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Switch to Prius C?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Anthony2816, Apr 12, 2012.

  1. Anthony2816

    Anthony2816 New Member

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    I recently learned that my 2010 Phase V Prius with 55K miles has a Kelly Blue Book value of about $28K, and that a top-of-the-line 2012 Prius C runs around 25K. I'm liking the idea of getting a new car for no cash outlay, but how much would I be losing in terms of cargo space, ride quality, and other factors? My local dealer doesn't have any C's in stock at the moment so I can't do a side-by-side visual comparison.
     
    #1 Anthony2816, Apr 12, 2012
  2. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    A lot of people will tell you the C has a stiffer/responsive ride, while the regular Prius is softer boat-like ride. In terms of cargo space, the C is narrower with less head/leg room for rear passengers, comparable to a Yaris.

    Here's some pics of the C cargo mat laid out in my regular Prius trunk to show you the size difference:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    #2 p00kienrayray, Apr 12, 2012
    6 people like this.
  3. B. Roberts

    B. Roberts Hypah Milah! Ayuh.

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    About 1/2 the cargo room (well not quite, just looks it), but you need to go drive one so you can decide for yourself.

    The c is a very good car, but it's small. Not Scion iQ small, but quite a bit smaller than your Prius liftback. The c rides really great for a small car.

    Go find one somewhere.
     
    #3 B. Roberts, Apr 12, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  4. Anthony2816

    Anthony2816 New Member

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    Very useful pix...thanks!
     
    #4 Anthony2816, Apr 12, 2012
  5. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Is that a KBB private party or trade in value or dealer retail?

    I've found that KBB is usually too high and Edmunds is too low. And, you definitely won't receive KBB dealer retail.

    Unless you have an offer in hand from a person or dealer for $28K, I wouldn't count on getting that amount...
     
    #5 cwerdna, Apr 12, 2012
  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    ^+1 dealer wont't give you anywhere near that for a trade in. Try a private party.
     
    #6 spiderman, Apr 12, 2012
  7. Anthony2816

    Anthony2816 New Member

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    Yes, that was the private party price, using "good" condition. I would try to sell it privately prior to buying the C. Still, given the number of times my wife and I haul a bunch of stuff up to our Tahoe house, I'm not sure it would be a good idea to lose the cargo space.
     
    #7 Anthony2816, Apr 13, 2012
  8. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    ^^^
    Try putting it up for sale and seeing what you get. I doubt you'd be able to fetch KBB private party.

    Have sold used cars 3x myself...
     
    #8 cwerdna, Apr 13, 2012
  9. Erikon

    Erikon Active Member

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    What exactly will the C offer you that your current loaded Prius doesn't? The C's a very nice car, but even the top of the line model lacks a lot of the things your 2010 V has, including plenty of room!:confused:
     
    #9 Erikon, Apr 13, 2012
  10. formula

    formula Member

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    if you like to drive a compact car, PC is better than the liftback prius.

    if you want a little bigger cargo room or passenger room, go for the liftback prius.

    if you more room, go for the prius V. :)


    I traded my 2010 civic for the top trade-in price of the KKB.
     
    #10 formula, Apr 13, 2012
  11. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I wouldn't do it.
     
    #11 The Electric Me, Apr 13, 2012
  12. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    Vehicle:
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    Two
    When I bought my Prius C, I was going to buy two of them.

    BUT, we have three kids, so I know that wouldnt fair to well.
    I decided to get used to the C and then ease in on testing the Prius and the Prius V
    I really like the added space of the V, but the mpg is so scary....but better than our Scion xB.

    What you have to keep in mind is the rated MPG

    City/Hwy:
    Prius 51/48
    Prius V 44/40
    Prius C 53/46

    Not sure when the plug in will be available in PA, but it might just
    be worth the extra cost for better MPG

    Having the Prius C, does fine for our needs for a main car in a 2 car family.
     
    #12 dig4dirt, Apr 13, 2012
  13. Anthony2816

    Anthony2816 New Member

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    I was mostly thinking of trading a car with 55K miles for one with 0K miles, but thanks to the responses here I think I'll stay with my present car.
     
    #13 Anthony2816, Apr 13, 2012
  14. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

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    Looking at that pic it doesn't look like all that much difference to me.
     
    #14 Kirkuleez, Apr 13, 2012
  15. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

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    I'm averaging 52mg with a 2010 Prius II, no reason to go to a smaller car just because it's new and different.
     
    #15 Fore, Apr 13, 2012
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