Sold Prius...Lexus CT 200h, Camry hybrid, Prius II?

I sold my 2010 Prius IV solar and looking at the Camry hybrid or Lexus CT 200h. The Prius was great for what it was designed to do...high MPG, roomy interior, and gadgets. I still got that feeling when I walked up to my Prius that I liked the way it looked and was a great car. I only drove it 12,000 miles in a year and that was only because I did a big road trip. Otherwise it would probably be less than 10,000 a year. I was able to sell it at a great price and would like something that is quieter yet has good MPG.

The only quails I have about the Prius is the rattle on the top driver side dash by the windshield, the road noise, and sensitive alignment. The dealer tried to fix the rattle, but never got rid of it. I did change my wheels to 17s and that has something to do with road noise. But, even with the 15s it was noisy. I had alignment issues and it might have been the roads. But, never had problems on my 2008 Prius or my other cars.

So, now I am looking at getting a new car. I like the look of the CT. It is definitely smaller than the Prius, but handles a lot better. It is currently just me and I never sit in the back seat anyway. I am willing to trade a couple of MPG for better handling. I like a hatchback so I can keep the dog separate from the passenger cabin. The dash is kinda of dated, especially the look of radio. I don't like that the rear seat doesn't have an armrest. There is already a problem with the interior door panel of the passenger front coming apart...the grab handle coming apart when shutting the door. I wouldn't get all the gadgets in the Lexus because of the price like navigation or leather. I have to get a better feel of the NuLux. They is currently a waiting list. I could just wait it out until production picks up and CTs become more plentiful. There is currently a Lexus loyalty rebate of $1,000 and I qualify for that. I have a 1991 LS 400 sitting that is not safe to drive far distances let alone short ones. So, that makes it a little better than buying at MSRP.

I found somebody selling a 2011 Camry hybrid with 300 miles on it. It has leather, moonroof, JBL...basically everything besides navigation. It is a steal. But, the Camry hybrid is too old of a car for me...no offense to anybody that has one. It does have a nice ride, quiet, smooth, and bigger engine. The MPG isn't that great...31 city/35 hwy. I have been reading the reviews and forums and people aren't able to do much better than the rated without hypermiling. And I am not a hypermiler. It is out of state and I would have to ship it in or fly out and drive it back.

So, one option is to get a Lexus CT 200h with a moonroof, Camry hybrid with moonroof, leather, and JBL, or buy my parents 2010 Prius II with 8,000 miles at a great price and pocket the difference of selling my Prius and buying theirs. They don't have the dash rattle. The road noise would still be there. They would buy the Camry hybrid. Downsizing to something cheaper isn't such a bad idea though.

Comments? Opinions?

 

True about having having another Prius. But, having money in my pocket is better than forking out more money for a CT. And it pains me to pay MSRP for something. I could wait it out though.

If I did get the Camry I would drive it for a couple of months and then drive it down to my parents. I do not picture myself as a Camry type of person. I should test drive a Prius with the stock 15s to check the road noise.

I thought about the MINI. But, reliability is an issue for me. I like they way they drive and everything. I am just concerned for the maintenance.

I am leaning more towards my parent's Prius and money in my pockets right now.

 

That is true, I decided to capitalize on the market and get out of my Prius. But, cash in my pocket is a great thing. Or getting a car that I like better is also a great thing. I will have to read up more on the TCH.

 

I would like something that is a hatchback. I like being able put larger things inside. I just went to look at the CT again, it is nice car. It is smaller in rear leg room and cargo room though. The interior is nice even with the NuLux (fake leather). But, at a base of $30,000 for a no frills model is making me think.

 

The Camry hybrid I was going to buy was sold. It was a private party sale and I went back and forth for too long. Somebody local bought it. At the end of the day I didn't want it, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. The decision has been made since it is sold.

I called several Lexus dealer and put deposits down to be on their waiting list. Hopefully something will come in in the color and specs I want. I already passed on 2 black ones and a white one. I don't want black and the white was fully loaded. The waiting game continues.

In the mean time I have been looking at the Honda Fit, Mazda3, and Fusion hybrid. I had the Escape hybrid in 2008 and found the interior too plastic. But, the Fusion hybrid interior is a lot better than my previous escape. It also gets better MPG than the Camry hybrid. Still seeing what is out there.

 

I did take a Sonata hybrid out and the styling wasn't for me. I am leaning more to a hatchback since we all know how useful they are. I went to take a look at the Honda Fit and found a great used one. I am thinking long and hard if I want that or the Lexus CT. I know they are 2 different cars. But, I find that the Fit doesn't have Bluetooth integrated in the nav or a back up camera is disappointing.