I'm choosing between Toyota Corolla and Prius

If it's salvaged, don't buy it. The prius is too cheap to be a California car

 

As far as Corolla vs Prius, we had a 2016 Corolla loaner recently: I drove the Corolla just over a km, not sure why we even had it, but anyways: hated it, not in the same league.

 

I little over a year ago, I was looking for a new car comparing Corolla with Prius. Then there was no way that the Prius savings would cover the cost difference. I felt I needed the larger cargo space of the Prius. It is also good getting a more efficient car.
Comparison depends on what your priorities are. Some 2016 Gen 4 Prii are appearing in the used market now. They may be worth looking at too, if in your price range.
I agree about avoiding salvage title vehicles, especially in California. They have no manufacturer (or CARB) warranty because they have already been declared as uneconomical to repair.

 

In California you have CARB certified cars with long warranties, but Toyota has special warranty rules that disqualify Prii that were originally sold and registered in another non-CARB state. So you have to check the history and Toyota warranty on that car. A gen3 Prius has lots of cargo space...nice car. If it's cheaper because of being out-of-state non-CARB, I might go for it anyways.

 

get the corolla.

 

If the VIN is in the listing it could probably be checked on the Toyota owner's site if the listing does not have a Carfax link.

 

Yes I am fuzzy on how you check the VIN for CARB status, but I think the dealers can run the check on the VIN as well as Toyota USA. I would want in writing somehow.

 

One thing to check is how it is equipped. Trim level 2 is the base for consumer sales. So it will not have all the bells and whistles that are in the KBB estimate.

 

With all the floods in Tx and Fl, I would have to be sure it's not one of those cleaned up flood cars.

 

Who says the Corolla wasn't in a flood also. Buyer beware.

 

I have only had mediocre luck with used cars. But I am not seeing an obvious problem.
You have the warranties out to 10 year/150k miles if CARB.
Sounds like a car off 3-yr lease.

Can't touch that price here though...something is funny.

 

If I were in the market for a used Prius, I'd be driving over to check out this car right now. The price offered is slightly above trade in value shown here. As a car buyer, this is the best that you can realistically look for. I purchased my '14 Prius at around trade in value (I had to search for a long time and accept a body with some dents and scratches).

There is probably a catch with this one- your job is to find out what it is. Used car dealers aren't in the habit of selling good used cars at below market rates, especially with the pricey rent in Newport Beach.

Call Toyota North America and verify that it's eligible for the extended CARB warranty. You'll save enough to purchase an extended Toyota warranty, if you want a peace of mind. Good luck.

 

I can certainly echo these sentiments. After my car was totaled, Enterprise gave me a brand new Corolla for 2 weeks. Not to be shallow, but I think I would be literally sad a lot if I owned that car. Even new, it felt so cheap, boring, and uninspiring. My Prius, designed a decade earlier, felt more luxurious. After that experience I swore I would never ever buy a Corolla.

 

So true . Had a rental Corolla and it was garbage.. my 2010 with 160k miles handled better

PH-1 ?

 

It's priced very low for it's age and miles driven. If nothing is wrong with it, assuming you know how to inspect & and find the usual prius issues, I would buy it.

The most important part you left out is how many miles do you typically drive a month or year. What is your daily commute like in distance, terrain & etc. I used to live 2 miles away from work and no way I would have bought a prius, if that was still my commute. If you don't drive much, like ca/r will be pa/rked for 3 to 4 days str/aight, that will be a big factor also.

 

I guess quality has gone downhill with the newer versions. We still use our 2008 Corolla. No major issues or complaints.

 

Over the internet, nobody can really know any more than yourself.
My concern about the Prius, would be in the " Too Good To Be True" realm. And that would be a pretty BIG concern.
I mean just the comparison itself says something.
You'd be getting a Prius...at near equal price and mileage to a similar aged Corolla with near exact same mileage. That's kind of red flag.

Since you have joined a Prius enthusiast site...Prius Chat...and are asking, I'm assuming you are leaning towards wanting reasons to buy The Prius.

I can't really give you those reasons.
I would be concerned about the price on the Prius. That does seem too good to be true. And that would make me very nervous about investing that money.

What the full story?
What's the reputation of the dealership involved?

Do they sell salvaged titles or rebuilt automobiles?
There has to be a reason that vehicle is being offered at that price.