Low mileage driver. Which Prius to buy Prime Advanced or Hybrid Advanced Tech?

Not driving a lot is more an issue for getting rusting brakes than anything else.
The battery is of no concern really, considering the EXCELLENT track record of Prius since introduction 15+ years ago.

If you have an amount of disposable income, but care about the environment, the Prime would be better as the trips would be driven electric most of the time.
If instead you have to take care to save money, you would need to see if the "business case" of a Prime vs regular Prius vs pimped Prius makes sense considering insurance, fuel price, km driven and so on.
If you want to save money, and also the environment, go with the cheapest Prius you can afford or you are willing to pay for. I don't know what the Hybrid Advanced Tech version offer, you need to decide if the extra $$$ are worth in the overall business case.

Consider that in Germany the base Prius Prime is about 5-6k€ more than the base Prius - the number of km to be driven in electric at 0.25kW are so many that before you break even and actually save money compared to the fuel only version, are probably so many, no one will ever manage to drive. Unless you have electricity available for free from solar panels installed on the roof of your home, that is....

 

It depends largely on what you want a car for. For the same money, there are many other options too, and you need to decide which best meets your needs (and desires). 5000 miles a year is likely to take a lot longer to break even if you're looking at actually saving money, but there are many more reasons for buying a car than that.

In my case, I'll likely not really save anything dramatic unless fuel costs appreciate - I tend to change cars every 3 or 4 years at 12000 miles/yr. I drove everything in the same $$$ amount, and decided that PRIUS fitted my requirements well. It's quiet, economical, reasonably roomy with a large boot (trunk). It also depends on what your present car is - if it's a gas guzzler, you'll certainly notice the difference, but I had a small diesel sedan which was amazingly economical - but with diesel a bit "on the nose" now, I decided to not repeat the diesel experience.

 

they are probably overkill for you, but if you like and want the technology, i would go for the prime. that way, you're all ev except for the long trips.
have you considered the previous plug in prius, are they available used in canada? it would be a much better car for your needs, but not as attractive or high tech as prime.
all the best with your decision!

 

Only thing is, the Gen 3 doesn't drive anything like as "2017 era car" as a 2017, quite an older feel.

 

no question, but at 15 miles a day?

 

I would get the Prime and keep it charged. go for 100% electric

 

But remember that PRIME is only a 4 seater.

 

You can use a product like STA-BIL, or something similar for the gas.

STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer, Storage for Gas-Powered Equipment

I use STA-BIL for gas for my portable generator.

 

Of the choices, wouldn't the Hybrid Prius Liftback be the best match at only 5K miles a year? Liftback & Prime are both hybrids and the hybrid system works best when it is used more than 5K a year.
Actually a Corolla or Camry would likely be better suited for the OP. If more luxury, an Avalon or Lexus possibly.

 

The HV batteries should be fine. 12 volt batteries need to be charge at least once a month, but that can be sitting in your driveway.
The engine will be fine ( as will the motors) I would try to use at least one tank of gas a year. (I use one every third day)

 

Too bad they discontinued the Solara in 2008. From Wikipedia "The Solara sold below expectations, as it inherited the unexciting handling from its Camry parent"

TNGA seems to be getting good reviews so maybe it's time for Toyota to bring back the Solara?

 

Sonata is a Hyundai name. I thought you had it in USA, including a Hybrid version. (The real early ones were based on Mitsubishi Galant.)

 

We have the Sonata in the US.
The Solara was originally known as the Camry Solara. They removed the 2-door option from Camry and moved it to a different, "more sporty" badge. The name was later changed to just Solara.



Toyota Camry Solara - Wikipedia

 

Our mileage is similar. With our 2010 we're managing to stay under 5 liters per 100 km. Had it for 6 going on 7 years now. Fill up about once a month, and that is with the gas gauge not low, just below the half way mark. Yesterday fill up: about 25 lliters, and $33 (at $1.28 a liter, dropping a bit).

A regular 2017 Prius, in the same situation, we'd probably be getting fuel efficiency around 4.5 liters per 100 km, due to design improvements. That's what, 20%? So, same situation, instead of $33 monthly, it would be something like $26~27, or $310~320 yearly.

So with low mileage, not a lot of expense. Actually a fraction of the expenses, such as depreciation, insurance, repair, (snow tires?) and maintenance.

I would consider the regular Prius as well, weigh the two.

 

I suggest to evaluate the main reason in purchasing new vehicle. Your discontent are the sudden shatter of the panoramic glass (safety) then manufacturer not covering under warranty. Well there other manufacturers may be doing similar action. As part of evaluation I would start calculating your financial benefits and non benefits in purchasing a Prius or Prius Prime. Just for high level view, your current vehicle value with or without fixing your panoramic glass +pay money spent to fix, then calculate the price in which you willing to purchase Prius or Prius Prime up front (I do not know if 7000 is tax credit or tax deduction or rebate when purchasing at the time). Subtract your current vehicle value with glass fix from your chosen new want vehicle calculated price. The financial result will provide you a guideline in worth purchasing your new want vehicle.
If I had same experience, I would be upset to say the least, then I would join the legal action, but keep current vehicle.