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Talk Me Down ...Thinking of trading Prius for Maxima

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by joeyd08, Sep 22, 2010.

  1. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Too bad the OP doesn't live in a CARB state, otherwise I'd suggest the Altima Hybrid.

    Nissan Regional Offers - Nissan USA Official Site shows a $5000 incentive again when I put in 95120. To top it off, the $2350 New Energy Tax Credit for Hybrids is still in effect.

    When I lived in CA, I've driven my mom's 07 NAH a bunch and it's almost a rocket ship compared to my Prius. A big downside is that the power transitions and ICE startups and shutdowns are nowhere near as refined as even the Prius.
     
  2. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    If you're going to trade the Prius for something that gets less gas mileage, at least get soemthing worth it. With a turbo. Like an Evo X or a BMW 335i. Or a GT-R.
     
  3. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    Keep the prius, then go rent a sports car for the weekend and knock yourself out. When you fill the tank you'll come to your senses and still be a prius owner.
     
  4. joeyd08

    joeyd08 New Member

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    I am looking at used cars and funny enough ....I was also looking at a used 2007 Lexus LS 350 w/about 31000 miles. Rides like floating on a cloud. I was very impressed. I also drove an Acura and an Audi. I came back to the Maxima (2008) with sports suspension and loaded w/the luxury items. It's top of the line for them but of course if you want their competition for the Lexus it's the Infiniti. At any rate this car seemed to have the combo of luxury and sports sedan I wanted. I, like you, never buy new anymore as it's a waste of money w/deprecitation being what it is. I bought the Prius, an 08 with 26K miles and fully loaded, for $16K. It hands down wins the battle of economy, but not comfort or luxury for sure. I do love my occasional stops at the gas pump though and the payment is minimal.

    Anyhow thanks for the feedback, I'll let you know. New car fever can be intoxicating at times but ultimately it is a mode for getting from point A to point B. I just like going there in comfort and as fast as I may feel like :mod:
     
  5. evnow

    evnow Active Member

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    I'm trading in my Maxima for the Leaf. It is high time we took some personal responsibility for the ills of oil.
     
  6. joeyd08

    joeyd08 New Member

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    The later model Maximas all have the VQ35 engines. Original HP was ranked at 265 were actually rated at 265 until 2007 when industry measurements changed. There is no doubt that the BMW will win the handling battle in most any case really. I dumped the bimmer for a specific need, cash flow and equity, to take my wife on a 20th anniversary cruise! I drove my 1990 Maxima for 12 years and nearly 200K miles. I have had a rapid succession recently but am looking at what car I want to drive into my 50's as this will be a long term commitment. The combo of some sporty handling combined w/comfort and luxury is what attracts me back to the Maxima. I really do envy your paid for vehicles as I had that for awhile. I also know I'll never get back there if I don't settle down. The true dilemma is want vs need but in most instances it is. I really don't need to be super comfortable for my commutes and site visits for work, the Prius is adequate. I also don't need to blow anyone off the road as it's not a racetrack. The soul searching lead me here to toss it out as I know the practical choice but my dark side is calling. Thanks for the feedback ..I'll let ya know
     
  7. GBC_Texas_Prius

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    The Nissan Maxima has a five star safety rating and is considered by some to be a four door sports sedan.

    I find that when people give me their unsolicited reasons for not owning a hybrid, their reason pretty much mimics the marketing for the vehicle they are going to buy or already own.
     
  8. joeyd08

    joeyd08 New Member

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    That's very sound advice based on my presentation and your analysis of how soon I'm looking. I agree that if I have wandering eyes this soon it doesn't bode well. I am trying to decide if I am just not used to appreciating the positives of Prius ownership or if I am just denying my true nature. I think the latter might be the case. All who know me were stunned when I made the switch to a Prius and thought that move the impulsive one. As one friend pointed out "the universe will come back into alignment once you switch back". I am trying to stay open minded though and teachable. The idea of throwing out my decision to a group in a chat to second guess or advise me would never have happened in my younger days. Now I know that just maybe I should take a moment and breath before I make decisions. I must admit the extra money that goes towards gas along w/additional $50 in payment does add up to over $200/mo. That over 5 yrs is $12000! That's a lot of money when I look at it that way. I could save that for later in life ....or could enjoy it now. I would like to make a sound decision but not one I regret every day. The other point made here that if gas spikes again I'll be kicking my tush all the way to the pump.
     
  9. joeyd08

    joeyd08 New Member

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    I drove my first Maxima for over 12 yrs so I must say it's not my normal pattern of behavior, this multiple switching thing. I think it may have just dawned on me that I'm trying to have a mid life crisis. I did like the quote here somewhere that "it's a car not and identity". The comfort factor is a big part but I've always had a thing for speed. I need to get over it to be practical or give in to it and play.
     
  10. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    Take that money you just calculated saving and put it in a dedicated savings account. Let it accumulate over 5+ years and then drain it for a "toy" car to play with when the mood suits you. If gas prices escalate, the faster the savings account will grow. Just give yourself a "minimum" time frame to let it grow (5 years). Heck, if you drove the Prius for 10 years, you could have $30,000 in that account, which would pay for your next vehicle outright. A final gift from your Prius.
     
  11. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I'd suggest keeping the Prius long enough to let it grow on you. A couple of months is not enough. Renting a sports car sounds like a good idea. For those times you can't deny the need for speed, get a motorcycle and leave the Maxima shrinking in the distance. The money you save on gas over the years with the Prius will pay for the bike. Maybe even the speeding tickets. :p
     
  12. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    Interesting analogy - "talk me down" - as in, keep you from jumping off a bridge.

    So, really, you DO understand, in your heart, that the Prius is a better vehicle for the planet, and you are really just looking for some validation for your decision to buy one.

    In terms of saving the planet, you would do better driving a Hummer (or some other gas-guzzling, macho, penis-replacement) and being a vegan, than driving a Prius and continuing to eat dead animals and animal products.

    That's the extreme scenario, of course. In a more moderate world, think about doing what you can with what you have, to reduce dependence on foreign oil and to also reduce emissions. If nothing else but the emissions, just think about the impact of pollution on the health of the planet, your neighbors, and yourself. Look at how many children have asthma now... somehow, that is related to pollutants in the air.

    Just step back down here, okay? No need to jump. Really.
     
  13. joeyd08

    joeyd08 New Member

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    That's pretty smart long term thinking my friend! It is especially ingenius to someone in the throws of new car frenzy. I believe that if I can take a step back, which I don't want to, I can see the benefits of standing pat. The car is not particularly fun to drive ...to me at least...but I do take some joy out of chasing my gas mileage records. I do think one fuel crisis and the Maxima could become a huge financial liability. My prius is only at 30k miles, has bluetooth, heated leather seats, the premium audio system, fog lights, the camera (of course), an alarm system, the remote keyless entry and all the other normal amenities of the Prius. It's not a bad car by any means and it certainly serves the transportation need well. I can't stand the smell of the car. I don't like the "bouncy feeling" or wind drift it can get on bad weather days. The braking is adequate but nothing to write home about. The shudder when she comes to stop is a little annoying but I understand much less in the new generation. I don't like the obstructed rear view (camera or no camera) either. SO that's my goods and bads. Ultimatley though the cash savings can't be denied in the end. Thanks for the feedback. I will certainly consider your thoughts and others here .....that's why I put it out there. Much appreciated.:)
     
  14. desertrider2215

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    If you were thinking about trading it for a BMW I'd say take the Beamer--I bought this car to save money on gas and 135,000 miles later I have saved A LOT. But I find Nissan's quality to be minimal...seems like crap to me. I say keep the Prius and get your monies worth out of it. It definitely isn't a 'cool' car in my book, but it saves you a ton! I say keep it. Good luck
     
  15. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    How do you guys save $3000/year on gas???  I've filled up 35 times this year (~every 10 days) and gotten almost exactly twice the mpg as my Volvo (50mpg vs 25mpg).  I pay about ~$27 per full tank everytime for my Prius vs $50+ for my Volvo on the same distance.  That means I spent ~$945 on gas for my Prius but wouldve paid ~$1890 for my Volvo, a savings of just under $1000.  Nowhere near your $3000.

    Can any of you who claim a savings that great explain your situation (driving distance, fill up frequency, etc etc)? I don't mean to be nosy but I'm really confused.... thanks.  
     
  16. joeyd08

    joeyd08 New Member

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    My estimate was $2400 based on 18mpg in my beamer with premium uleaded (same as Maxima would be) and the difference in the payment of about $50 to boot. I drive about 12K miles a year. Obviously the 49mpg is more than double the 18mpg for my situation as well. He rounded way up on my $2400 lol. There is additional maint not counted here though that the Prius will not encounter in the 5 yr period, especially the brakes. At any rate hope that clarifies.
     
  17. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    See that still doesn't make sense though.

    12000 miles * 1gal/18 miles * $2.80/1 gal (premium natl average) = $1900, you were paying for gas on your BMW

    You can't save more $$ than you spent originally.
     
  18. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Hmm, I'd be a little wary of cars w/turbos, at least if the car is known to have turbo lag. The issue is with uneven power delivery when you punch it while waiting for the turbos to spool up. I know that's the case with my friend's Evo and have always read about those complaints on cars w/single turbos.
    The 3.5L VQ V6 debuted in the US on the 01 Pathfinder and first came to the Maxima and Altima in 02. The 02 and 03 Maximas (5th gens) were rated at 255 hp and the Altima was 240 hp. Nissan has played around w/the hp ratings since then but now the car is on its 7th gen.
     
  19. theotherone

    theotherone Junior Member

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    Do what makes you happy...

    If means driving a Hummer or something else, then great. I understand that a Toyota Prius is not for everyone, but for me it's an engineering masterpiece.
     
  20. teeasal

    teeasal New Member

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    Sounds like you've already made up your mind to jump, so why ask? If you don't like the Prius so much it's hard to "live" with it forever. Some people can take the good and live with the bad, some don't. My son refuses to drive my Prius claiming he feels sea-sick in it. Must be similar to your "bouncy feeling". It all depends on if it really makes you "sick", or you can "live with" it. No money saved can counter being "sick".

    But why would you go for a Nissan? For the same money go get something better and even more fun! Don't follow Prince Charles who dumped Princess Di to marry a cameleon.