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What's a decent option for gen 1 replacement

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Menarfromarz, Jan 12, 2015.

  1. Menarfromarz

    Menarfromarz New Member

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    2001 Prius
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    having trouble with a replacement for our loved 01. It not that anything is wrong with it, so I am ok driving the wheels off it (188 k kilometres, original battery) but wifey and I want to go to two cars rather than three. Big one ton work truck is a keeper, her Nissan Cube will go, and so she wants to get a newer Prius, prius c or such thing. Would like ev, but range issues are real with our commute, a Volt has promise, but thin on the ground, and are pricey. We are looking at new or near new, and I personally like the Prius c, but the room versus our 01 is tight, the sight lines are poor, and that may leave the regular Prius as the only real practical option. It seems that most things don't have the room of our 01, and have bombshelter visibility. Anyone care to give their two cents, opinions cheerfully accepted!
    Darren
     
  2. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    If I were in your shoes, I'd get the liftback vice the C. It has more room and virtually gets the same mpg.
     
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Some thoughts:
    • 2009 Prius - 1.5L hatchback with all of the factory installed mods and traction battery modules. A solid replacement.
    • 2010-current Prius - with 1.8L engine, more power, room and improved control laws. Modules are even better over the 2004-09 models.
    • 2012-current Prius c - with improved 1.5L engine, hatchback, a good urban car.
    • Ford Fusion hybrid - similar mileage to NHW11 but more modern and may have higher clearance
    GOOD LUCK!
    Bob Wilson

    Some
     
  4. drs33

    drs33 Junior Member

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    We had a tough time with this too. Just about to replace our '01, and ended up going with a Subaru hatchback. No more hybrid for us, which I am super bummed about. :( However, the Prius c (which I love!) was too small for us, and the hatch on the liftback didn't have enough height clearance for our large dog. The v wagon was a contender but in the end we couldn't justify the price difference for the few miles we drive, even with a pretty stellar deal on one. We looked at all the electrics and liked the LEAF best, but they all struggle with range issues and the LEAF did abysmally on one of the IIHS crash tests. The e-Golf is pretty nice looking if a compact car works, but is pricey and of course brand new. The two C-Max versions are worth a look too, although they don't rival the regular Prius and PIP in mpg. I'm expecting technology and range for all of the plug-ins and EVs to get much, much better in the next few years, so we weren't really interested in owning one, and only considered leases on those. For conventional cars, the 2015 Honda Fit (a redesign) is a surprisingly spacious little car that gets terrific mileage for a non-hybrid, and might be worthy of consideration. The interior space was much better designed for usability than in the Prius c, in my opinion, although it is still a tight backseat (which is why we didn't go with it in the end). Good luck! We will be sad to say goodbye to our '01--it's had a good run for a plucky little car.
     
  5. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

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    May I ask you what options you found as far as repairing your car?

    Avi
     
  6. drs33

    drs33 Junior Member

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    It's actually in great working order--just replacing it because our family has grown. So while it's goodbye for us, it's hello to someone new! :) (I do admit to being a little sad that we won't be the ones to see it across the 100K mile mark since we are sooo close...but two cars is overkill for the limited urban driving we do.)
     
  7. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

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    Please
    Oops, I thought this was in another thread that was about a Prius in need or repair. It looks like you got some good service out of it. Make sure to find it a good home as it should have plenty of life left in it.

    Avi
     
  8. drs33

    drs33 Junior Member

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    For sure. Just got her some new tires this morning and getting ready to clean her up, figure out the pricing, and get her out there! Luckily we are in an area where people know and love the Gen1s so I think we'll be able to find the perfect new owners.
     
  9. Menarfromarz

    Menarfromarz New Member

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    2001 Prius
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    Thanks so far to some of y'all for the ideas. After owning several VW TDI's and now our older Prius, the undeniable sweetness of the KoolAid of efficient motoring is just too compelling to give up. We are reviewing the two vehicles we have, and after considering our monthly cost of about 300 clams for two older vehicles, coupled with the low financing rates of a 2014/15 that Toyota is offering, we are seriously considering financing a newer one. The backend valuation of the Prius models when added back into the monthly payment means its a pretty low cost way of driving a new car and saving some for the future. As you can imaging, leasing is not our cup of tea, and we would like to keep it in the 25K $ range max. The TDI's we have owned are less efficient, and can be maintenance heavy with timing belt changes, and the higher cost of fuel. In tracking our mileage, the '01 Prius was 15% less expensive to operate than our last 06 Jetta. So, I guess its off to take a closer look at the C and the regular Prius again. But dammit, I'm gonna miss our '01. Its probably the best short haul scooter car I have ever owned ( And I have owned a LOT of iron). I just love the driving position, the viz, the effortless driving in town and the undeniable "Japanese weirdness" of the little car. Bugger! ANy more suggestions or new car shopping perspectives?
    Darren