1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Thinking about a 2010 Prius. Advice?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by bvp663, Jun 2, 2010.

  1. bvp663

    bvp663 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2010
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello everyone!

    I've joined the forum since I may soon be the owner of a 2010 Prius.

    I currently drive a 1997 Tacoma. 2WD, 4cyl, manual transmission. It has served me well over the years and offers plenty of storage room for car stock (I'm a sales rep in the natural products industry who travels a lot) but I'm getting tired of sinking money into it at the Toyota Service Center. I'd get another Tacoma but they seem to get even poorer gas mileage that what I'm hitting now (about 20mpg average, mostly highway).

    With all the driving I do around the state, improved gas mileage would be HUGE for me as well as a car that's comfortable on long hauls (my old Tacoma has terrible support in the driver's seat). Based on the threads here it sounds like the Prius is very comfortable for longer 3-4 hour drives and lots of highway driving doesn't negatively impact the MPG rating too much. (On the comfort note - I'm 6'2, 195lbs). I think the only think I'll miss is the manual transmission as I enjoy being in total control of my vehicle. The lifted truck is nice because I can see everything that's going on the road around me as well.

    Anyways, found a used 2010 Prius that was part of a dealership's loaner fleet. Pkg II w/ 10,500 miles going for $19,990. I'm going to drive out to take a peak at it tomorrow. Is this a fair price? Any thoughts on the fact that it's been driven by a lot of people since it was part of their "loaner fleet"? Any buying suggestions? I've never had a big purchase car before and I'm incredibly nervous about visiting the dealership tomorrow.

    Open to suggestions for other vehicles that might fit me if you have any thoguhts even though I know this is a Prius forum. ;)

    Thanks for your suggestions and input!
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,767
    16,016
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    hello and welcome to PriusChat!

    With highway driving, another alternative is the Camry Hybrid but it will have less cargo space.

    If you're going with the Prius, try the models with and without lumbar support adjustment (that would be cloth or leather models, with leather having the power lumbar support adjustment)

    I don't know what the prices are in the US but that's only $2k off the MSRP (assuming it was new before the price hikes at $22,000). A new one is currently $22,800 plus delivery and taxes. (among other small fees). It's up to you if you think $2k is worth 10,000 miles. Depending on how old it is, you could gain up to a year extra in warranty (since the 2010 Prius was launched last May)
     
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    You can hold a fair amount in a Prius, I have had a 10 foot 2 by 4 inside no open windows. 8 foot lumber fits between the front seats. I routinely carry a 17 foot folding ladder and 4 8 gallon plastic tubs of gear. I get better mileage on two lane 55 MPH roads than freeways. (I have a 2009, so the dimensions have changed, mostly larger now)

    B mode is to help retain control going down mountain passes. (Coast range, Cascades, Blue Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains) It is sort of a 'jake brake' in that it uses the engine as an air pump to waste energy. You will find that in B mode the engine runs faster the more power you need to waste and slower as you need to waste less power, this can be counter intuitive.
     
  4. Smirv

    Smirv AkA: Ryan

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2010
    212
    18
    0
    Location:
    Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hey Welcome. I came from a truck as well. I gotta say the back of that car does hold quite a bit. ESPECIALLY with the seats folded down. I have the cloth seats without lumbar support and it suits me just fine. Like Tideland said try with and without the lumbar support. If you dont want to pay for it, they have a cheaper alternative. You can order lumbar pillows. Another thing about the truck I missed was, like you said, being high up and being able to see everything. Well, you get used it. However, the headlights at night was quite a difference for me so I ordered a HID 6000k kit to help with the brightness. Good luck and do a lot of test driving.
     
  5. Surfdolfin

    Surfdolfin Surfin the Blizzard Pearl

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2010
    72
    8
    0
    Location:
    Irvine, California Other Car
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    found a used 2010 Prius that was part of a dealership's loaner fleet. Pkg II w/ 10,500 miles going for $19,990.

    I'd lean towards a new one, might find a base model under $22k, or negotiate this one down in the $18k range as you don't know how hard it's been worked! I came from a mid size SUV, and it took me about 6 weeks to 'enjoy' the totally different Prius drive.:cool:
     
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I've got to support anyone considering going from a Tacoma...to a Prius.
    Plus obviously since you are in Prius Chat...I'm going to support Prius.

    My only concern, given your concerns....are the seats. Some people have been less than enthusiastic about The Prius seats...Gen 3 seems to be better than Gen 2 in this regard...more adjustable...available heated seats...

    But just be sure to test them out well. Make the dealership nervous and just sit in them a long while to get a feel of how they are going to work for you. Especially if your projected useage of the vehicle is going to be long drives.

    Otherwise, I think The Prius is an excellent choice. IMO Pkg, II's and III's are great values.
     
  7. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2004
    2,480
    176
    0
    Location:
    Gaithersburg, MD
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Welcome!

    I personally would never buy a loaner. I've seen the condition Lexus loaners are in even after 5,000 miles...not worth it IMHO.
     
  8. snead_c

    snead_c Jam Ma's Car

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2008
    667
    58
    0
    Location:
    Hendersonville
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I agree with SW03ES. Many dealers are selling with discounts off base price. I go with a comparable new model...and yes, do check the seat comfort.
    You're still essentially getting a used car...used by many different drivers.
    Welcome :D
     
  9. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2007
    868
    123
    0
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA --- Land of Fruits & Nuts
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I've bought used cars before. Most of the time they are driven by average drivers on average road conditions, and show a normal amount of wear.

    1) If you are serious about this car, make sure that it has not been in a wreck.

    2) The offering price is a little high considering that it is: 1) a used vehicle, 2) there are plenty of new Prius automobiles available and just waiting to be sold, and 3) the 2011 model year is just around the corner.

    If I were you, I'd try to get another couple thousand dollars off their asking price. Remember, you don't get the deal you deserve, you get the deal you negotiate.

    Good Luck!

    Keith
     
  10. stream

    stream Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2008
    2,977
    452
    14
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Agreed. It's been driven by numerous people who could care less about it. At least a one owner used car has the chance of not being abused.

    And the discount doesn't seem compelling at all, to boot.
     
  11. rmay

    rmay New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2010
    29
    0
    0
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    We just got our second Prius II. Leased the first one, so impressed bought the second outright. 1 mile on the ODO when I test drove it, $24,090 MSRP paid $20,788 + $154 standard IL doc fee on this brand new car. Price on this car sounds high to me; I'd rather have a brand new one for $1000 more. I am 6 foot, 200+ and think the seat is quite comfortable. Good luck whatever you decide.
     
  12. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Go to www.aaa.com & build a car. They are selling below invoice around here. Take your stuff & load it into the car to see if it fits. Rent one to verify that you'll be comfortable.
     
  13. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2004
    2,480
    176
    0
    Location:
    Gaithersburg, MD
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    The issue is not with buying a used car, the issue is with buying a loaner. Essentially a free rental car. People slam into curbs, don't avoid potholes, spill food and coffee and such. Do all kinda of things people just wouldn't do to their own vehicles.

    I would never buy a rental or a loaner car.
     
  14. bvp663

    bvp663 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2010
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks to everyone for the advice! I passed on the used loaner but I did end up going to my local Toyota dealer to test drive one and ended up enduring my entire evening (until 9pm) with the sales people there. They couldn't break me and it was pissing them off. They were eager to sell me just about anything with four wheels. Final offer was a new 2010 Prius package 2 for $2100.

    I brought all my carstock stuff with me and everything DID fit into the trunk without putting the seats down which is great news. I went for a test drive my first salesperson of the day who ended up being extremely annoying. Thoughts on the car: It was extremely boring to drive, probably the most boring car I've driven in my life. I also thought visibility was poor, especially through the rear window but from the sides as well. I didn't feel comfortable changing lanes on the freeway. Part of my annoyance may have been the huge dealer sticker on the backseat window and the not-so-great travel companion in the passenger seat.

    That said, I like the look of the car and the gas mileage is tough to beat. I'm highly considering renting one for a day and taking a long drive in it to really decide if I dislike it or not.

    Eager to sell me anything, I ended up test driving a few other vehicles. A Scion (too cheap high-school feeling), a Camry (not my style). I also test drove a '09 Subaru Outback which was the car I ended up feeling the most comfortable in. Unfortunately the gas mileage wouldn't be much of an improvement from my Tacoma so despite liking how it drives, I'm still on the fence on that one.

    Anyways, that's my report back.
     
  15. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2007
    1,826
    514
    6
    Location:
    Pleasanton, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I agree with you on visibility. It isn't very good out the back windows and there is a bar in the way (separating the front and back door) that seems to be right where I want to look out. It takes a bit using the mirrors and I was paranoid about merging to my right.

    However, you do get used to it, but it may take a few weeks or more to do so.

    The ride isn't inspiring, but then again, how much of your daily driving is truly "inspiring"? Most of mine is commuting 70 miles to work and back. The instant MPG certainly is inspiring! And you will look forward to "fill up" time, because it will cost half as much and you will go longer between fill ups.
     
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,767
    16,016
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Well the V does offer a slightly sportier ride with low profile 17" alloys (215/45R17) and quicker steering ratio (but same steering feel). Of course it's also quite a bit more coin.

    The rental is a good idea. Make sure you're comfortable with the car. There's no point getting 50mpg if you're unhappy with the way it drives or if you're not comfortable in it.
     
  17. hsiaolc

    hsiaolc New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2009
    617
    46
    9
    Location:
    UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Want to give you a heads up. I am giving you the advice which I wasn't given before when I bought mine in 09/09/09.

    Read through as many threads as you can especially the ones with problems.

    Two main threads you can find. One problem with the Radio and two the problem with Rattling.

    After you read all these threads and formulate them in your mind and if you can live with it then go ahead and buy a new Prius.

    Personally $2000 for a second hand car for 10,000 miles is not worth the money.

    I on the other hand is trading my new prius for loaner Lexus. Yes the lexus was in pretty poor condition but they assured me they will make it look like new before I exchange or the deal is off.

    Most importantly I got a car that is 9 moths older than mine has 11,000 miles but nearly £20k off the listing price. £43k new($62,350) and now I am offered for £23,500($34,075). So even if it is a loan car I am happy to go for it. Everything is cosmetic. With 11k on the clock I doubt they can do a lot of damange.

    But Again for only $2000 less than go get a new car.
     
  18. le' General

    le' General le' General

    Joined:
    May 13, 2010
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Go buy one and don't look back.


     
  19. Zack

    Zack New Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2008
    50
    0
    0
    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Get youself Ford Fusion Hybrid. You will love that car. Take one with NAV.
    It's nice sized, comfy, well equipped and fun to drive