2006-08-24 15:46:34 · 10 answers · asked by MARIA H 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Lots of misinformation here.
First off, the hybrid batteries are warrantied for 8 years or 100k mi, whichever comes first.
Second, Toyota has been selling the Priuses since 1997, and there is STILL insufficient data to determine "average" battery life.
Thrid, Consumer Reports tried to run the batteries out, but gave up after 375k mi.
Fourth, the money saved on gas WILL pay for the difference between a Prius and a Camry (difference is only about 2k) fairly quickly when you factor today's gas, the tax incentives, and future price of gas...For example, if I said you could get gas for $2/gal right now, you'd fall out of your chair to ask me where....that was only a little over a year ago. Where do you think it'll be next year? Year after that?
Fifth: Only buy it if it'll work for you. If you are moving from an Escalde or a 2500 4x4, it might be a bit of a stretch. However, if ywere looking for a mid-size sedan in the low 20's range, and you like the car overall, then hey, go for it!
2006-08-25 07:33:10 · answer #1 · answered by Manny 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do the math before you buy. If your going to be paying over $500/month for 5 years for it and say about $200/month for gas it made more sense to me to get a cheaper car, say about 300/month payment and about $250-$300/month for gas(still less than the Prius+gas total). The insurance is also a bit more on the hybrids than on a regular gas car. Repairs and maintenance would be more on the newer technology of hybrids and I read somewhere that there is a big expensive battery that has to be replaced at certain intervals. Also, a lot of people aren't getting even close to the MPGs the Prius is said to get. I will probably be going with a Hyundai elantra gt hatchback with leather, sunroof and nicely loaded and priced too.
2006-08-24 23:02:56 · answer #2 · answered by igɳo★ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jusk ask the dealer what the batterys cost after the warranty runs out. Hybrid Batterys last just as long as automotive batterys do. Or if the extended warranty will pay the full replacement price for $ thousands worth of batterys, The warranty company will say that is a wear item and the car has fifty thousand miles we will pay 20%. Just be aware of the hidden cost of hybrid cars going in and not be surprised when the motor runs all the time and battery shows bad in the power flow display. Hybrid is a cool thing I don't think batterys are perfected yet. And disposal of old batterys???Nissan Altima comming in 2007 with Toyota synergry drive
2006-08-24 22:59:13 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i would recommend it if you have a long commute. i have had one for around 3 years now. i have been averaging around 50 mpg and have not had a single problem. including the tax rebate i received and the gas savings, i have already made up the difference in price (i was considering getting a civic lx). i would take manny's advice and buy it if it seems like it would work for you.
here are some things that no one has mentioned yet:
- currently, you can get a $3000 tax credit. i heard that they will halve this tax credit after a certain number of prius'es are sold, which is supposed to happen soon.
- in california, you can get a car pool lane sticker, which means that you can drive alone in the car pool lane.
2006-08-28 11:56:52 · answer #4 · answered by teriyaki chicken 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! I don't own a Prius, but I have owned Toyota cars for over ten years. They are reliable, well built cars and have great trade-in/resale value. I think you'd be pleased with a Prius.
2006-08-24 22:52:35 · answer #5 · answered by Moxie Crimefighter 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you like the looks of it, and can afford it...there's no reason not to buy it. It's a good car, and it's pretty reliable....it's comfortable and has good performance.
However, if you are buying it to SAVE MONEY on gas, forget it. You will NEVER save enough on gas to offset the extra cost of that hybrid technology.....even if you keep it 20 years. Plus, in about 5 or 6 years, you're gonna have to BUY NEW BATTERIES for it. That's gonna set you back another 5 grand or so.
Hybrid cars are just for the "feel good about the environment" thing....they really aren't practical.
2006-08-24 22:54:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes because they are more environmentally friendly and you'll save tons of money on gas. Plus they are super quiet and look awesome.
2006-08-24 22:49:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!! Surely not!! It will lower gas consumption, cut profits for American Gas companies, destabilise economy and stop Gulf war!! In short, total mayhem!! Do what patriotic Americans do -- buy a Hummer!!
2006-08-24 23:10:17 · answer #8 · answered by Deb J Ghosh 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Deffinetly buy it. They are more exspensive, but your saying money with gas, and your helping the envirment! It all depends on what you want though!
2006-08-24 22:53:06 · answer #9 · answered by laxplaya1357 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no looks bad
2006-08-24 22:48:28 · answer #10 · answered by The original John Doe 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋