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new 2010 vs. used 2008, thoughts?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by spinjunkie53, Jan 5, 2010.

  1. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    Unfortunately, my boyfriend couldnt time the accident that totalled the car so I could have gotten the credit :) Accident was 12/22 and by the time insurance adjuster got to it , it was 12/31 :-(

    The 2008 is loaded with package 3, VSC, backup camera, smartkey, JBL, blue tooth, etc. On edmunds.com, the numbers that came back were $17,156 tradein, $18,409 private party, $19,494 dealer retail, $20,949 for certified. I guess the good news is the Prius keeps its value...

    As for the sales tax deduction, I probably wouldnt have gotten that anyway as i lost out on the tax credit on my 2006 because it was the first year I got hit with AMT. High tax states like NY and Calif are starting to have the AMT hit on middle/upper middle class families.
     
  2. timo27

    timo27 Member

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    One other thing you might want to look into (do not know even if it is a possibility, but...) - if you prefer the Gen II, what are prices like on a new *2009*? My guess is, since everyone wants a '10, you might be able to get a good deal and have the new car warranty advantages.

    Also, just as an aside, I'm not that impressed with the backup camera. My parents have an '08 with one (great car, no complaints), and whenever I use it backing into a parking spot, the car behind looks to be about seven miles away until the bumpers tap, at which point it still looks about a foot away. I guess it's better for seeing in a wide-angle way what's around the back of the car. In any case, rear visibility isn't a strong suit of any Prius I know. Just my $0.02. Good luck again on your decision.

    T
     
  3. Rhino

    Rhino New Member

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    I forgot the most important thing for me. I guess you guys forgot too or it is not important for you.

    10,000 mile oil changes for 2010.

    For me, it is a no brainer assuming the 10,000 oil change is really coming. I"ll pay anything to not see the stealership.

    For me, the 2010 is the only choice - now that I thought of the 10K oil change.
     
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    The 2008 in question is roughly a 2010 Prius III but they are completely different cars. The III won't have the camera & 3 door SKS (useful to me). You'll have to spend some time in the 2010 to evaluate the differences for yourself. IMO if the prices are close then new is better than old but if the 2008 is a better fit for you then buy it.
     
  5. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I would not buy one car over another just because of a backup camera. A wireless backup camera can be added for not too much, although some report fading of view (don't know how true that is).

    It sure seems the 'Gen2' Prius driver seating cockpit was not designed for anyone over about 5'8" or 5'9" and notice I said 'designed'. Sure, there's the ones at 6'3" that claim good comfort, but at 6'2" I hate driving the car because of the cramped seating. I didn't really realize how bad it was until sitting in the few small-mid cars with spacious seating like Honda Civics and the new Prius. But the Gen2 Prius seat is an oxymoron (sp?) because it has quality construction but has a terrible shape and lack of adjustment.

    The 2010 is obviously more car with a few less amenities. But, it's tough with it being the first year model and having some apparent bugaboos.
     
  6. Erikon

    Erikon Active Member

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    Don't forget the 2010 comes with New Car Smell!
     
  7. hsiaolc

    hsiaolc New Member

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    Second hand car no matter how well looked after it can never be as immaculate as a new one.
    Only $2,000 difference it is no brainer to get the new Prius. It looks better and everything else is more refined. It is not as if the new model is worse than the older version.
    Personally I am very puzzled with the question because it is not a question one would ask normally because don't think anyone will be even considering buying a older one for that price compared to a new car.
     
  8. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    The reasons I am considering an '08 vs '10 are probably more emotional since i LOVED my 2006 and when I sat in the 2008, it was like being back in my old car. the new 2010 does not have that feel. the other concern i have is first year of a new model is usually not a good choice as there may be kinks that need to be ironed out. the 2006 i had was solid and since 2008 is in same generation i suspect it would be more of the same. plus the 2008 is fully loaded for $3K less than the model II of 2010. I only got $16K from insurance on the 2006, so i am already at a minimum of $4-5K out of my pocket (including tax) just to go with the 2008. that will become $7K-8K with the 2010.
     
  9. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    You make a great case for the 08. It has the soft material panels that is lacking in the 2010. You get higher resolution MFD screen.

    Have you check out the insurance rate for both?
     
  10. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    Insurance (I am in NY) is $1050 per year for 2006, no accidents, no tickets, good credit rating. Estimate for 2008 is $1250 and for 2010 is $1336. $1000 deductible, and of course, I am sure all bets are off now that the 2006 was totalled.
    Tomorrow (friday) I am going in for test drive of both again and will make my decision. All i really want is my 2006 back :(
     
  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Check out Amica. I switched from Geico (loyal customer for 10 years) and knocked off 40%.

    Why not look for another 06 similar to your old Prius, so you won't have to pay much extra?
     
  12. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    I see you are from Queens. Hi fellow NYer :D I have Liberty Mutual and the house insurance is on the policy as well. Maybe I will check out Amica if Liberty raises my rates due to the accident, although I suspect any other insurance company will sock me for the accident with higher premiums. As for another 2006, the challenge is finding one with less than 30,000 miles as that is what my Priapus had.
     
  13. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    Well, I did it! I am getting a new 2010 red with dark interior. Thanks to all for your feedback, it was extremely helpful
     
  14. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Congrats! Let us know how you like 2010 better. Did you get the Prius II?
     
  15. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    Thanks! yes, i got the model II. Dealer has to find the red with the dark gray interior for me, so it may be coming from another local dealer (with a few extra miles on it) or from their next allocation. SHould be hearing back next week. I would think I might prefer getting one from the next allocation as it might be a 'later' version and have more kinks ironed out in the production line
     
  16. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Did you have the Clean Pass HOV lane sticker on your old car? I was wondering what you do now... will they give you a new sticker with the same number or will you have to apply for a new sticker?
     
  17. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

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    I did have the clean pass HOV but never put it on the 2006. I dont like to put stuff like that on my car :). if i ever got pulled over, i would just pull it out and show the officer and hopefully he would let me skate. never a problem not having it though. I thought i had heard that they werent giving out any more stickers.
     
  18. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I thought that's only in CA. When that day comes, our stickers will be worth $2-3k. :)
     
  19. thunggakiran

    thunggakiran New Member

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    Is the 2010 Prius II price of $22,917 OTD or just MSRP?
     
  20. F512M

    F512M Member

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    Congrats with your new purchase. Enjoy it in good health.