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1st Timer Prius Buyer advice...

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by nancydrewfan420, Jan 10, 2022.

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  1. nancydrewfan420

    nancydrewfan420 New Member

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    I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this but I haven't seen any recent posts to help guide me. But I am wondering if you all had any advice on my buying decision process as this is my first car purchase (prius!). I've done a bit of research on my own, but a lot of what I've found is outdated. Prices seem to be a lot higher right now so its hard to base my decision on info from 2012 etc.

    For context what I'm looking for in a car: I have to commute to work only occasionally. I will continue to use public transit for 90% of my trips so I will really just need this car for the occasional commute to work sites I can't reach via public transit and the occasional road trip. Primarily city driving. I really only need it to last me ~2 years. I live in the city and will have to be parking it on the street. I'm a single person so I don't need much space. In an ideal world my budget is $5k, but in this current h*llscape I could manage $12k. I've been looking at mostly the Prius C and other hybrid/prius options that have replaced their batteries within the last ~50k miles because I don't want to be stuck with a massive battery replacement bill.

    I've watched and read a LOT of Prius and hybrid info but am curious on if anyone has an opinion or advice as I do not come from a car family and this will be my first car.

    There are two cars I'm test driving this week and the +/-, they both have regular service history:

    2008 Prius Standard, 140k mi, $8k
    • new battery at 113kmi
    • + cheaper option
    • + more space than the prius C (I'm 6 ft)
    • + backup camera (this is nice because I will be regularly parallel parking)
    • + leather interior, 40/60 folding seats, better armrest than the C
    • + privacy shade for hood (to deter car break ins?)
    • - biggest target for catalytic converter theft (i will be parking it on city streets...)
    • - longer than the prius c (parking in city)
    2014 Prius C One, 96k mi, $12.5k
    • New battery last year at 75k
    • + smaller, easier for parking
    • + less of a target for cat theft
    • + bluetooth, newer in general? I like the look of it better :p
    • + lower mileage (this isn't huge as I only need it for minimal mileage for 1-2 years)
    • - more expensive
    • - no cruise control (not a huge deal?)
    • - no back up camera
    • - smaller trunk, no privacy hood on One trim

    Any guidance on these purchases in 2022?
     
    #1 nancydrewfan420, Jan 10, 2022
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my advice would be to avoid a hybrid.

    1) youdon't drive enough to make it worthwhile

    2) your budget can only afford a vehicle with high potential repair costs in the current market

    3) prius catalytic converters are being stolen en masse, at a cost to you of $2,000., only to have it stolen again

    4) prius are specialized vehicles, and it is hard to find a decent mechanic at a reasonable price.

    5) look for corolla, civic, etc.

    6) all the best!
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 10, 2022
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  3. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    I also agree with the post from bisco. The Prius is like to be driven otherwise you could have another battery failure. Models 2010 through 2015 are plagued with head gasket problems. Also need higher maintenance such as EGR cleaning. Generation two is a big target for converter theft.
    Another thought just because it has a replaced battery in it does that mean that is new a lot of the batteries are refurbished.

    IF you draw more it would be worth purchasing a Prius for sure.
     
    #3 2010moneypit?, Jan 10, 2022
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  4. ammdb

    ammdb Active Member

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    The Prius C is a great city car, especially when dealing with tight parking spots. Only complaint about our 2014 is a there's a pretty big blind spot that makes it a bit more hazardous when merging onto busy highway traffic.

    If the one your looking at has a new Toyota battery pack it should be good for at least ten years. If it's an aftermarket rebuilt battery, it might only be good for a year or two.
     
    #4 ammdb, Jan 10, 2022
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  5. nancydrewfan420

    nancydrewfan420 New Member

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    Thanks all I appreciate all your feedback! I was hoping to have to low emissions of a hybrid, but you may be right. I didn't think about the fact that driving it less could be worse on the car. All your info and advice was helpful!
     
    #5 nancydrewfan420, Jan 10, 2022
  6. JohnnyPR

    JohnnyPR Junior Member

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    Welcome to the forums!
     
    #6 JohnnyPR, Jan 25, 2022
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah this is a sad fact of life: second gen Prius catalytic converters are a prime target, and San Fransisco has had a lot of thefts; street-parked cars are the main target.

    If you do take the plunge, definitely consider having a shield installed. Cap City Muffler?
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jan 25, 2022
  8. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Yep, for $5,000 and a limited budget, I'd be looking for a well-maintained Camry or Corolla or Avalon or Honda. Hybrids are wonderful new and for about their first 10-years but then very expensive issues can come up.
    Best of luck in your search! Tell everyone you know you're looking for a good used car and, who knows, maybe they know someone looking to sell!!
     
    #8 ColoradoBoo, Jan 25, 2022
  9. Fetherbottom

    Fetherbottom New Member

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    Echoing the others suggesting a hybrid might not be the way to go! From what I’ve learned here, as a Prius ages it can keep going and going or you could be faced with a significant repair. People often suggest that unless you can DIY it, it’s not the car for you.
     
    #9 Fetherbottom, Feb 4, 2022
  10. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Corolla is also a reliable car, that you might want to add to your list, also Yaris.
    Not sure where how your shopping, we've had some reports here at priuschat that carvana has some decent deals. vroom is another online car sales site that can give you some idea about what current prices are for models you're looking for. If you're near the wharf or bay bridge there is a hybrid specialist shop at 475 9th Street https://lusciousgarage.com/ that may have some suggestions for you too ;) even if a used gen 2 Prius or Gen 3 Prius C, hybrid might not be the best option for you only driving a day or two a week for 2 years or so. They work on Prii all day every day and have for many ( more than 20 ) years.
     
    #10 vvillovv, Feb 4, 2022
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