I made a bad decision

easy does it, breathe. i suppose something else could happen to it but not likley. keep it exclusivly for fun stuff and continue to use the prius. selling now doesn't make sense unless you can recoup all the costs.

 

Driving the SUV more may make it seem like you're getting your money's worth, but with it costing 3x more in gas, its probably more worth it to drive the Prius.
With the repairs you've done, you might as well keep it if you still think you need it. If you're going to sell it to buy something else, you may end up buying a new tranny or other spendy part for the new truck, anyway.

 

I hear and sympathize. I'm a boat owner so I know exactly what you're going through, except when you're a boat owner this scenario is an ongoing experience year-round.

 

Your original intent was to drive it to haul things and for the AWD. How many winter storms have you had? Give it the rest if winter before you give in to buyer's regret. Oh, and don't drive it just because. You're lowering the value adding more miles and something else might break. Drive the Prius on clear days. Save the SUV for the reasons why you bought it.

 

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There, there.

What the others said.

Keep it. And only drive it when you need it. You've already fixed it.

 

at least you live in michigan, think of all the awful places you could be living and count your blessings!

 

Detroit in Michigan? I sorry, can't help myself.

 

well, every state has it's problem area's, but i hear detroit is making a comeback.

 

I'd have to say, I don't quite get the logic of driving a vehicle that costs more to operate, has a higher degree of chance of breaking down, that you want to sell- just to try to get some momentary "value" out of it.

If you really want it out of your life, just park it, drive the Prius and continue to try to sell it.

Sometimes with a used car, your feelings about it can be severely influenced by what "happens" right after you buy it. You unfortunately had the transmission blow and had to buy tires, as almost your first experiences with it.
Even though your out of the gate experience has been negative, you could look at it as now you own a SUV with a "New" or "Rebuilt" transmission and conceivably a good set of tires.

It is possible that the vehicle would be relatively reliable now, for all the purposes you originally intended to use it for.

When I was younger I bought my share of used cars that "snake bit" me. I certainly know the feeling of thinking you've made a mistake. When I was young, my usual arc of used car buying was buying a "bad" used car, finding all the problems with it, fixing all the problems, and then selling at a loss.

In any case, I think your reasons for wanting a second SUV vehicle are valid. Even though you've gotten off to a bad start with the one you've purchased, as a second vehicle? I wouldn't necessarily give up on it, now that you've repaired the transmission and replaced the tires.

I might take it to a trusted mechanic and have it fully checked out. If no other huge problems seem to be looming? Your original plan might still be valid. You could still keep it, but use it as that occasional-specific use-2nd vehicle.

But your choice. As I said, I also know the feeling of becoming very disappointed and disgruntled with a used car purchase, and just wanting to move on. We put trust in our vehicles, almost like we do friends and acquaintances, and when our experience is negative there can almost be a feeling of betrayal.

But in this case? I think I'd want it checked out, but if at this point it checked out okay? I might just continue to give this vehicle a shot in the role you originally purchased it for.....as a specific use, 2nd vehicle.

 

A lemon is never fun, but if it's a computer, home, or vehicle it's even worse.

Don't know what the mileage was, but apparently it was at a point when lots of things just wear out.

It may not be a Prius, but it can teach you to drive that SUV differently.

Not thinking about fuel economy, although that generally reduces wear-and-tear and might keep that SUV out of the shop.

 

I would continue to on occasion use it for it's original intent, hauling lumber, towing, transportation on heavy snow days. Sure you had some immediate and unexpected mechanical costs but that occurs with such an inexpensive car. Perhaps the worst is over. If you are that unhappy just keep posting free adds on all sources and some ones junk is another's treasure.

It is a vehicle. I can think of much worse. You could wake up one day and discover your Chris Kardashian's long lost son, or be stricken with an incurable disease or be unemployed for years or be homeless or much more. So smile and when given lemons make lemonade and put some lipstick on that pig.

 

Yeah, yeah.

I've been here 19 1/2 years now.

No regrets.

 

Next time you decide to buy a ten year old anything built by General Motors just roll up however much money it costs into a cigar shaped object and smoke it. You will probably enjoy it more.

 

Carmax?

 

I will take, in order of preference; long term unemployment, homeless, incurable disease, being a kardashian.

 

Ewx suggested Carmax. That is an excellent idea. You should visit when you have 3-4 hours to kill and they will make you an offer. Probably below blue book than they will send to auction

 

Take a deep breath and let it go. Most of us have been there at least once.