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To Prime or not

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by FinsPrime, Aug 3, 2017.

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  1. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    I currently own a 2013 Prius III. I drive about 60 miles a day during the week and not much on weekends. I live in a hilly area but most of my ride is on highways. Trying to decide whether to trade it in now or wait until it is paid off in a year. I was originally looking at the new Prius III but with the rebate from Toyota right now I could get a Prime for less money. I don't have a garage but do have outdoor outlets, which I have to find out if they are capable of charging the Prime. At work I park on a street and there are no charging stations in the area. If I wait until the 2018 comes out like I was planning and my current Prius is paid off then the Prime will probably be out of the question if no rebate at that time. Reading all of the posts about different modes on the Prime I am not sure I can figure out how to drive it.
     
  2. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Just drive it.

    When the plug-supplied electricity runs out, you'll still get outstanding efficiency. For me, I've noticed the MPG drops below the 199.9 max displayed right around the 50-mile mark. So with your 60 mile drive without recharge, you'll still be in "sure glad I bought it" zone.

    As for just ordinary 120-volt recharging outside, it is technically no big deal. If that line has other load on it, you can reduce the draw for sharing. I didn't even need to do that with mine, despite an upright freezer also being plugged into the same outlet. You'll need some type of protection for your charger. They are quite tough. The cord & handle can be exposed to rain. The device at the outlet side should be covered.
     
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  3. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    Go for it.
     
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  4. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Doesn't sound like it makes a lot of sense for you right now, unless you have a lot of money to burn.
     
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  5. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    I have 14 payments left on this at 0% financing so if I trade in now or finish paying off same thing. I am just trying to see if the Prime is the right choice now since the rebate is offered until Sept. 5th.
     
  6. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    It all depends on what is your objective. Are you happy keep driving current car for a bit longer or are you much happier with a new PRIME? I traded in 2015 3rd Gen Pri for PRIME last week. I was originally planning to keep the 3rd Gen Pri for a long, long, long time like 15+years and over 200k miles. I wasn't even looking for a new car two weeks ago. Then I saw Toyota's summer sale e-mail on PRIME with $3125 rebate. I did some math and realized that I can get Prime for less than what I paid for Gen3 Prius Two 3 years ago. My local dealer gave me a deal I couldn't refuse. If things works out as planned I will get $4500 back by tax credit. Just remember that the Toyota's huge incentive for NE region is not likely to continue after 2018 model arrives. And $4500 tax credit may get repealed by current administration if not for this year, then maybe in 2018.

    Owning PRIME make me even happier knowing that means blow (or maybe a dent?) to 45's agenda. Prime is a car with environmentally responsible alternative fuel system that is built 100% outside of the US.
     
    #6 Salamander_King, Aug 4, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2017
  7. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    I was planning on keeping this car until it was paid and then trade it in. I usually don't run cars into the ground and get a new one every 5 years. I would really love to lease but put too many miles on a car each year. I was actually looking to get a deal on a 2017 Prius 3 and stumbled upon the Prime. I am basically in the same position as you. With the rebate and the tax credit it will be less than what I paid for my 2013 and less then a 2017 Prius 3 and that is the reason I am considering this right now. I am just overwhelmed reading about the battery, charging, different modes, etc. Seems like alot to know and just don't know if I should keep with the regular Prius. Is it that difficult to get used to? Since I drive 30 miles each way during the week should I charge it every night? Thanks for your help!
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    you need to do the hard math, figuring the extra cost of trading early, vs the potential lost rebates of waiting. but a couple 'what if's come into play. leftover 2017's, if you can accept the colors/options, and the possibility that the 2018 will still carry some rebate.
     
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  9. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    It is not that hard to get used to. I traded a 2009 Miata in on mine and I am 77 years old. I haven't used every feature on mine yet, such as parking, but it is fun to learn. The safety features are worth it, particularly the blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert. Charging it every night is so simple it becomes automatic. The cord is long enough that it plugs into the front of my garage. I run it to a bicycle hook in the middle ceiling joist. It hangs there in two loops before and after charging.
     
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  10. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    For me, PRIME has not been any more difficult to get use to than when I first got on Gen3 Prius. Except for learning how to use some of techy gadgets which I did not have in my previous Prius, it has been smooth transition. Since you have Prius Three, you may be already familiar with them. For me, charging is just a nightly thing at home only. I don't have charging facility at work, and I live in such a rural area where there really isn't any charge station nearby. Plugging in a cord into PRIME when I come home from work is almost as easy as charging your phone. There may be higher learning curve if you want to play with all the data kept in PRIME, but that is not required for driving and simply enjoying the ride.;) As far as "driving" part is concerned, it is such a pleasure. Driving experience in PRIME so far (only 1 week of ownership) has been far more enjoyment than what I had on Gen3 Prius last three years. My only gripe about PRIME is the lack of cargo space, and maybe 5th seat. If you can live with those deficiencies, I think you will like PRIME. We are in multiple car household needing some utilitarian vehicle on occasion, my only regret is that I did not keep the Gen3 for our second car.
     
  11. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    Thanks for the information. The safety features are one of the main reasons that I was looking to get a new Prius.
     
  12. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    I don't think cost wise there will be much difference from what I am paying now and there are actually a few 2017's in my area in the color I want (magnetic gray with black interior). My family has bought 6 cars from this dealer so they always take care of us so I may go see what prices I can get from them and go from there. Thank you!
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What kind of miles have you got on your 2013? From your initial post I'm guessing 70~80K? My 2 cents: just get shut of your loan and enjoy it a while longer. Doubly so if you care about cargo space and a temp spare.
     
  14. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    Yes about 72,000 right now. I just didn't know what to do because the rebate will probably not be offered on 2018 and who knows about the tax credit. Thanks for response.
     
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  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    The 2017 Prius Liftback has many of the safety features as standard on all trims. The "2017.5" added a few more.
    Only Trim Two & Three have temporary spare tires. All other Prius trims, including the Prime ones, do not have a spare tire. It is up to you whether that is an important consideration for you.
     
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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Virtually the oldest salesman's ploy is to instill the fear that to hesitate is going to cost you money, with limited time incentives, discounts, and so on. That the time to buy is now, he who hesitates is going to regret it, pay more. Just hold that thought. :)
     
    #16 Mendel Leisk, Aug 4, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2017
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  17. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    First rule in taxes. Never spend $30,000 just to save $4,502 unless you had already intended to spend the $30,000. Otherwise, that $4,502 just cost you $25,498.

    Decide what it is you really want/need first. Nobody on this site can tell you that. Only then see how the money plays out.

    You'll forget the money part later, but you'll never forget not following what you really want/need.
     
  18. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    I haven't even gone to see the salesman yet. That is just me thinking that if I wait then I won't be able to get the Prime. Right now in NJ there are a few Prime Plus that after the rebate from Toyota are priced at $24,500 so I guess it's do I want the Prime or pay around the same and get a 2018 Prius III if I wait. Decisions decisions
     
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  19. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Who says the Prime rebates will not still be available or larger? Rebates on 2017 Prius are larger than when I purchased last October.

    If you wait you will have more money available after your current car is paid off.
     
  20. FinsPrime

    FinsPrime Junior Member

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    That is definitely something I don't know, which is why I keep flip flopping on what I am going to do. Thank you
     
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