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.
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:
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.
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...
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.
^^^ 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...
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!
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.
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.
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.
I'm averaging 52mg with a 2010 Prius II, no reason to go to a smaller car just because it's new and different.
