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Considering a 2006 with 186K Miles

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by co_mtn_grl, Jun 10, 2016.

  1. co_mtn_grl

    co_mtn_grl New Member

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    Hello all,

    I have been reading up on similar posts and would just like some opinions on my situation. I am considering "downsizing" from my 2007 V6 RAV4 (with 129K miles) to a 2006 Prius with 186K miles. The reason I am considering this is I am going to start grad school this Fall and during the summers, will be commuting 460 miles fairly regularly. Since the Prius does not have a 4wd system and all of the components that come with it, I am thinking maintenance might be cheaper than my RAV, in addition to fuel savings.

    I have checked service records and Carfax for this Prius. It had one previous owner (it was owned by a business as a corporate car). When I test drove it, it drove well and the fuel efficiency is still in the mid to high forties.

    Thoughts? Should I risk potential expensive repairs for the fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs of the Prius? Or just keep my RAV? Thanks!
     
    #1 co_mtn_grl, Jun 10, 2016
  2. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    I'd stick with the RAV4, it should make 200k if properly maintained. kThe Prius is approaching the expensive years.
     
    #2 Munpot42, Jun 10, 2016
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  3. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    I would agree; keep the RAV4. Routine and preventative maintenance goes a long way to keep your vehicle running well.
     
    #3 DonDNH, Jun 10, 2016
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! if you don't want to keep the rav4, which is probably your lowest cost option, disregarding repairs, i would weigh your upcoming annual miles with the prius at say 40 mpg vs another non hybrid like corolla, yaris, camry and etc., which you should be able to get with lower miles for the same cost as the prius.

    do the math at $2., 3., 4., even $5. to see what 40 mpg will save you. i think you'll find it's not enough to out weigh the potential repairs on a high mileage car. all the best!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 10, 2016
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There's not that much savings on the highway. 30mpg vs 45mpg. One expensive component on the prius failing, like hv battery, and your savings have become an expense
     
    #5 JC91006, Jun 10, 2016
  6. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    If you put a new traction battery in the prius and keep brakes and tires supple, a 50% increase in mpg's is the bottom line, and really the prius should get mid 50's for the first 50,000 with a new traction, (2,500$) but...or stay where you are.
     
    #6 Lucifer, Jun 10, 2016
  7. sttkailua

    sttkailua Active Member

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    RAV 4 a 4-WD? A 4-WD better for snow.
    If you only driving in the summer, might be o.k.
    Without cost/condition info, hard to say if it is better financially.
    Someone with experience with this year, and snow driving can
    comment.

    No snow where I drive, but it did hail once!

    stt
     
    #7 sttkailua, Jun 10, 2016
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