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Should I buy a SECOND prius???

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by riverbarrow, Oct 28, 2010.

  1. riverbarrow

    riverbarrow New Member

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    Just bought a 2010 Prius III a week ago--Absolutely LOVE it!!! Got 52 mpg on my first tank.

    Unfortunately, my husband and I both have (had) very old cars (mine a large SUV with 305k miles that we are keeping for those occasions when we need it and his a 1999 Mazda 626 with 260k miles piece of junk we are going to get rid of that is barely running).

    We thought of maybe replacing his with a Toyota Corolla or some other high MPG vehhicle. For the money, gas mileage, and as long as we keep cars, the prius seems to be the best value. Any thoughts, pros or cons, on both of us owning a same year(2010), same model (III) Prius? A new Corolla would be about 6k less.
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Pros:

    - both family members can enjoy high mpg
    - you can take cute photos of both Prius in your garage

    Cons:

    - when the Prius has a recall you'll need to take both cars in to the Toyota dealer.
    - your household finances must be sufficient to afford the incremental up-front purchase price

    Good luck with your decision.
     
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  3. Sneezy

    Sneezy Member

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    Go for it, I did!
     
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  4. PeteJE

    PeteJE Junior Member

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    I vote yes. Yes, they are a little more than other vehicles, but you get lots of value and engineering for that extra cost. I have had one for over a year and still wouldn't think of another vehicle choice at this point; loving this car.
     
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  5. geeter

    geeter Member

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    My wife and I have had this same discussion many times, as her car is pretty old. Other than the Jetta Sportwagen TDI, I cannot think of another car I would want for everyday usage. Good luck with your decision.
     
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  6. samsprius1

    samsprius1 Active Member

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    for 12K less you can get a Yaris! Great gas mileage too!
    I am looking at buying one of these for a second car.
    good year end deals now, Like $1500.00 off !!

    2 Priuses BORING:bored:!! Get something different

    2011 Toyota Yaris Models and Prices
     
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  7. geeter

    geeter Member

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    The Yaris is great, but it is pretty small if you have large kids or adults to carry in the back seat. And the cargo room is small. But put a manual transmission in that sucker and I bet you get 35-40 MPG out of it.
     
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  8. GWhizzer

    GWhizzer not so Senior Member

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    I usually shy away from a double purchase like this. It's a little risky, should some issue surface or resale value take a hit (for whatever reason), you could really be left holding the bag.

    And I prefer to hold off for a few years (especially when buying new) to benefit from the newer technologies that will be available at that time. If you hold off a few years you will always have one "almost new" car and whatever technological/engineering benefits that provides. And the hybrid/electric car landscape is *really* going to change over the next few years with the plug-in Prius and other plug-in/hybrid entries just on the horizon.

    Perhaps if you really need to replace your other vehicle consider a few years used Prius. Less risky, arguably much more economical, and you can then hold off for a few years before your next "new" purchase.
     
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  9. 26nm

    26nm IC Desgin Engineer

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
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    II
    I bought a 2010 Prius II in in Aug. for my son and I love it. So I bought any other Prius for myself last week. I found that it is the best time to buy a Prius for the last 10yrs since Toyota is giving lots of incentives due to the run away Prius incident which I don't believe. The 2010 model are still heavily overstock now at the dealers and year 2010 is almost over. I would to the same if I am Toyota's marketing Director.
    I got both at ~3500 off MSRP with 0% 36months load and 2 yr free maint. Similar equip (alloy wheel, smart key, power everything) 2011 Corolla may be 2000.00 less but you can make it up from the gas saving if you own the Prius for a long time.
    Trust your feeling since you going to own them for a long time.
     
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  10. krg03

    krg03 Not expert, just experienced

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    Maintenance is a breeze with more than 1. I have 5. Same oil. Same oil filter. Usually the same tires. Recalls happen to just about all cars. 1 tool does the same for all the cars. I've used another prius to troubleshoot problems to find problems. Mods are fun. You get to do it several times (if you want). I'm always looking for another used one and waiting for a really good deal. The only decision is which color to drive. (jk the others are my kids and wife).
     
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  11. Sneezy

    Sneezy Member

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    Judging from the OP's mileage on current cars I'd say thats not a problem.
     
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  12. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Ford Escape hybrid: recently updated, good mileage, nice ride. Send the SUV to recycler and be a two hybrid family.

    Bob Wilson
     
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    we have a prius and hycam, my wife prefers the larger car, i would have two pri, then we could get 120 mpg!:rockon: although, i must admit, the camry is much more comfortible on long trips.:)
     
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  14. partsmore

    partsmore Junior Member

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    I bought one and my 20 yo son bought one three days later... (lives at home and drives to college during the week) WE love them!
     
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  15. riverbarrow

    riverbarrow New Member

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    No chance of me buying a Ford.
    No chance of me junking my 1996 Pathfinder with 305k miles with original engine and transmission!
     
  16. Sassan

    Sassan New Member

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    My bf and I both have 2010 Prii, so far so good. Once and awhile it would be nice to drive a Zoom-zoom car, but the other pro's make up for that in the long run.
     
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Depends.. are you in a rush to replace it? If you can hang on for a year or two, you can take a look at the Leaf, Volt and Prius PHV in addition to an updated Prius.

    I'm thinking one of those 3 options I'm looking at the Leaf) is probably your better bet because you already have a backup vehicle (the '96 Pathfinder) so your household has the ability to get specialized vehicles (e.g. the Leaf).
     
  18. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    Buy the Lexus hybrid. The 250h or whatever the model it. They are very nice cars. My friend recently got one. Not as gas efficient as the Prius but still good.
     
  19. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    I agree with Tideland's answer and also will agree that having two of the same model year car, let alone same equipment level is boring.
    I won a one week test drive of a HS 250h and drove it around Thanksgiving of last year. I liked it. It was very solid, handled better than my 2nd gen Prius, obviously faster and had a FAR better interior than any Prius. But, it is very pricey compared to the Prius and has limited cargo versatility besides having worse mileage.

    If efficiency is important, perhaps look at Most fuel-efficient cars
     
  20. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    Of course as a Prius owner, I love seeing the Prius as #1 on their list of most fuel efficient cars. However, their numbers are questionable.

    32MPG city!?!?!? Are you kiddin' me? Were they Tokyo drifting with the A/C on full blast carrying 4 adults?

    And highway MPG higher than city for every hybrid on that list? I think most would agree it's the reverse.
     
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