What is a good replacement for a gen 1 prius?

I'd look for a newer Gen2 ('08/'09) with low mileage, if you are looking for a reasonably cheap replacement.

A Gen3 of course will be more money than a Gen2.

Its all dependent on how much you want to spend!

 

The interior is worse/cheaper on the c. The c is smaller inside and out (but it being smaller on the outside can be an advantage).

Can't decide between a C or a regular Prius | PriusChat and what I linked to goes into partly why I wouldn't buy a c.

 

Let us know what you decide.

 

A used Prius is an excellent choice because you have a wide spectrum of price-performance options. The 1.5L, NHW20 is an excellent choice but you may also find the early 1.8L ZVW30s on the market for reasonable costs. I would also suggests AutoBeYours, a well known, salvage rebuilder, as a way to mitigate risks associated with a used Prius.

A technique I use is to plot the price of competed Prius sales on Ebay. In an hour or so you'll be able to graph the miles, model, years and make a credible choice. If you intend to buy via Ebay, you'll need to meet their 'credit' pre-scan . . . typically a credit card with enough reserve to handle a $500 deposit.

Bob Wilson

 

Although too small for us, the Honda Insight is a nice ride. I would recommend getting at least a test drive.

Bob Wilson

 

...90k miles in 3 yrs sounds a little more like a Prius Liftback user profile than a c user profile FWIW.
I thought the OP said lots of small 5-mile commutes, so that's why I said Gen3 better than Gen2 for improved short-trip MPG. Of course, Gen2 is a fine Prius I would not rule out.

 

Ford has revamped their hybrid line, dropping the Ford Escape hybrid and reworking the Ford Fusion hybrid. I've test driven a Ford Escape hybrid and it is a nice ride . . . more car than we needed but worthy of a test drive. I've sat in a new Ford Fusion and found it to be a comfortable fit with a reasonable layout. I would expect the earlier Ford Fusion hybrid to be similar. Mileage isn't modern Prius compatible but it would be a reasonable ride with more power and comfort.

There should be some Honda Insights, the more modern ones, around too. I found them a little too confining, like the Jetta TDI I once sat in. Unfortunately I hit my head on both trying to get in . . . perhaps not the best option for taller folks.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

 

Just a suggestion. When I was about 30 years old I purchased a 2 seater car since I was single, dating someone, and the thought of getting married or starting a family never crossed my mind. I kept the car for 10 years, and in that decade I got married and started a family. That 2 seater became impractical. That again when I was single It was nice to have a sporty 2 seater.