Request for opinions - asap would be great :-)

Many miles left on your 2007 drive another 100,000 sell at 170,000 and then buy a newer one. In the short term sell your 2004 Ford Explorer and keep the money for normal maint. and ect.

 

I've had a lengthy discussion with a few people who modify prii. one guy tears apart and sends out millions of dollars a year of prius parts.

your genII engine is supposedly rock solid compared to the genIII 1.8L engine. to keep it would probably cost you less in the end. repair cost (third party) is fairly cheap. with the knowledge of this forum on troubleshooting and rebuilding, an expensive project like rebuilding the battery can be done at a fraction of the cost of a dealership doing the repairs (third party again)...

btw, 77k miles is nothing so far. a few repairs here and there down the line. (it's said and posted a long time ago that toyota simulated a 20 year/500k mile test on these systems. no clue where that data went)

ive been pulling (on and off) a 5x8 trailer (sometimes loaded with up to 1,500 +/- a few hundred lbs) for over 100k miles. i have a two inch hitch. the car still out accelerates other small trucks.. but when i'm not hauling i get normal mileage. when i do haul i get about 32-40mpg.. usually around 35mpg. pretty unbeatable imho

just my .02

 

3)
You didn't state your motivation so I will assume it is to save money. In most cases, a newer car will cost more in insurance, monthly payments, and depreciation. Unlimited lifetime power train warranty doesn't cover everything. It's very sneaky. Power train is what motivates the car to move. Meaning, suspension, brakes, batteries, air conditioner, heater, starter, etc, etc are not covered. Only the engine is covered.

Since you list ASAP, I'm guessing the dealer is saying these deals won't last. Well, the benefit of having a 2007 Prius with 77k miles is that you know it will still work for years to come. So should you decide in the future that you really want a newer car, you'd be in the market for a used 2012 or used 2013 Prius. 2012 Prius had a minor update over the 2010/2011 models.

 

I'm assuming you don't think you need the extra cargo capacity of the v and care more about mpg?

In my opinion, the 3rd generation is a much better car than the 2nd generation. Better handling and better seats. Maybe you should try renting one for a day and see how you like it? I would lean towards the III over the I, for better stereo and probably leather and better remote key entry. Not an expert, but I think they left some other things out of the I. On the other hand, you could hold out for the next new model in 2015.

 

Very little if any difference between the 10 and 11 models, there were some recalls on the early 10's but that should be about it. I would rather have a 3 than a 1. A 1 has less than your current model, No backup camera and I think no sks, that would be a deal breaker for me. If it were me I would just dump the truck as soon as possible and save your money for a few months and try for a well equipped 11 or 12 model (3 or higher). Good luck with your decision.

 

Consider getting a 2012 PiP instead - new is best for warranty coverage, you're not buying someone else's problems, there are plenty discounted PiPs available not that far away from central PA on dealer lots in Virginia and Maryland, and (assuming you can charge where you live) it's a really nice car with idiotically good gas mileage.

 

I forgot to say, such a deal I can make you on my 2010 V, since I just bought a pip!

 

So from what I gather, you owe on the 2007 Prius and the 2004 Explorer is free and clear. You're not saving any money going with the 2010 or 2011 - basically a wash for each. So, why not just sell the Explorer? You've been trying to but no takers. There's got to be buyer out there for it. What's the trade-in offer? Can you sell it privately for more than that? Is it in decent shape? OTOH, if you just want a newer car, then you likely already have your mind made up. But if you go with the 2011 base model, will you miss the bells and whistles? And if you go with the 2010, there's only 15K miles difference from your 2007, so it doesn't seem to make sense to pay a lot more for it at this point. If you're going to buy used, consider buying a certified Prius so you'll at least have a warranty. I can say from experience, when it comes to cars, think about the money MORE than about the new car itself - you'll end up making a better decision

 

i would get the '11 if money isn't a problem.

 

Both Prius still have the balance of the factory warranty. A 2010 III Nav is going to be a step up from your 2007. I don't know how central in PA you are but there are Prius by the dozen sitting on the lots in NJ.

Selling the Ford & keeping your Prius is the cheapest way to go but if you want a newer car check both the 2011 & 2010 carefully. Does the stuff that's missing in the 2011 bother you? Do you want the extra stuff in the 2010? Not all 2010's were created equal. There were three stages of production for 2010. Early production does not have a USB port in the center armrest toward the back. Middle production does not have Safety Connect.

 

Sell the Ford privately.
No takers = too high asking price or impatience on the part of the seller.
Slow down and think this out.

There is NO WAY that you can "save money" by trading 2 used cars for 1 used car at a dealership.
As soon as the Ford sells...and it will if you keep lowering the price...pay off the G2 and you'll have 1 car all the way paid for.
Bank any remainder.

No brainer.

 

liability insurance on the ford and keep the prius