Thinking about a 2010 Prius. Advice?

You can hold a fair amount in a Prius, I have had a 10 foot 2 by 4 inside no open windows. 8 foot lumber fits between the front seats. I routinely carry a 17 foot folding ladder and 4 8 gallon plastic tubs of gear. I get better mileage on two lane 55 MPH roads than freeways. (I have a 2009, so the dimensions have changed, mostly larger now)

B mode is to help retain control going down mountain passes. (Coast range, Cascades, Blue Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains) It is sort of a 'jake brake' in that it uses the engine as an air pump to waste energy. You will find that in B mode the engine runs faster the more power you need to waste and slower as you need to waste less power, this can be counter intuitive.

 

Hey Welcome. I came from a truck as well. I gotta say the back of that car does hold quite a bit. ESPECIALLY with the seats folded down. I have the cloth seats without lumbar support and it suits me just fine. Like Tideland said try with and without the lumbar support. If you dont want to pay for it, they have a cheaper alternative. You can order lumbar pillows. Another thing about the truck I missed was, like you said, being high up and being able to see everything. Well, you get used it. However, the headlights at night was quite a difference for me so I ordered a HID 6000k kit to help with the brightness. Good luck and do a lot of test driving.

 

found a used 2010 Prius that was part of a dealership's loaner fleet. Pkg II w/ 10,500 miles going for $19,990.

I'd lean towards a new one, might find a base model under $22k, or negotiate this one down in the $18k range as you don't know how hard it's been worked! I came from a mid size SUV, and it took me about 6 weeks to 'enjoy' the totally different Prius drive.

 

I've got to support anyone considering going from a Tacoma...to a Prius.
Plus obviously since you are in Prius Chat...I'm going to support Prius.

My only concern, given your concerns....are the seats. Some people have been less than enthusiastic about The Prius seats...Gen 3 seems to be better than Gen 2 in this regard...more adjustable...available heated seats...

But just be sure to test them out well. Make the dealership nervous and just sit in them a long while to get a feel of how they are going to work for you. Especially if your projected useage of the vehicle is going to be long drives.

Otherwise, I think The Prius is an excellent choice. IMO Pkg, II's and III's are great values.

 

Welcome!

I personally would never buy a loaner. I've seen the condition Lexus loaners are in even after 5,000 miles...not worth it IMHO.

 

I agree with SW03ES. Many dealers are selling with discounts off base price. I go with a comparable new model...and yes, do check the seat comfort.
You're still essentially getting a used car...used by many different drivers.
Welcome

 

I've bought used cars before. Most of the time they are driven by average drivers on average road conditions, and show a normal amount of wear.

1) If you are serious about this car, make sure that it has not been in a wreck.

2) The offering price is a little high considering that it is: 1) a used vehicle, 2) there are plenty of new Prius automobiles available and just waiting to be sold, and 3) the 2011 model year is just around the corner.

If I were you, I'd try to get another couple thousand dollars off their asking price. Remember, you don't get the deal you deserve, you get the deal you negotiate.

Good Luck!

Keith

 

Agreed. It's been driven by numerous people who could care less about it. At least a one owner used car has the chance of not being abused.

And the discount doesn't seem compelling at all, to boot.

 

We just got our second Prius II. Leased the first one, so impressed bought the second outright. 1 mile on the ODO when I test drove it, $24,090 MSRP paid $20,788 + $154 standard IL doc fee on this brand new car. Price on this car sounds high to me; I'd rather have a brand new one for $1000 more. I am 6 foot, 200+ and think the seat is quite comfortable. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

Go to www.aaa.com & build a car. They are selling below invoice around here. Take your stuff & load it into the car to see if it fits. Rent one to verify that you'll be comfortable.

 

The issue is not with buying a used car, the issue is with buying a loaner. Essentially a free rental car. People slam into curbs, don't avoid potholes, spill food and coffee and such. Do all kinda of things people just wouldn't do to their own vehicles.

I would never buy a rental or a loaner car.

 

I agree with you on visibility. It isn't very good out the back windows and there is a bar in the way (separating the front and back door) that seems to be right where I want to look out. It takes a bit using the mirrors and I was paranoid about merging to my right.

However, you do get used to it, but it may take a few weeks or more to do so.

The ride isn't inspiring, but then again, how much of your daily driving is truly "inspiring"? Most of mine is commuting 70 miles to work and back. The instant MPG certainly is inspiring! And you will look forward to "fill up" time, because it will cost half as much and you will go longer between fill ups.

 

Want to give you a heads up. I am giving you the advice which I wasn't given before when I bought mine in 09/09/09.

Read through as many threads as you can especially the ones with problems.

Two main threads you can find. One problem with the Radio and two the problem with Rattling.

After you read all these threads and formulate them in your mind and if you can live with it then go ahead and buy a new Prius.

Personally $2000 for a second hand car for 10,000 miles is not worth the money.

I on the other hand is trading my new prius for loaner Lexus. Yes the lexus was in pretty poor condition but they assured me they will make it look like new before I exchange or the deal is off.

Most importantly I got a car that is 9 moths older than mine has 11,000 miles but nearly £20k off the listing price. £43k new($62,350) and now I am offered for £23,500($34,075). So even if it is a loan car I am happy to go for it. Everything is cosmetic. With 11k on the clock I doubt they can do a lot of damange.

But Again for only $2000 less than go get a new car.

 

Go buy one and don't look back.

 

Get youself Ford Fusion Hybrid. You will love that car. Take one with NAV.
It's nice sized, comfy, well equipped and fun to drive