Parents are trying to talk me out of a Prius?

Get on Consumer Reports. The Prius is the best car for maintenance, which should convince your parents that it is a smart move because you will spend so little on repairs! Secondly, there is plenty of information on the longevity of a Prius, and when I was looking a few months ago I found places that reported one could expect 250-300k out of this car. Thus, longevity and low maintenance costs, plus very low operating fuel costs, and what's not to like about this car??? Also, I suggest do a youtube search for "Prius Hotel" and watch some of the videos there. I actually bought my 2012 Prius (98k miles, $9950) with the intention of camping in it sometimes. The first thing I did when looking at it was climb in the back passenger door to see if I would fit! So it is also a sport-utility vehicle for me (though rarely used like that) - which means I get lots of service from it in all the ways I love to use my vehicle. I'll take this Prius on spontaneous trips to visit friends and relatives and camp along the way. Sweet. Good luck!

 

like many cars, prius resale is based on demand and condition. demand is affected by gas prices which are currently low.
when you go to sell, the same thing will happen. right now, they are pretty much worthless, but if gas ever spikes, the value goes up.
anyways, i've never bought a vehicle based on resale value, but to each their own.

my daughter currently drives a 2008 with 100,000 miles in and out of nyc. i would like to see her get something newer as well.
all the best with your decision!

 

I'd like a Ferrari but the bank says I need to drive Fords, Toyota's, Subaru's......


Also unless you're doing these test drives over the same stretch of road, comparing ride characteristics can be a little apples to oranges. A second or third test drive around a variety of roads is even better. Sales folks can have an ideal smooth road they direct you too or high speeds so road noise hides all the squeaks and rattles. Cranking up the sound system is another ploy.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Definately make sense that they wanted something with higher resale value because they're the ones footing the bill. Mine is equip with heads up display also, before buying it, listed HUD prius prices' were higher at an additional $1,000 compared to trim 4 w/o HUD so resale value is higher with those models. But don't think too much about the heads up display, its not that visible during daytime and the display is just too small compared to other HUDs.

The other important part about buying a prius is how is your commute drive. If you drive only a couple of miles daily or live in very hilly areas, it defeats the purpose owning this type of vehicle.

The prius has 90k, at 125k your going to have to do major tune up including cleaning EGR and that's no fun. With that budget, I'd go get a new 2017 toyota corolla so higher resale value and avoid major tune ups.

 

When you inflate a prius, not just limted to that vehicle, to get max the tires' FE, you'll feel the bumps also.

 

The Marquis looks pretty sweet.

 

How often do you drive to NYC? That should be the primary factor as to the decision of spending your and your parent's money. It seems your parents are affluent, generous, and practical as well. Aside from housing, owning an automobile is the second largest expense for most.

Depreciation is an inevitable outcome for 99.9% of car owners with depreciation in the first few years being the lion share of it. You say you plan on moving to NYC in a couple of years. Do you intend to keep your car while living there? Do you really need a car in the city? How much will rent be? NYC is (still) one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in.

Hence your parent's concern with residual value as you might decide to sell the Prius after only a few years. You stand to lose thousands of dollars if you do sell since a car is only worth what someone is willing to pay you for it.

Keep the Marquis. It's paid for, it appears to be in mint condition, and has low miles. Save the money for your move to the city, you're going to need it.

Sincerely,
Your Priuschat Dad

 

I understand why parents would be interested in resale value, but the information is out there. Banks have figures available for anticipated resale value down the road, which takes most of the guesswork out of this. For whichever car your parents prefer, figure out that car's resale value in 5 years (as an example) and compare that depreciation to the Prius.

In addition, NY seems to be a CARB state, which will probably increase the warranty for the traction battery to 10/150k. Start off with a Prius model that is new enough and you should still be able to sell it with some warranty left. That will also increase resale value.

 

2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Advanced For Sale In Van Nuys | Cars.com

I would try to talk the guy above down on price and call it a day

I would also look at Volts, they can occasional be had in the 4 digit prices with low miles and go 400k without major repair.

 

Have your parents been with you when you test drove the Prius?

I have a 2003 Grand Marquis also but don't drive it much. I should sell it but my wife won't let the garage queen go.

 

How many miles a year do you think you'll be driving, especially when you move to NYC? If it's not at least 15-20k a year I think it makes more economic sense to just keep your Mercury since it seems to be in mint. condition.

 

One of my friends moved from a small city to Chicago and found a car was not only unnecessary, it was an expensive hinderence he at first stored his car using it rarely, moving to going completely car free.
4 day weekend rentals are $35 on up during the winter and $99 all summer. He made sure he set up his life within walking distance of work and bus and biking distance for everything else he might want.

Depending on the quality of public transport where you are moving and the cost of a parking spot for your car you may find it’s cheaper to leave the car parked at your apartment and arranging your life to minimize the need to drive.

Even if you need to drive into work every day keeping your existing car may be the best move as a new car is rarely financially beneficial.

That said if fuel skyrockets the way pundits claim to over $3 this spring and past 4 in 2 years then you need to make sure to keep your commute
1. Short

Your car
2. Efficient (which includes most any econobox even the cheap old 65mpg Insight)

If it’s really hard to park in your area
a small car like a
*gasp smart car, IMIEV, Mirage or 2001 Honda Insight Or even a small road bike might make more sense despite 40mpg and more maintenance due to parking costs and constraints.

not sure how New York charges on registration but an older car might save bank on insurance and registration

Though personally I love my 1981 Comutacar and 1970 Subaru 360 for tight spots they aren’t as practical but sometimes it’s worth it for a little extra fun.

So Don’t feel like your in a hurry to get a car, just let things happen organically and you might find the best solution for your particular living situation down the road,

Good Luck

 

Actually, a good question is where the OP is currently living and working, combined with the parking situation?

 

Agreed. If the OP isn't living in the city, trains maybe a better way to get into the city. One of my friends lives in the Upper East Side and he parked his Q5 at his parents' in Syracuse because the parking is so expensive in the city.

I think the Prius is small enough to be able to squeeze around traffic in the city unlike the Grand Marquis. However, if I were living in the city and need a car, I'd get a cheap junk that will take me around the city and not to worry about damages that may incur while it's parked.

 

Pick up a Spark.

 

So you say.....
1. Driving in/out of NYC
2. Can't stand giving up parking spots
3. May move to NYC and need to park there daily

Crash worthiness is not a factor at the speeds you will be driving. Given the parking situation, I'd look at a really short car.

Prius -- 37 inches shorter than your current car
Chevy Spark -- 69 inches shorter
Smart Forto -- 106 inches shorter (essentially half the size)

I can't imagine living in NYC and wasting hours per week driving around looking for parking. And like Bill said, I'd look at a "disposable" car.

 

My 2008 Corolla LE is still going strong. Why get the S with low profile tires?

 

Why are your parents trying to get you to buy a Corolla instead of a hybrid? I don't think resale value is a bid differentiator because those two models are probably close. Is it because of the fear of the cost of a new traction battery in the future? Safety issue?