2001 Prius for sale or advice? Car has no issues.

Are you accumulating mileage at the same rate as the past two years (a pretty slow rate)? Assuming the car doesn't have structural rust issues you might as well keep it for a while and benefit from the work you've put into it.

There's usually nothing cheaper than the car you already have--particularly when it's a Prius.

If your life has changed to the point that you're driving many more miles that would be a justification for replacing it with a Prius c, since it *will* get better fuel mileage.

 

KBB.com can give you a good indicator on the car's value. You've done a lot of maintenance on this car since owning it for 20,000 miles. Were these DIY maintenance items? Don't you want to get more use out of your investment before selling? Seems to be a great car.

 

The low cost of an older Prius also includes a random, reliability factor. My personal suggestion is:

• keep the old one for ordinary commuting until the wheels fall off
• get a second, newer, more capable car for oversized loads, highway trips, e.t.c.
  • Prius V - the Prius version of a wagon
  • Prius hatchback - compared to NHW11, a wagon

The Prius c is a nice, ride-around car but you aren't getting any additional capabilities. Newer technology, yes, but no more space or highway performance.

A wild-card, wait for the next model release and see if Toyota has done something wonderful. If nothing else, the current models will suddenly get a lot more affordable yet still carry their warranty!

Bob Wilson

 

Wow, that's a tough call. A 13yo car with that many miles on her is virtually worthless to most people. My questions to you are:
1) Do you still like to drive that old car or do you really want a new one?
2) Can you afford a new car and, do you want a new car?

It looks like you don't put too many miles per year on your car so this car should last you a long time if you take good care of it. The big ticket items have already been replaced so it really should last much longer. I think the 01-03 Prius is very comparable to the "C" and the "C" won't get much better mpg. It will be nice and new however.

I can tell you my experience, I had an 06 Prius that I loved and it was running fine (117kmiles). I came across a 2013 Camry Hybrid (demo model) for 21k at the dealer. I couldn't pass it up. I don't regret it and I love having a new car. It is so nice to go out to my new car everyday. I couldnt imagine going back to driving my 01 (which is now my son's car). If you wait 'til your car no longer runs, there will be zero value in your 01. You might get about $2000 trade in for your car if you buy a "C". If you sell it, you might get about $2500. I know a guy in OH who's been trying to sell an 01 with about the same mileage for about six months now. He wants no less than $2800 but, he's had no offers (plenty of inquiries but no one want to pay that much. Several offers for $2k or less).

 

It happens to all of us bro'. I bought my 06 with the idea of keeping it for 10 years. 2 years later, I don't even know where it is. Lol.

 

Hell if you have money to burn and you can afford it, you only live once!! Go with what makes you happy.

 

But the truth of the matter is with what you just told me, (I'm going to be honest here) You don't NEED a new car. But..., neither did I. lol

Also, my Camry Hybrid gets about 40mpg and thats hard to swallow after driving a Prius everyday.

 

I had a similar situation with the OP. I had a 2000 Honda CRV and it was running great. I didn't need to get rid of it as it was my part time car, it did it's job. However the car was 12 years old at the time and I talked myself into getting something newer and different.....then came the Prius, and another, and another. Not out of necessity, just it made me happy.

 

OK, with that being said, you only drive 12 miles a day and have no debt. Go for the ultimate driving machine, a BMW and truly enjoy your drive. I can't wait until the snow leaves to get my BMW 530i out of storage. No need for a high mpg car, and the BMW will still get lower 20 mpg. I only bought my Prius since I now drive 66 miles round trip with my job.
TomK

 

Thinking outside the box?

 

Or, just a thought, you could keep the 01 until the wheels fall off, and see where you are at with funds at that point. We all always have the itch for a new car, even within a month of getting a new car, but I guarantee being debt free and not having a car payment will be nice for a little while. Not forever, but just for a little while. Plus, at this point, you might as well wait to see what Toyota comes up with for the 4th gen Prius.

 

Now you are talking, get your use out of the paid/maintained Prius and drive into the ground and keep the toys coming. When things and timing is right then get the Ultimate driving machine and a woman. I like the way you think.
TomK

 

Gen four? Perhaps in 1 to 1 1/2 years. 2016 model released some time in 2015 is the best guess.

 

Hmm...
Seems pretty simple.
If as you say the vehicle you own has no issues and is serving you well, why embrace an expense and debt?

It's an old, high mileage vehicle...but it could give you many more years of service OR suffer a significant break down or expense tomorrow. But who cares?

If this older Prius has been maintained and restored in "great shape" for it's age, the problem is you probably wouldn't be able to sell it for anything near it's operational value to you.

So I'd keep it and enjoy it as long as possible. If something happens....eventually...THEN there will always be Prius c's and "deals" as much as dealerships and salesmen want you to think you must make the deal NOW....

The only over riding factor would be you, yourself. I think it is perfectly valid for someone with the resources to simply decide they would like a new vehicle. Nobody is really under the obligation to be as economical as possible for as long as possible. But if that is NOT the case? I'd keep your "classic" Prius...that seems to me to be in great shape.

 

That is what makes life so much fun, every day you learn something. Just remember to return the favor hear and there and treat people right. Be patient with your old Prius, the right woman will show up and maybe even in a BMW!
TomK