is not bad, and frme what I can see from PC here, priuses/toyotas are absolutely reliable cars, enough so that Toyota even backs them up up to 10yrs. and you are young so lets say you have this car for 5 years and things are starting to look up for you financially. by then you will have paid off the car, probably ready for a new/difffernt car and can afford to buy a brand new one if you want then. the difference between a $250 and $350 a month could be the difference between not paying for cable tv or being able to buy the underwhelming new iphone 4. lol! not to mention it would be a shame to take all the money you are saving on gas and use it to pay for the car every month...

    Colorwise, I would go with the red one bc that is the color I had originally wanted (but they would have to bring that price down significantly.)

    whichever way you end up going, good luck and congrats on your soon to be purchase. I've had my prius for 3 weeks now and I am loving it. :):)
     
    #7 Sophia, Oct 5, 2011
  8. Gurple42

    Gurple42 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2011
    354
    41
    3
    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    For your situation I would consider a much cheaper new car, such as a Versa or a Hyundai, that way for the next 3 years all your car expenses are known and manageable (the car payment and standard service costs and insurance).
    Then when the career takes off, get what you want, you should be
    able to afford it.:rockon:
     
    #8 Gurple42, Oct 5, 2011
  9. yyyiiikes

    yyyiiikes Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2007
    84
    15
    0
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    You may be considering other factors, but I would agree with Gurple's logic and for your situation even perhaps consider a Pre-Owned cheaper car with very low mileage - less than 10K miles. Like Gurple stated, it would be best to keep your future costs predictable so that you are not hit with an unexpected, high mechanic bill. Risks are higher with a high mileage car.

    There will likely be better deals with other models and you can save on the upfront costs. (examples: Fit or Yaris, etc. ) Unless you drive an exceptional number of miles, the savings on fuel costs will not be significant compared to purchase price differences.

    I understand that these decisions are not always about the bottom line.

    Regardless, and for what it is worth, I have spent much time this last week researching new and pre-owned prices for Prius' here in central Texas. Unfortunately, I am not finding good deals like Sophia and others have stated on the West coast. The $23K with 3K miles seems like good potential. I would negotiate $500 lower.

    Do you have the option to defer the purchase for 4-6 weeks? If so, then there will be many things working for you:

    1) improved supply
    2) new Prius V model will dilute the market
    3) 2012 model on the way and will have some cosmetic changes
    4) end of year clearance incentives
     
    #9 yyyiiikes, Oct 10, 2011
  10. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
    12,544
    2,123
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Only the HV battery is warranted for 10 years/150K miles in CA and CARB emission states (there are about 10 total). Some hybrid components and emissions are warranted for 15 years/150K miles in those states. The rest of the car is NOT warranted that long. Please see Toyota Prius Warranty and Coverage and your warranty booklet for more details.
     
    #10 cwerdna, Oct 10, 2011
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