Not overly sure this is the place to introduce myself, but here goes nothing... I'm Nema (Obviously, I know, sorry...). I am currently a 2006 Prius owner, but that may change soon. I love the Prius. I learned how to drive in an 05, I took my road test in it, and then my father promptly sold it after promising I could use it to commute to school. He got a 2010 that week, which I used for a little while until he started demanding that I buy my own car. So on my own I went out and bought my first car, affectionately named The Bookmobile by my friends, that I currently own. For some reason, my father has never liked the fact that I spent so much money on my first car, and we've fought over it frequently. Unfortunately there have meen some problems with it and it's getting harder and harder to argue that my little car is worth it. So the main reasons I joined was in hopes of finding reasons to keep it, get some help in making sure the dealership that sold me the car is being honest, and/or to have some help finding a replacement Prius if this one is, indeed, the lemon my father makes it out to be.
Welcome Nema. Sorry to hear about the issues with your Dad. I have two daughters not much older than you. Even though it is hard to see some times, but Dad's usually only want what is best for their daughters You have come to the right place for assistance. List the problems with your car with as much detail as you can and there are a lot of knowledgeable people here that will be glad to help as best they can. Good luck.
Neema, welcome to PriusChat. Does dad own a 2010 Prius? If so, why do you have to prove to him that owning a Prius is a good value? I'm thinking that high MPGs ought to be enough of a reason to own a Prius, especially in light of rising fuel costs. I'm sure your dad has your interests at heart, but sounds like you're ready to make your own decisions. PriusChat will give you lots of information (and so will your dad), so be patient and make a decision that's smart for you. For me, Prius facts include high MPGs and no belts, brakes, pullies and bearings to replace. There's lots more, but research PriusChat and see for yourself. Best wishes as you research.
Yes, he does. But he doesn't think it's a good value for me. It doesn't help that I've already had to put $1k into it in repairs and I've only had it a year. That, and I think he's still grudging the fact I went out and bought a car like an adult all on my own. Hell, I'm 24 years old, getting a Master's degree, and I know I'm borrowing against my future, using loan money to pay the last $4k I owe on my car, but I'd rather not owe anything and own it outright when I move away for my first job. Thank you for your well-wishes, everyone.
my daughter bought my old 04 three years ago. she is 27 and finished her masters two years ago. she is still paying me for the car. tell him, that's what dad's are for!
Too late for that one... I offered him the same amount as the dealer and would have offered to match the full 10k he sold his 05 for but he refused to sell it to me, because he didn't want to appear to play favorites between my younger brother and I. Never mind that my brother had zero interest in the car since he got one (for free) from my godmother... *shakes head* I've paid for EVERYTHING for my car, with the exception of asking for him to pay for my alignment for my birthday present. Instead of offering financial help, it's "you need to get rid of that car"... Yeah...
In reality, if you sell the car and buy something cheaper so as to break even and eliminate your debt owed on the car, you will likely end up with something that is less reliable and less fuel efficient so your savings may not be what they first appear. The Prius is a very reliable car and if you take care of it you shouldn't have to worry about expensive repairs. Use Prius Chat as a resource to help guide your maintenance and repair decisions should something break. This forum can save you a lot of money.
