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Repair 2006 or buy new 2015

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Kilbirnie22, Apr 16, 2015.

  1. Kilbirnie22

    Kilbirnie22 Junior Member

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    I have a 2006 Prius with 156k miles which needs a catalytic converter; repair cost quoted is about $1,500.
    Am actively looking at a 2015 Prius Two with back-up camera; incentives are $500 + $1,000 loyalty and zero % financing. I'm a grandma and not a mechanic, so if I have a problem I can't address it. Any thoughts on whether to invest the $1,500 in repairs and hope I get another 100k miles or bite the bullet and buy new?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a great time to buy, with low gas prices and the next gen coming this fall. another 100k without a major repair? do you feel lucky?:cool:
     
  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I don't know if this one of those repairs where Toyota might extend customer loyalty repair or discount, you just over 150k miles in CARB state. More likely if you are orig owner. Especially if they think you would purchase another car, one guy got the battery replaced and gave the car to his son, and got the new one.
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I'd say go for the new 2015. It's proven a reliable car and it's the best time to buy with the 2016 just around the corner. In California, the Prius 2 can be purchased for under $22,000 with all fees and taxes included.

    PS don't trade the 2006 in, sell it to someone here.......
     
  5. Kilbirnie22

    Kilbirnie22 Junior Member

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    I'm in upstate New York (not too far from the Canadian border). The price I was quoted for the 2015 Prius Two is $22,600 after the $1,500 in incentives. Dealership won't go higher than $2,000 trade-in value on my 2006.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there's a 2009 II w/150k in good condition near me asking $6,500.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Southern California has $2000 + $500 rebates going. $22600 sounds good if it includes all fees and taxes.

    Don't trade it in.........sell it to me lol
     
  8. alekska

    alekska Active Member

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    You dont need OEM catalytic converter from Toyota. My understanding is you can get aftermarket catalytic converter for about $400. Only in California ( somebody please correct me if this is wrong for NY) you are not allowed by law to use aftermarket cat converter.
    2000 trade-in is unfair. Fix the car and sell it privately and get at least 6000. Then you can get new Prius.

    - Alex
     
  9. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    If you can afford a new car I think this is a good time to go for it.
     
  10. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    $1,500 is too high for a cat. Shop around for an after market one, you should be able to find one for $500.00 or so. If the car is just being used for errands I would keep it until it really breaks.
     
  11. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    I'd not be eager to buy a NEW car at your age (and possible finances), but given you can't do your own work, at 150K+ miles, stuff can start to go wrong. A new car = more years of "worry free" use and definitely sell your "hand me down" to someone looking for a well-kept Prius.
     
  12. FrankB

    FrankB Member

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    I had Midas put a Walker 16337 Ultra EPA Certified Catalytic Converter (Amazon $231.56) and a Walker 55431 Exhaust Resonator Assembly (Amazon $75.62) on my wife's 2009 Prius last year. I would have that done whether you keep the car or not. It will sell higher without the check engine light on. Or it will trade in higher if you go that route (I assume).
     
  13. breakfast

    breakfast Active Member

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    In Attleboro, MA near Rhode Island they are advertising 2015 Prius Twos for $19,889... Boch Toyota South N. Attleboro MA serving Providence | New Toyota Specials MA

    [​IMG]
     
  14. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    That sounds pretty darn good deal but I wonder if better deals come Sept/Oct. Gee I am not planning on new car but I am going to be open for a mega deal later in the year.
     
  15. Nora

    Nora Member

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    It's cheaper to repair a car that is only 9 years old, especially a Toyota. Click and Clack would say to fix it unless the car is not up to current safety standards, which it pretty much is. Maybe you don't have side curtain airbags, but it's not a death trap. (Watching Battle Creek last night, local cop had a car with auto-retracting shoulder belts! Made for a funny scene.)

    That said, if you want and can afford a new car, then buy it. Cheapest route isn't always the fun route.
     
  16. nanoxnano

    nanoxnano Junior Member

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    Where in California can I buy a Prius $22k out the door?? I'm interested..
     
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try dianne at carson toyota.
     
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  18. Dana123

    Dana123 New Member

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    It's a close call. I would say if you have the money (and don't mind spending it) buy the 2015. Around here (near Detroit) there are a lot of those vehicles on the dealers lots and from what I understand you can drive off the lot for 22000.00. Pretty good prices.
    Of course if you decide to repair and get 2 more trouble free years out of the 2006 that isn't too bad either. 10 more years is being kind of optimistic.
    The 2000.00 trade in offer is way too low - even needing that repair.
     
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  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Hamer toyota, ask for Charles in the Internet department. Prius 2 is $195xx.xx. total will be under 22k otd
     
    nanoxnano likes this.