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What car would you get if your Gen3 died today?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by jadd806, Jul 26, 2024.

  1. jadd806

    jadd806 Member

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    My 2015 has 190k miles and is approaching a decade old. No current issues and hopefully I will get several more trouble-free years out of it. However there's always the risk of an accident or spontaneous failure so I like to keep apprised of the car market and potential options if I had to buy a new vehicle.

    I used to drive 40k miles per year when I purchased my 2015 Prius. However these days it's more like 10-12k miles per year.

    Here's my current top considerations:

    Gen 5 Prius: Always an option to get another Prius given my positive experience. However, I dislike the reduced cargo space in the newer Priuses compared to my Gen 3. Another big con is that more and more drivers around me are getting huge trucks and SUVs, and a small car like the Prius has reduced visibility around traffic and does not feel as safe sandwiched between these huge, tall vehicles.

    Ford Maverick Hybrid: A very compelling price point for a unique vehicle, a hybrid pickup truck! I do not think that I could pull the trigger on such an unreliable brand as Ford though, given past personal experience with transmission issues on a Ford Focus. Reports of similar transmission issues and clutch slipping that plagued the Automated Manual Focus and Escape Hybrid are being reported by Maverick Hybrid owners and the vehicle has only been out for a couple years. Long-term reliability will probably not look very good for this vehicle.

    Rav4 Hybrid: Possibly the best middle ground between reliability, fuel economy, vehicle size, and cargo space. I think if I had to go out and buy a new vehicle tomorrow the Rav4 Hybrid Limited would be top of the list.

    I'm not really interested in plugins or electric given the price of electricity in my state (gas is cheaper per mile below $4/gallon when you pay 31 cents per kWh) and occasional long roadtrips.
     
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
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    Our biggest issue is the lack of clearance.

    Both our Prius' run great, with no real problems [aside from lack of clearance].

    With studded snow tires they work great on frozen rivers / lakes, but when fresh snow piles up about 8 inches is the limit before they high-center and lose traction.
     
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I went for the RAV4 Hybrid. Much improved powertrain with enough interior space and a good seating position. AWD and lithium that won’t burn up.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Mine died yesterday, and I picked up a new Chevy Bolt for $23,500.
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Died yesterday?
     
  6. Kromis

    Kromis Junior Member

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    How'd your Plug-In die?
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    in the past
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    head gasket
     
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  9. Andy Pants

    Andy Pants New Member

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    I personally would get the new Camry. Definitely don't get a Ford. I, nor anyone in my family, has ever had a Ford without having lots of issues. Out of your 3 choices I would get the Rav4, the new Prius is just too darn small. We recently got a Rav4 hybrid for my wife and it is very nice.
     
  10. bbrages

    bbrages Member

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    It sounds like the Rav4 is the best for you.

    Now the Maverick Hybrid transmission shouldn't have "clutch slipping" like the old Powershift in the Focus... The Focus had a dual-clutch automated manual and the Maverick uses an eCVT like our Priuses. BUT I know that Ford had some bearing issues in their eCVTs about 10 years ago, so even an eCVT is not a slam dunk.

    Me, if my 3rd gen died I'd get another 3rd gen. I like them.
     
  11. dbstoo

    dbstoo Senior Member

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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yup, in my brain. what's left of it
     
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  13. dbstoo

    dbstoo Senior Member

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    I feel for ya Bisco. I frequently find my self estimating the time and cost of things that happened in the past. Or, even worse, rounding numbers to the nearest convenient number. That last part is a real hassle when people on the board want to make sure that all columns add up properly.
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i haven't had to add to add up any columns since i retired, might be part of the problem
     
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    To answer the title question, maybe a used Fit, a lower level with the usable climate controls.
     
  16. Mark Monroe

    Mark Monroe Junior Member

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    2012 Prius here with 280,000 miles on it. Runs excellent with no issues. I did replace the hybrid battery at about 10 years/250,000mi. If the new Prius had a spare tire, that would be my replacement option. Since it doesn't, my next option would be a Rav4 Hybrid or Prime. I have a friend with a Rav4 Prime and it is an amazing vehicle that also has a spare tire. <grin> There would be a slight drop in fuel mileage but some pros would be all wheel drive, more interior space and better hitch options for bike racks and light towing. I might would look for another used, nice, lower miles Gen3. It has been a great car for me.
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I’ve got to ask: no head gasket problems? You’ve cleaned the EGR, or no?

    how’s oil consumption?
     
  18. Mark Monroe

    Mark Monroe Junior Member

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    No head gasket issues. I have not done any EGR cleaning or related cleanings, however, I have thought about it. <grin> Car uses about 1/2 quart between 5000mi oil changes with full synthetic oil. Oil usage is higher when the miles are on the highway at 70+mph vs slower.
     
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  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there are people without hg problems and apparently not much egr clogging. who knows how many? we only see issues for the most part.
    wouldn't it be great to know why? run of bad head gaskets? type of driving? maintenance? climate?