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What car would you get if your Gen3 died today?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by jadd806, Jul 26, 2024 at 11:17 AM.

  1. jadd806

    jadd806 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    42
    34
    0
    Location:
    MA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    My 2015 has 190k miles and is approaching a decade old. No current issues and hopefully I will get several more trouble-free years out of it. However there's always the risk of an accident or spontaneous failure so I like to keep apprised of the car market and potential options if I had to buy a new vehicle.

    I used to drive 40k miles per year when I purchased my 2015 Prius. However these days it's more like 10-12k miles per year.

    Here's my current top considerations:

    Gen 5 Prius: Always an option to get another Prius given my positive experience. However, I dislike the reduced cargo space in the newer Priuses compared to my Gen 3. Another big con is that more and more drivers around me are getting huge trucks and SUVs, and a small car like the Prius has reduced visibility around traffic and does not feel as safe sandwiched between these huge, tall vehicles.

    Ford Maverick Hybrid: A very compelling price point for a unique vehicle, a hybrid pickup truck! I do not think that I could pull the trigger on such an unreliable brand as Ford though, given past personal experience with transmission issues on a Ford Focus. Reports of similar transmission issues and clutch slipping that plagued the Automated Manual Focus and Escape Hybrid are being reported by Maverick Hybrid owners and the vehicle has only been out for a couple years. Long-term reliability will probably not look very good for this vehicle.

    Rav4 Hybrid: Possibly the best middle ground between reliability, fuel economy, vehicle size, and cargo space. I think if I had to go out and buy a new vehicle tomorrow the Rav4 Hybrid Limited would be top of the list.

    I'm not really interested in plugins or electric given the price of electricity in my state (gas is cheaper per mile below $4/gallon when you pay 31 cents per kWh) and occasional long roadtrips.
     
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2011
    717
    276
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    Our biggest issue is the lack of clearance.

    Both our Prius' run great, with no real problems [aside from lack of clearance].

    With studded snow tires they work great on frozen rivers / lakes, but when fresh snow piles up about 8 inches is the limit before they high-center and lose traction.
     
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,992
    4,738
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I went for the RAV4 Hybrid. Much improved powertrain with enough interior space and a good seating position. AWD and lithium that won’t burn up.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,967
    49,514
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Mine died yesterday, and I picked up a new Chevy Bolt for $23,500.