Just bought a new c !!

Hey folks! New Prius owner from Cary, NC.

I've had my eyes on the c all year. In 2011, I picked up a very used and very tired 1998 Acura Integra. I just retired it on Saturday with 230,000+ miles. I'd been working on saving for a healthy downpayment (and letting my credit score get a little healthier too!). My goal for purchase was November/December.

November 3rd came around and I had $8k to throw at a c. The 'teg started whining in the morning (literally!), and instead of driving her and worrying that she'd break down any day.. I made my move!

I used the USAA car buying service to get an initial quote on Friday. The quote was good. Saturday afternoon I headed out to the dealership, only committed to test driving. Taking into consideration the negative aspects I heard about the c (slow acceleration, loud cabin noise, cheap looking interior), I told myself I'd test drive the 3G Prius if I hated the c.

I love the c. The hardest choice I had to make was on color. I ended up with a Moonglow c 3 with the 15" alloy wheels and the floormats (dumb add-on, but I like them). The dealer installed a light tint all the way around... I really, really love the tint. Not something I would have consciously chosen, but it looks sharp.

Got the 7yr extended warranty ($1k) and extended oil changes to 55k miles (which should last me 9 years) (~$300). I spent a LOT out the door, more than I was expecting, all told (dealer add-ons, extended warranty, extended maintenance, tax at 3%, tags, fees, fees, fees) $25,600 ... Put down $7k and financed the rest.

I've been through approximately 1 gallon of gas.. Doing very well on mileage. Some trips are better than others, but most of my trips have been 50mpg or higher (all city driving). I even had a short drive around 57mpg. Impressive!

I'm new to driving hybrids, but I'm a quick learn. P&G is elusive though. I can't get the glide going.. I see the black arrows for about 2 seconds and then they're gone! Just over 100 miles on the car total (came with about 55 dealer miles). It's sooo cold here in North Carolina right now, I'm not overly concerned with my mileage. I was getting 25 in the 'teg (highway driving).

I'm loving my car!! The smartkey is absolutely wonderful, and I couldn't do without the nice big display (very nice iPod integration). I'm still getting used to the different menus and displays. Used my navigation today for fun. It's not terrible. I need to experiment with all the apps, bluetooth, and voice recognition.

Have not named my car yet. I have issues naming brand new cars. My (used) '94 Miata was "Sexy" (she was!). My (new) '08 Civic was never named. My (used) '98 'Teg was "Trouble" ("because she's the only trouble I'll be getting into").

I'm headed back to the dealer tomorrow to do the 'intro' or walkthrough .. Would have done it Saturday but it was 8:30pm when we finished and I was tired!! Going to check tire pressure/add some air, since my TPMS light came on yesterday.

Anyway, that's my story. I've been lurking for a while, and lurking heavily since Saturday, but I just couldn't stand it anymore. I had to say hello!
(That was long and rambling.. Sorry!)

 

Okay. They suck though! Took them with an oldschool Android phone on a cloudy day. Waiting on a sunny day to bust out the DSLR....

You can see the 'teg in the upper right hand corner in this one... On the street and not happy about it.





Great Tint!

 

Eh, only about $1000 for the warranty and $300 for the maintenance .. I'll take the peace of mind for that price. Especially considering this is the first year of the c. Now, the dealer tried to get me to pay $2000 for that extended warranty. And I was having none of that!

 

Thanks everyone for the welcome! I am definitely loving my car..

 

Thanks! Hope you're enjoying yours too!

Yes, that $1,000 was for the authentic Toyota extended warranty. It's 7 year/70k mile coverage, with $0 deductible for any repairs. They originally wanted $2,000 for it and I refused. I told the guy I wanted it for $1k and he gave it to me.

The dealer I went to is Hendrick Toyota/Scion of Apex. My salesman was Larry Willis (FANTASTIC guy.. really straightforward, and a hard worker. He really gives you the time you need, and has a fun personality to boot). Larry: 919-335-1600. The finance guy (again, tried to get me to pay $2k for the extended warranty..) wasn't my favorite person, but he wasn't all bad. The deal happened, and for the price I wanted. Timothy Cox: 919-335-1585.

Hope you find what you need!

 

Thanks!

Unfortunately I haven't named her yet.. All my cars are ladies. "Luna" is the only thing that I've thought of and considered, but I'm not sold on it.

My mom wants to name her 'spooky' or 'casper' or something ghost-like (ugh). My dad wants to name her something tech-y. I think he actually suggested 'Techie'. Sigh. Can't a girl name her car without her brain being clogged with bad suggestions?

My Miata and my 'Teg were named almost immediately. I'm afraid that if I don't name her soon, she won't get named..