Car purchase quandry (Prius content)

charlie chitlin · August 1st, 2008, 01:09 PM

Alright...wifey's '05 Prius has almost 100k miles on it (she drives a little over 30k/year) and we just found out that they're selling for about what we paid for it new!
Of course, our first inclination is, SELL IT NOW.
But, then...we need another car.
We like the high fuel mileage for economic and environmental reasons, and we're not in a position to add a new expense to our monthly bills...actually tight times may cause us to, for instance, cancel our YMCA membership.
So...if we get 18-20k for the Prius, what do we replace it with?
Or do we keep driving what has been a TOTALLY trouble-free car that gets 50mpg?

Gaber_771 · August 1st, 2008, 01:13 PM

Please keep the car... why in the world would that ever be a question?

eryque · August 1st, 2008, 01:23 PM

Here's the thing... Cars have a lot of parts that start to break right around 100,000 miles. They're all just maintenance items and not specific to the Prius. We're talking about ball joints and shocks and CV joints and...

And there's the X factor of the Prius being new technology. You've got a special motor and battery and all sorts of stuff.

If I were in your position, I think I'd get on the list for a new one and sell the 05 for as much as you can before it starts breaking. If people are paying that much money for them you'll have plenty to put against the new loan.

Option 2: Keep driving the Prius, knowing that you've got some maintenance costs coming, and save and plan accordingly.

Option 3: Find an older car you like that gets good gas mileage (for a non-hybrid) that's cheap. $3-5k, tops. Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, VW, etc are all good bets.

esteban · August 1st, 2008, 01:27 PM

There's the new Jetta TDI (diesel), first automobile to pass California's latest emissions standards, which are supposed to be the toughest ever, in the whole world. Rated at 50 mpg or something. Yeah, diesel costs more, but they're also more reliable and easier to maintain.

You can also get a Corolla... easy on the eyes and tank, and you'll probably have some cash left over.

Gaber_771 · August 1st, 2008, 01:35 PM

as an owner of a 96 corolla with 200K miles and no broken parts, knock on wood, i also like esteban's idea...

studio1087 · August 1st, 2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Cars have a lot of parts that start to break right around 100,000 miles.

On a Toyota product? I don't think so. On a Ford product? Indeed.

Please don't get upset if you drive a Ford. Honda, Toyota, Nissan, VW are all brands that are easier to run into the ground.

My father in law retired his Toyota Land Cruiser at 320,000 miles after farming with it for 17 years. He beat the hell out of that car and refused to part with it because he didn't want a newer SUV that his dog couldn't ride in. He has plenty of cash but the land Cruiser was for him and his dog.

I know plenty of people who have Toyota and Honda cars with 150,000 miles on them and they don't even think about new cars.

Just keep driving the Prius. If you need a reliable second car, find a Honda Civic 2 door with a stick priced under 5K or a Corolla. Find one that a little old lady drove for groceries. They are out there.

John

11 Gauge · August 1st, 2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

I know plenty of people who have Toyota and Honda cars with 150,000 miles on them and they don't even think about new cars.

I'm one of them - I have a Camry with ~200K on it, and I'm going to drive it until it needs another timing belt (@250K).

I know that many cars have parts that routinely need to be replaced or serviced around 100K, but it typically doesn't apply to Toyotas. CV joints are good for at least 150K on average, ditto for struts (with normal driving), and stuff that tends to break on many other cars (ABS modulator, A.C. parts, throttle position sensors, etc.) simply don't break at all on Toyotas, IME.

The only Toyotas that I've seen that didn't go upwards of (or beyond) 300K were either badly abused, or run out of oil or coolant.

11 Gauge · August 1st, 2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esteban

You can also get a Corolla... easy on the eyes and tank, and you'll probably have some cash left over.

I was thinking of this, as well. Since Toyota builds so many, you should be able to find a great used one for a song (or two).

I don't know how big your family is, but the Yaris is a gas sipper as well. I don't know if the Scion XA is the equivalent, but it could be another one to ponder. Great little urban vehicles, too - they'll fit in any parking space.

The only downside to the Yaris, Fit, and the one that Nissan offers is that they tend to be not much cheaper than a Corolla, especially a nice used one.

I'd keep the Prius. JMO.

Mark Davis · August 1st, 2008, 02:40 PM

I dont know about other states but there is a huge waiting line for hybrids here in Calif. You cant even buy one without about a 6-9 month wait.

As soon as they hit the lot they are all gone everywhere around here.

earl diltz · August 1st, 2008, 02:57 PM

Let me tell you about my Toyota! At 15000 miles it had leaking axle seals,warped rotors, burnt antennae motor and a broken tailgate latch.If you roll the windows down the roof vibrates so bad it sounds like a helicopter is landing on the roof! Design flaw Toyota said. At 30000 miles every problem just listed came back again! No more for me.

charlie chitlin · August 1st, 2008, 02:58 PM

[quote=esteban;1362161]There's the new Jetta TDI (diesel), first automobile to pass California's latest emissions standards, which are supposed to be the toughest ever, in the whole world. Rated at 50 mpg or something. Yeah, diesel costs more, but they're also more reliable and easier to maintain.
QUOTE]

I wish!
I'd pay the extra for diesel for a good car that gets 50mpg!
My other car is already a diesel.
Alas, taking on a new expense is not an option.
I doubt I'd get the Jetta for the sale price of the Prius.
And...I've had some pretty bad experiences with VW over the past few years.

esteban · August 1st, 2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie chitlin

I wish!
I'd pay the extra for diesel for a good car that gets 50mpg!
My other car is already a diesel.
Alas, taking on a new expense is not an option.
I doubt I'd get the Jetta for the sale price of the Prius.
And...I've had some pretty bad experiences with VW over the past few years.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blog...s/4235586.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/article...ta-TDI-Preview

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/v...i-from-21-990/

You'd have to get a real generous offer on the Prius, but it's possible. I won't dispute the (lack of) quality of VW's Mexican plant, but it seems to get better everday.

maestrovert · August 1st, 2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie chitlin

...../.....
We like the high fuel mileage for economic and environmental reasons...../.....
So...if we get 18-20k for the Prius, what do we replace it with?
Or do we keep driving what has been a TOTALLY trouble-free car that gets 50mpg?

Having only recently purchased one myself, the Honda Civic Hybrid is one to consider....

eryque · August 1st, 2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

On a Toyota product? I don't think so. On a Ford product? Indeed.

The Toyotas that seem to last forever are the exception, not the rule. Since they source a lot of parts from the same OEM manufacturers that other Asian manufacturers use, there's no reason to believe that they should last any longer.

My brother works in one of the big franchise auto shops and always says how amazed he is by the number of things that need to be replaced right around the 100k mark, and that's for all makes.

If you get a vehicle that lasts 150k or more without major maintenance, it's due to luck or driving habits more than anything else.

CharlieO · August 1st, 2008, 03:48 PM

I must agree that this is really a difficult decision. My guess is that the Prius will probably provide you with many more miles of relatively trouble-free driving. The biggest issue in the future is likely to be the cost of battery replacement. I have heard that the batteries are expected to last 8 years or so, but apparently Toyota thinks that mileage is a more important factor than time. They think 180,000 to 200,000 miles is realistic. By the way, did you know that Jay Leno's 1906 Baker Electric car is still running on its original battery? Maybe you can get 102 years out of yours.

If your wife likes the car, I think you should keep it. Any other decent car (including the Civic hybrid) is likely to depreciate at a faster rate than the Prius. Check back with us in 3 years, and ask us then for our opinions. I'll probably still tell you to keep it.

I found this article on the web about the life of hybrid batteries, and the replacement cost. It was written in June, and I'd bet that things have changed a bit since then. Hybrid resale values are probably higher, and battery costs might be lower. http://www.rblprd.com/wordpress/2008...costs-plummet/

chet · August 1st, 2008, 04:01 PM

It's got 100,000 miles? Sell it and get a used Toyota Corrolla. The Prius will probably develop problems soon. Take the money and run.

geddins · August 1st, 2008, 04:02 PM

I say sell the Toyota, buy a used Camry put the rest in the bank!

Slow Reflexes · August 1st, 2008, 04:12 PM

It makes no difference whose nameplate is on the car; physical wear is physical wear. You'll need normal maintenance on any vehicle, and at 100K that starts to be more than just an oil change.

The price on the used Prius is elevated due to the lack of availability on the new ones in some areas. Immediate gratification is a big deal to some folks.

I'd sell it to one of the.... um, "folks with more dollars than time to wait." I'd also buy a cheap and reliable used vehicle for next to nothing and invest the rest in more economically rewarding ways. Pay cash for another new car if you must have a new car, or use it to secure your place at the head of the line for a new Prius. Just don't get into a bottom-line bidding war; a lot of dealers are selling for substantially over the MSRP now.

August 1st, 2008, 01:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
charlie chitlin Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bucktown, Pa Age: 47 Posts: 2,344	Car purchase quandry (Prius content) Alright...wifey's '05 Prius has almost 100k miles on it (she drives a little over 30k/year) and we just found out that they're selling for about what we paid for it new! Of course, our first inclination is, SELL IT NOW. But, then...we need another car. We like the high fuel mileage for economic and environmental reasons, and we're not in a position to add a new expense to our monthly bills...actually tight times may cause us to, for instance, cancel our YMCA membership. So...if we get 18-20k for the Prius, what do we replace it with? Or do we keep driving what has been a TOTALLY trouble-free car that gets 50mpg? __________________ Nil illigitimi carborundum http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...6-bf3537901a07

August 1st, 2008, 01:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gaber_771 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: WV Age: 24 Posts: 296	Please keep the car... why in the world would that ever be a question? __________________ "floor it... thats a technical term"

August 1st, 2008, 01:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
eryque Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: albany, ny [not chicago] Posts: 7,115 44 Photos	Here's the thing... Cars have a lot of parts that start to break right around 100,000 miles. They're all just maintenance items and not specific to the Prius. We're talking about ball joints and shocks and CV joints and... And there's the X factor of the Prius being new technology. You've got a special motor and battery and all sorts of stuff. If I were in your position, I think I'd get on the list for a new one and sell the 05 for as much as you can before it starts breaking. If people are paying that much money for them you'll have plenty to put against the new loan. Option 2: Keep driving the Prius, knowing that you've got some maintenance costs coming, and save and plan accordingly. Option 3: Find an older car you like that gets good gas mileage (for a non-hybrid) that's cheap. $3-5k, tops. Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, VW, etc are all good bets. __________________ my blog: eryque.blogspot.com Updated 9.17.08! Subscribe_____________________

August 1st, 2008, 01:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
esteban Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Age: 20 Posts: 1,159 3 Photos	There's the new Jetta TDI (diesel), first automobile to pass California's latest emissions standards, which are supposed to be the toughest ever, in the whole world. Rated at 50 mpg or something. Yeah, diesel costs more, but they're also more reliable and easier to maintain. You can also get a Corolla... easy on the eyes and tank, and you'll probably have some cash left over. __________________ When I die, they'll say, he couldn't play sh*t, but he sure made it sound good. - Hound Dog Taylor

August 1st, 2008, 01:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Gaber_771 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: WV Age: 24 Posts: 296	as an owner of a 96 corolla with 200K miles and no broken parts, knock on wood, i also like esteban's idea... __________________ "floor it... thats a technical term"

August 1st, 2008, 02:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,840	I dont know about other states but there is a huge waiting line for hybrids here in Calif. You cant even buy one without about a 6-9 month wait. As soon as they hit the lot they are all gone everywhere around here. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

August 1st, 2008, 02:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
earl diltz TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: iowa Posts: 33 4 Photos	Let me tell you about my Toyota! At 15000 miles it had leaking axle seals,warped rotors, burnt antennae motor and a broken tailgate latch.If you roll the windows down the roof vibrates so bad it sounds like a helicopter is landing on the roof! Design flaw Toyota said. At 30000 miles every problem just listed came back again! No more for me. __________________ I love rootbeer!

August 1st, 2008, 02:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
charlie chitlin Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bucktown, Pa Age: 47 Posts: 2,344	[quote=esteban;1362161]There's the new Jetta TDI (diesel), first automobile to pass California's latest emissions standards, which are supposed to be the toughest ever, in the whole world. Rated at 50 mpg or something. Yeah, diesel costs more, but they're also more reliable and easier to maintain. QUOTE] I wish! I'd pay the extra for diesel for a good car that gets 50mpg! My other car is already a diesel. Alas, taking on a new expense is not an option. I doubt I'd get the Jetta for the sale price of the Prius. And...I've had some pretty bad experiences with VW over the past few years. __________________ Nil illigitimi carborundum http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...6-bf3537901a07

August 1st, 2008, 03:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
CharlieO Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 56 Posts: 1,360 10 Photos	I must agree that this is really a difficult decision. My guess is that the Prius will probably provide you with many more miles of relatively trouble-free driving. The biggest issue in the future is likely to be the cost of battery replacement. I have heard that the batteries are expected to last 8 years or so, but apparently Toyota thinks that mileage is a more important factor than time. They think 180,000 to 200,000 miles is realistic. By the way, did you know that Jay Leno's 1906 Baker Electric car is still running on its original battery? Maybe you can get 102 years out of yours. If your wife likes the car, I think you should keep it. Any other decent car (including the Civic hybrid) is likely to depreciate at a faster rate than the Prius. Check back with us in 3 years, and ask us then for our opinions. I'll probably still tell you to keep it. I found this article on the web about the life of hybrid batteries, and the replacement cost. It was written in June, and I'd bet that things have changed a bit since then. Hybrid resale values are probably higher, and battery costs might be lower. http://www.rblprd.com/wordpress/2008...costs-plummet/ __________________ http://www.CharlesOffer.com

August 1st, 2008, 04:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
chet Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The Jersey Shore Posts: 6,867	It's got 100,000 miles? Sell it and get a used Toyota Corrolla. The Prius will probably develop problems soon. Take the money and run.

August 1st, 2008, 04:02 PM	#17 (permalink)
geddins Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texas Age: 46 Posts: 1,959	I say sell the Toyota, buy a used Camry put the rest in the bank! __________________ www.myspace.com/gregeddins

August 1st, 2008, 04:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
Slow Reflexes Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Willamette and Columbia Posts: 537	It makes no difference whose nameplate is on the car; physical wear is physical wear. You'll need normal maintenance on any vehicle, and at 100K that starts to be more than just an oil change. The price on the used Prius is elevated due to the lack of availability on the new ones in some areas. Immediate gratification is a big deal to some folks. I'd sell it to one of the.... um, "folks with more dollars than time to wait." I'd also buy a cheap and reliable used vehicle for next to nothing and invest the rest in more economically rewarding ways. Pay cash for another new car if you must have a new car, or use it to secure your place at the head of the line for a new Prius. Just don't get into a bottom-line bidding war; a lot of dealers are selling for substantially over the MSRP now.