Should I upgrade?

Welcome! With a commute like that, I don't think the Prime would do much good. You'd get some feature enhancements, but only a small increase in efficiency vs. the the '16. If you can plug in for free at work, that'll help some.

I went from a '13 PiP with 85k on it to a used '17 Prime with 24k on it. Huge upgrade all around, but even that was probably a financial negative. What I did do, though was get into a car that is safer and much more comfortable. And I think I'll be buying gas about every 4 months rather than 4-6 weeks because my commute is only 19 miles round trip. I would not go from a '16 to a Prime unless there was some defect with the '16.

 

I do not think that I would depreciate another new car with that commute.

Any car.
About the best that you can hope for would be to keep driving the G4....especially if you still owe money on it!
You still have 30,000 miles left on your hybrid components warranty (more if VA is a CARB state) and your car should be dead-bang reliable out for another 130,000 miles or so if you lift the hood every now and then.

Think about what your car was worth new and what it's worth now.
Now...think of what that much money might earn in a 401k over 30 more years....or even 10.

EVEN if you can get a Prime more cheaply than another hatch, you're going to be throwing that much more money into something that will not be that much "cheaper" to operate especially if you consider additional taxes and fees for the 3 year old newer car.

Nope.
You've GOT a pretty good car NOW.

Cheaper to keep her.

 

welcome!
the only way a prime would make any sense at all (disregarding your itch ) would be if you can find a dealer to sell you one much cheaper than a standard equivalent prius, after rebates/discounts/tax credits.
many here have done that, but i'm not sure the rebates are what they have been in the past

 

Even with a good price on a new Prime, you'll be restarting at the steep end of the depreciation curve. It appears that the most cost-effective approach is to keep the existing car, maintain it well and drive it until the wheels fall off. Any small fuel savings from a Prime (particularly on that commute) will be overwhelmed by the depreciation.

 

Try do some homework and math. I think you can trade in your vehicle for $14k (try AutoLenders.com or Carvana.com). If you by a new Prime, depends on your state/Fed tax situation, say, you can get some state incentives (DE $1500 state rebate) + $4500 fed tax credit, that's $6K. Also if you can get a deal like what Toyota was offered back in Jan/Feb for $5K off at the east coast, plus some dealer discount, you just basically need to add a few grand to get a brand new car, new tires with 3 year warranty / maintenance / roadside assist, and, peace of mind. Then why not?

Hopefully by end of this year, Toyota will offer something great. Good luck.

 

I believe the tax credits only accrue to the original owner. Buying a used vehicle isn't going to get you anything AFAIK.

But with a long commute like that (160 miles per day) you'd get 25 miles of electric power (or 50 if you can charge at work). I don't see that as much of a benefit after the costs are factored-in.

At 55 MPG, that's about 3 gals of gas per day, or $9 give or take. Depending on the cost of electricity there, it may or may not be cheaper to use electric vs. gas. Where I live, my break-even is when gas is around $2.75/gal. Right now it's $3.10. A Prime really wouldn't save you enough to justify switching, and it's only reducing your gas use by 15% or so.

But mostly I like the fact that I use very little gas to get around. As I pointed out in another post, I put in $6 of gas whenever the light goes on. Last week I did that and saw I had 1200 miles since the last $6. That's less than 2 gallons to go 1200 miles since most of it was electric.

 

From the standpoint of a car enthusiast, you probably should not upgrade from a 16 to the Prime. The 16 already has the new TNGA chassis and independent rear suspension, so you wouldn't see any improvement in driving performance (not sure if your back-roads commute is all boring straights filled with a-hole drivers or "my commute is like a car commercial"). As others have said, you would also be on the bad end of the depreciation curve. Unless you get an absolute steal of a deal, it's probably not worth it financially either.

 

As I age, I find myself less bound by reasons. Go for Prime if it gives you joy. The car is worth it IMHO.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Here's some fresh thinking for you:

Keep your current perfect working Prius until the release of the next major face lift of the Prius Prime, some say 2020, others say 2022.

BUT in the meantime, consider a wheel & tire upgrade, I'd recommend a plus "two" to a 17" wheel & tire. This will give your current Prius a nice renewed look, but the real benefit will be your new heightened level of back roads driving enjoyment. Pick a wheel that you really like, your new 17" wheel & tire combo will perfectly transfer over to your new ~2022 Prius Prime making them future proof.


Rob43

 

A wheel upgrade like that will also burn more fuel.

 

Economically, it is always not a good idea to upgrade a car while your current car is still functional. However, there is always that irrational itch thing you are aware. I did the same thing 2 years ago upgrading from 2015 Gen3 to PRIME. In your case, Gen4 to PRIME is less dramatic upgrade than mine, but now 2020 model is coming to dealers lots, you may find 2019 model offer you can't refuse. Then again waiting for 2020 model for improved 5 seats may be the thing to do. However, if you are going to wait for 2020, then why not wait for next PRIME and beyond that may give you more EV range. Hard choice. The question is, How itchy is it???

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

First post ever, but I saw this thread and thought I could ask here.

Currently driving a 176K mile 2012 Prius v wagon and absolutely love it. Recently replaced the tires and suspension. Car is worth $7500 private sale. Already have an offer for $6500

Fearful for how much longer the v wagon could last, I’ve been looking into the new 2020 Prime. We qualify for the $4502 Fed tax credit and the $1500 CA state tax credit.

I am convinced the Prime can meet our family needs. The v wagon purpose was for our growing family. It has definitely functioned well and served its purpose dutifully.

We currently have a 20 mile(both ways) work commute which means we could drive without gas a majority of the time.

Let me know what you guys think. Would love to have some collaboration on this thought process.

P.S. Does anyone have a Prime with 2 car seats in it?

 

Main advantage is the adaptive cruise control And some safety features. So it would make the longer commute easier and less of a hassle.

 

The downside of 2020 PRIME would be smaller cargo space and missing spare tire. Other than that, it is a totally better car all around. That being said, no one knows the longevity of PRIME as of yet since it has been only three years since it's the introduction, whereas you know V will serve you still a long long time for sure and cheaper to maintain on average.

 

We've had two car seats in our '17 Prime many times. It's actually a little easier to mount them than it was in the PiP or Gen 2.

I liked my PiP, but this Prime makes the PiP seem like a jalopy in comparison.

 

The LATCH system eyelets are very easy to access in the Prime.

More so than other generations of Prii.

2 car seats aren’t a problem .