Should I upgrade from a 2012 C to a 2017 Prime?

I would think so. That's nearly twice the price of a new battery for a better car that should last you a long while before you have to do any major maintenence.

 

I upgraded from a 2007 with 219k miles to a 2017 Prime. Much better all around...fuel econony...and safety features. Upgrade now and live to upgrade again in 2022.

LG-H932 ?

 

Perhaps another point that may be considered is whether any interruptions in new car manufacturing and parts supply chain due to coronavirus impact are long lasting......

Japan creates automotive task force to address coronavirus impact

 

Where in LA? If you're on DWP electricity you're probably paying less than you would on SCE. It might be cheaper to keep pouring gas into your c- gas is relatively cheap and probably staying that way for a while. Something to think about if you are interested in a plug car with fuel choices.

Meanwhile pluggy cars are only getting better with time. In another year or two you'll have more and better options.

Lastly the c is just about the most reliable thing ever produced by Toyota Motor. Let that work in your favor, milk it out a little longer.

 

Cheaper to keep her......

I would choose "D".....drive it for another 5-10 years....banking the bucks until electric vehicles scale up OR maybe PHEVs have an "LA useful" electric range.
If the 2022 Prime is da bomb then you'll have a little extra down money in 2024 when all of the early adopters are finished paying premium prices for them.

If the G5 Prius/G2 Primes are more lemony, then you can always buy an off-lease 2021 Prime.

 

It all depends on what is important to you. If saving money is the most important, then keeping an older car is almost always better than buying a new car. If having a comfortable and more advanced car is important to you, then buying PRIME maybe for you. One thing to mention. Although I don't know the specific situation in CA, with incentives and tax credit, you can purchase a brand new 2020 PRIME for less than 20K in some states. I paid less than 20K total on my 2017 PRIME Premium (XLE trim now).

 

AND....I don't remember seeing many (or any) prices for replacement HV batteries for the C.
They are smaller and I think should be a bit less expensive that what is commonly quoted on here.

 

seems like a lot of money for a 3 year old car with under 100k

 

that's exactly the problem. a $28,000. car probably nets out to 20k in cali back in 17. now they want 16 or 17k with almost 100,000 miles?
nice work if you can get it.

 

Well, HOV stickers were adding $4000 to the value of a used gen2 back in the day.

 

Wow, that's a lot of time on the roads. What do you do?

 

There are a lot of rebates and incentives available if you buy new, might actually be cheaper than buying used. Also factor in 2 free years of service, 3 year Toyota warranty, higher resale value, and a few new features not found on the used 2017 Prime.

The Prime is a big upgrade over a Prius C. Better fuel economy (not uncommon to get 100+ mpg), better handling, better comfort, better stereo, safer, etc.

Here’s a handy tool that highlights all of the available incentives in your zip code.

PlugStar Shopping Assistant

 

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