Hi all. I would love to buy a Toyota Prius, but I'm not sure I will be able to do so or that I should. So I'd appreciate feedback from those knowledgeable about Priuses and other cars I'm considering alternatively. I am a grad student on a very small monthly fixed budget looking for a stable, reliable, low repair rates and costs, holds its value well, good gas mileage/good for the environment USED car to finance. I'd also consider it a significant plus to be able to drive in the HOV lane, particularly on the clogged I-17. I expect to drive it gently, defensivey with lower than average yearly miles. I am mainly considering cars rated as used car good values, high reliability, low repair needs, etc from Consumer Reports. I need a fairly low monthly payment and cannot deal with large repair/maintenance/replacement costs on my small fixed budget (for at least the next 3 yrs). (I also want to minimize my risk of being swindled by a repair shop/dealership for nonwarrantied costs, as I am not that knowledgeable about cars!) Therefore, I am considering only Japanese cars, 2001(more expensive cars)-2005(least expensive cars), primarily the following: Toyota Prius Honda Civic Honda Accord Toyota Corrolla Toyota Camry Mazda 3 Nissan Altima possibly other Toyotas/Hondas I would most love to own a Prius, and am considering having to spend more time looking for a decent car and deal among the used ones. But I am worried about and unknowledgeable about the following in a Prius: *battery life & replacement costs, post warranty *over 50, 000 miles: what life the car has/what repairs costs might arise; how high is not worth it/problematic in buying a used Prius *higher insurance costs? *higher replacement/repair costs/repair-tuneup labor costs? *other hidden costs *theft potential? high or low? vandalism? *power of the vehicle: passing other vehicles, hills/mountains, snow/ice, contents in the vehicle *differences between older and newer Priuses (ditto for Civics) *anything else I just don't know about in having never owned/driven a hybrid car *I read here the HOV plates will be gone in 2 weeks? And will the government discontinue this program anyway? It seems like my choices end up being buying one of the oldest Priuses w/more miles vs. newer model regular Civic w/fewer miles, for similar prices. Recommendations? Prius or other cars mentioned? Thanks -- I really need the help!
Hi all. I would love to buy a Toyota Prius, but I'm not sure I will be able to do so or that I should. So I'd appreciate feedback from those knowledgeable about Priuses and other cars I'm considering alternatively. I am a grad student on a very small monthly fixed budget looking for a stable, reliable, low repair rates and costs, holds its value well, good gas mileage/good for the environment USED car to finance. I'd also consider it a significant plus to be able to drive in the HOV lane, particularly on the clogged I-17. I expect to drive it gently, defensivey with lower than average yearly miles. I am mainly considering cars rated as used car good values, high reliability, low repair needs, etc from Consumer Reports. I need a fairly low monthly payment and cannot deal with large repair/maintenance/replacement costs on my small fixed budget (for at least the next 3 yrs). (I also want to minimize my risk of being swindled by a repair shop/dealership for nonwarrantied costs, as I am not that knowledgeable about cars!) Therefore, I am considering only Japanese cars, 2001(more expensive cars)-2005(least expensive cars), primarily the following: Toyota Prius Honda Civic Honda Accord Toyota Corrolla Toyota Camry Mazda 3 Nissan Altima possibly other Toyotas/Hondas I would most love to own a Prius, and am considering having to spend more time looking for a decent car and deal among the used ones. But I am worried about and unknowledgeable about the following in a Prius: *battery life & replacement costs, post warranty *over 50, 000 miles: what life the car has/what repairs costs might arise; how high is not worth it/problematic in buying a used Prius *higher insurance costs? *higher replacement/repair costs/repair-tuneup labor costs? *other hidden costs *theft potential? high or low? vandalism? *power of the vehicle: passing other vehicles, hills/mountains, snow/ice, contents in the vehicle *differences between older and newer Priuses (ditto for Civics) *anything else I just don't know about in having never owned/driven a hybrid car *I read here the HOV plates will be gone in 2 weeks? And will the government discontinue this program anyway? It seems like my choices end up being buying one of the oldest Priuses w/more miles vs. newer model regular Civic w/fewer miles, for similar prices. Recommendations? Prius or other cars mentioned? Thanks -- I really need the help!
