advice on buying used prius vs. another used economy car

Chevy Cruze

 

Check CarFax report for crashes

 

I keep detailed financial records and I added purchase price (around $8000), cost of repairs and maintenance (minus replacement of 2 stolen catalytic converters which was paid by my insurance company, and replacement of the rear bumper which was paid by the insurance company of a driver who hit me), car insurance, and gasoline over the 6 years and 60,000 miles I’ve driven the car. So my costs are real-world actual costs of owning a 2009 Prius in the upper midwest US for the last 6 years.

 

over 250k

 

the biggest question is repair. if you can diy, prius is the easy choice. if not, gasser is the way to go because anyone can fix them, and parts/systems are less expensive.

dealers will kill you. lots of people come here looking for a hybrid repair shop after they already bought, and need a repair. there aren't many qualified places, but most anyone can fix a gasser.

 

repair costs

 

i agree, but we live in strange times

 

Corolla, Yaris, Civic, Fit. After many years of fixing cars I prefer Toyota & Honda.

Hyundai & Kia are "disposable" cars IMO. Lots of durability problems with their engines.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Hmm. Sounds bad just because the Hyundai Accent (hatchback) was the last car to be offered for sale (brand new) below $10k. Yes, it was an earlier model year, but still....

 

I agree with LeadfootJ.McCoalroler. Buy a used gas powered 4 cylinder instead of a used Hybrid. If you really want a Hybrid, buy a new one. Payments for 5 to 7 years with no issues and great gas mileage is a budget that you can count on. At 40 mpg or higher, you win. Plus, today, there are so many hybrid options. Don't forget the Ford Maverick truck which has gotten good reviews, the corolla, Honda.....there is a lot of hybrid options and the question becomes, do I want that monthly payment.

 

Size needs dictate my buying. If I could get away with a motorcycle. That has the best MPg. However I need luggage space and like a HEVAC system and staying dry in the rain. So sub compact is next… but from time to time I need to transport 5 adults. The Gen 2 Prius is the smallest I personally can go. Had 2 corollas they were great but I needed a hatchback. Enter the Prius V. If I had to do it over. I would have bought one of those for the extra space. Now I just use a Thule Rack and rocket box and a rear hitch tray if I need the extra cargo. Like maybe 2 times a year.
So I would decide your smallest, lightest needs and then shop in that price range. Everything is a 42percent mark up on cars right now. That Prius could be worth $5,000 tops in my Value. However how much gas can you put in your car for that much money? An extra level Corolla runs a super long time and has great heat and Ac. I had a few Hondas that the AC was not that great…. Even when new.

 

175k is high mileage on any car. Engines go out as well.

 

I would go with a used 2nd gen Prius. All my friends discouraged me a few years ago but this has been my best purchase ever. My VW TDI just sits due to Diesel prices. I love this car.