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Is it worth it to sell 180K Corolla for 130K 06 Prius?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by thoe124, Mar 5, 2018.

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  1. thoe124

    thoe124 Junior Member

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    Hello, all! I'm kinda new here, and i've been doing enough reading to know that people ask similar questions to this one a lot on this forum, but here i go joining the bandwagon anyways.

    I currently have an 04' Corolla with almost 190k miles on it. I am considering buying a Prius on a budget that is under $6000. (i'm about to start college, and money is a lil tight) Most of the cars i can find in this price range tend to be 2005-2007 and within the 120k-150k range. I think i would be comfortable attempting to replace failed battery modules if the issue were to arise, and if worse, i know a good hybrid repair shop in my city. I also mocked up a financial plan that includes savings towards a battery repair, knowing that at some point it will probably go bad. My question is, would it be worth it to sell my Corolla and buy a lower mileage 05'-07' Prius, knowing i might have to do some battery work in the future, or would it be a better idea to just stick with the Corolla? (feel free to passive aggressively post at me if this is a dumb question)
     
    #1 thoe124, Mar 5, 2018
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I would not buy a used Prius if money was tight.
    While most Prius are trouble free, trouble can easily cost $3000 to $5000

    I would ONLY consider a Prius if you drive a great deal. (24,000 miles a year?)

    A fuel efficient car that sits there is not saving money,
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Mar 5, 2018
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  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat (y).

    Is there anything wrong with the corolla?
    Why not keep running the Corolla?
     
    #3 Raytheeagle, Mar 5, 2018
  4. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat. I agree with Jimbo, it is quite a risk that you'd be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. You might be really lucky, but when money's tight, it has to be safety first.
     
    #4 RCO, Mar 6, 2018
  5. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    When I was shopping for my Prius, I did what you are doing now- which was to read the info on this board. And I learned that many board members believe battery life is more a function of years, not miles (like I thought).

    If you're looking at a Prius at or beyond the 10 year mark, you should anticipate the battery being near the end. While many batteries last longer, I believe many owners quickly sell/trade in their Prius when they see signs of a weakening battery. Many times, these are signs that a prospective buyer won't notice.

    And if the battery has been replaced, you'll want a car with an OEM battery, and not a rebuilt hybrid battery with some modules replaced. Speaking from experience, you don't want to deal with car problems while at school.
     
    #5 MelonPrius, Mar 6, 2018
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  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    The 06 has a number of "possible" generic problems
    (1) HV Batt
    (2) Brake actuator issue
    (3) Combo Meter (front display)

    And it always seems used Prii have it more for some darn reason.
     
    #6 wjtracy, Mar 6, 2018
  7. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    I have to agree with most of the posts here, stick with the Corolla.
     
    #7 Munpot42, Mar 6, 2018
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  8. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    About to start college.....
    Money is tight.....

    Sorry, but you cannot afford to "save money" by adopting a Prius that's already more than half way through it's service life.

    Pass.
     
    #8 ETC(SS), Mar 6, 2018
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  9. Robbski

    Robbski Junior Member

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    Safe to assume the operating cost of the Corolla for 4 yrs and 30k miles (7.5k miles per year) would be a lot lower than $6k purchase price, plus interest and operating cost of Prius for same period and mileage. (Major repairs aside for both vehicles.)
     
    #9 Robbski, Mar 10, 2018
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