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2500 miles per year

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ldcdc, May 19, 2021.

  1. ldcdc

    ldcdc New Member

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    Hello everybody!

    I'm thinking of buying a Gen 2 Prius, mostly for the safety and features. I like the versatility, the large trunk that can be extended etc. My current 15 years old car, bought new, has the features of a mid '90s car. Not even a fob. :) The gas savings are not that significant though, here in Europe they would amount to about $2-300 a year. It would make more sense to just keep the current car if the savings were the only criterion.

    I drive a stick, but when my wife gets her license, I know she will strongly prefer an automatic. I've never driven one myself, but I think I would enjoy the convenience too.

    The trouble is the very short routes. 2 miles in the morning, 5 days a week, especially in winter, at freezing temperatures and below, taking the child to/from school. Then other short similar errands around the city a couple times a week.

    100-200 mi trips only happen a couple times a year. 50 miles already qualifies as a rare, long trip. Total yearly mileage is about 2500 miles, as the title says.

    My main worry is the battery stress under the conditions I've described, coupled with the low number of miles. Any thoughts/experiences/hearsay about the consequences of such use and abuse on a Prius?
     
    #1 ldcdc, May 19, 2021
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Your use case would not really be ideal for a Prius or any hybrid. They like to be driven and to be honest, I'm not sure buying any car at all would be sensible for such low annual mileage, but if you feel you really cannot do without a car, I'd suggest you look at a 2006 onwards Corolla.
     
    #2 dolj, May 20, 2021
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  3. meeder

    meeder Active Member

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    With only 2500 miles a year I would get an older gasoline car with as few electronic stuff as possible. Go for the simplest drivetrain possible.
     
    #3 meeder, May 20, 2021
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  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    This. Compared to a similar year and model gas only car, you spend more for a hybrid.......and I see no reason for you to do that.

    In fact, your usage pattern might make an all-electric vehicle ideal for you.
    On your longer trips, rent a gas model if you can't map out charging stations along the way.
     
    #4 sam spade 2, May 20, 2021
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  5. ETC(SS)

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

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    ^ That.

    For 4,000 km a year, spending more money for a hybrid makes no sense......ESPECIALLY a 15-year-old hybrid.
    In addition to the traction battery, there are also inverters and a more complicated regenerative braking system to worry about....and if you live in a crap-hole nation where crime is rampant, the state government is horribly corrupt, and the local police are powerless to stop property theft THEN you have to worry about people stealing your catalytic converter.

    Despite the fact that Romania is not presently a Schengen state (IIRC) they're in the EU common market which means the OP still has access to quite a few fuel efficient and fairly reliable cars.
    Because many of their cars still have three pedals......they will even be more likely to be fun to drive! :)
     
    #5 ETC(SS), May 20, 2021
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  6. ldcdc

    ldcdc New Member

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    It surely doesn't make pure financial sense. But the convenience is rather hard to quantify.

    That is indeed the other option I gave myself: to drive my current car until the age catches up with it.

    With the very few miles I drive, the cost of a low mileage gen 3 takes me to a point where the cost per mile driven goes beyond reason, at least for me.

    That sounds encouraging. :)

    It definitely would, but I live in a flat and I park the car on the street; and I don't drink coffee. Charging the car would be a chore I would soon grow to hate. Maybe when the infrastructure develops, electric would be a valid option though. In fact, it might legally become the only option in the not so distant future. :)

    A shield of some kind was on my eventual to do list. I do appreciate you mentioning it though. It's a clear concern around these parts. :)
     
    #6 ldcdc, May 20, 2021
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    is the plug in prius available and within your price range
     
    #7 bisco, May 20, 2021
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