2012 Prius v vs. 2007 Lexus GX 470

This is going to be lengthy, so I apologize in advance. My partner and I are in the market for a replacement vehicle. Currently, we have a 2007 Chevy Cobalt Coupe and a 2008 Scion xB. We are wanting to replace our 2007 Cobalt. My partner is a caregiver and needs something that will be able to transport his clients with a lot more ease and space, as well as something to use to transport our friends on the occasion. We would keep the Cobalt, but the upcoming maintenance costs are worth more than the car is worth. Plus the car has been in several wrecks and is becoming a money pit so we will be trading it in.

I have wanted a Prius v for a very long time, but they are relatively expensive in my area. I would consider a standard Prius hatchback, but they are even more expensive. I have been searching for several months and have stumbled upon a really great deal for a Prius v Five (without ATP) for $11k. It has 90k miles and seems to be in excellent condition. I have an appointment to check it out and also have scheduled a pre purchase inspection at a Toyota dealership to ensure it would be a good buy. The problems I have with it might steer us away. It has been in two reported wrecks and both wrecks happened at the rear of the car. The vehicle has been sitting for almost a full year, so I'm not sure how the hybrid battery will be. My other problem is this vehicle will be used by my partner, which his commute consists of only city driving, but short jaunts. His full commute is about 4-5 miles and it's a lot of turning on the car, driving a mile, turning off the car, and then repeating that several times a day.

My questions: Would it be worth it to us to purchase this Prius v or should we consider another vehicle?

I know this may sound weird, but as an alternative we are considering a 2007 Lexus GX 470 with 70k miles for $12k. It has HORRIBLE gas mileage, but we wouldn't be driving it as our main vehicle. For longer trips, we would use our 2008 Scion xB since I average about 35-38 mpg on the highway. The Lexus has not been in any recorded wrecks and seems to also be in very good condition. If it becomes a serious consideration, we will have it professional inspected before purchase. The appeal of the Lexus is the lower miles, more space, and the luxury feel. I realize that this luxury comes at a cost in mpg, parts, maintenance, and especially the belt and water pump replacement (~$1,300).

If it were up to me, I would have already purchased a 2015 Subaru Outback, but they cost about the same used with 100k+ miles than brand new ones in our area. We do a little bit of soft off-roading, but nothing major. Even if comes down to it, we don't have to get something that will be able to handle off roading. I have suggested to my partner a minivan like a Sienna or something of the likes since they are cheaper in our area. He hates the idea of driving a minivan, but I love it.

We want something that is reliable, practical (no sedans), cheap to maintain, at least somewhat fuel efficient, and has at least decent space for five adults. Our budget shouldn't really exceed $20k. I have also suggested several different vehicles that I really like: Kia Soul, Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 350, Acura TSX Sport Wagon, Buick Enclave, Honda Element, Mazda Mazda5, Volvo XC70, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Rav4, and Toyota Venza.

If you have made it to the end, bless you. I greatly appreciate it. If you have any suggestions or opinions or facts you want to spew out, then please do so. I have only posted this here since almost everyone on these forums have wise words and are extremely reasonable. Thank you to all!

 

Thank you all for the very informative and speedy replies! I was afraid the Prius wouldn't fit our current needs. :/ Another factor that I didn't even think about is insurance. Insurance isn't that much more expensive for a Prius($150/year more), but electric cars are even more expensive than a Prius even though a Leaf is dirt cheap to buy.

I like how the Prius has high potential to be one of the cheapest vehicles to own and maintain, but I don't know if we would make up the difference for the increased insurance. Plus, since it will be driven sporadically during short city jaunts, I wouldn't want to pay for a replacement hybrid battery. I'm still willing to have it inspected by Toyota, so maybe they can tell me if everything checks out okay.

How long of a city commute would make a Prius worth it? Should we just go with a lower mileage Honda CR-V since it gets decent mpg, has extremely low insurance costs, and is easier for clients to get in and out of

 

Thank you for the clarification. We would only drive the vehicle maybe five to six thousand miles a year. Being that my partner refers to vehicles as cute or ugly and "Oooooo I want the blue one!," I feel like we'll choose something else. Again, you guys have been incredibly helpful and I greatly appreciate it!!

 

Nice! I'm glad you're enjoying your Prius v!!! I would love to have the joy of owning one, but it looks like I'll have to go a different route, unfortunately. :/