So I've been pondering this question....I'd REALLY like to be on the cutting edge and have a brand spanking new 3G Prius and be the first kid on the block to have one. But, I've got this sweetly moded 2G that has a mere 80k, will be approaching 90k by the time the 2010 is released, and runs great. It's totally paid off and we'll be selling it in mid-2010 anyway when we take our sabatacle. But man do I want the new one. Anyway, I wondered what others were thinking along these lines. Are you keeping the old one b/c it's better to run it into the ground, or do you have to have the newest even if you know better? Are you ready for a new car now but willing to wait? What's going into your decision making process?
Ah, dang, I can never get these polls perfect the first time. I see you went with the "I'm disappointed option", but I've now added the "I'm waiting for the PHEV version" instead.
the one we have was bought to drive the hell out of in a long-run kind of view. also, i think it will be some time before we buy a new car again. we will have plenty of better things to spend our money on, when we actually have money again! DH will be looking for a used 1g hihy in the future though.
I would love one -- I am one of those early adopters you hear about. However, I DO love my 2005. Driving it until it breaks has always been my plan just because it is such a great all 'round car for me. I think that what would sway me to buy one right away would be the difference in fuel economy between my 2G and the 3G models. If it's significant, and gas is selling at $53.76 a gallon, very likely. If gas is at $.25 a gallon, it may not make economic sense to buy. Either way, it'll boil down to the degree of value the 2010 will bring to the table. Unless of course it turns out that I just gotta have it! Dan
I will be upgrading, again, at the soonest opportunity possible. The reason why should be obvious. If not, read my blogs... .
There probably will be a 3G in my future but not til my (other) car's paid off and I know where I'm settling down. A PHEV version won't hurt either so I'll see the options when it arrives in a year or whenever it's supposed to be on sale.
Yea, the logical pragmatic side of my brain (what little of that there is) says keep the '04, sell when I go Down Under, hope the PHEV 3G is out by the time I get back in mid-2011 and buy that. Undoubtedly that makes most sense. But MAN do I want the first one off the line. I have little doubt I could sell my '04 for a reasonable price. Pay cash for the 2010, drive it for a year and a half and still sell it, maybe for a profit, when demand is high...which presumably it will be as it was with the '04. There's always that spouse element that comes into the decision making process though...and I know what way she's going to go.
I am waiting for the plug-in! I just got my Prius the way I like it (drilled in the roof rack, hood deflector and shark fins attached, etc). That being said, I may not even be able to trade up as soon as the plug-in comes out. We are living apartment-style until I graduate and have no outlet, and the time the PHEV will come out will likely be the same time we will be investing a house. The car would have to wait, because I can't wait to own a house!
Our next ride will be a plug-in (if not pure EV) for certain. We didn't line our roof with solar panels simply to over-heat bacon Whether it's Toyota (plugin Prius) or Aptera (we're on the waiting list) or GM (Volt) turns on Consumer Reports reviews. Whether we unload the Prius or the Lexus 400h is still up in the air too. Let's see how the economy goes over the next year.
How about yet another category for your poll. Yes, I plan to buy a second Prius (the 3G) in addition to my existing Prius. [wife want's to trade her car in for a Prius next year - of course assuming that I'm still employed]
Evan, I would have answered yes to: - Yes but not for another 5 years, I don't buy new cars, I recycle. Also at $37,000 plus the price is a bit beyond a bloke with average income paying off a mortgage.
Is there something special about the 3G?......I thought I would wait until my battery goes and then consider a conversion to PHEV. Meanwhile I'll have to make a decision on the two Apteras I have reserved.
Guess it depends what you mean by "special". It'll be a bit roomier on the inside than the current Prius. It'll be faster and more powerful. It'll get better FE. We know it will have some very cool new features/creature comforts (electric adjustable seat, fancy night vision system, probably a lot of the features of the Toyota Crown (Japan)). Certainly the details are a secret at this point...but it's "new"...isn't that all that matters?!
