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I was in a very similar position as you OP. I just graduated grad school and my post-graduation job required me to purchase a car. After breaking down my budget, I figured I'd feel safe with a payment of $200-$250 a month. I don't have stellar credit but things are on the upswing. I went into the dealership pre-approved for financing with probably saved me 7%-10% in APR points alone.
Guess what? I bought a Prius. Just over 100k mile for walk-out-the-door for just over $10k (taxes, etc included in that price). I couldn't be happier. I looked at the tires, brakes, and made the 100k service was done. I also made sure all documented maintenance was done. I spend about $15/week in gas. The car is amazing. Seriously. My co-worker has a 2014 Ford Focus and I have more room in the back seat in my 2005 Prius than in her 2014 Focus (I'm only 5' 8"). The car constantly surprises me.
The only modification we are going to make is to get a different stereo in it for the ability to charge our phones (usb port). It's about $150.
Occasionally I run into other Prius owners who have older Prius models. They love them too. Consistently I hear that the only service they've needed to do outside of scheduled service is to change a belt.
The Prius is a good vehicle, but the hybrid battery must be changed every five years, and it costs around $1000 or more. They also must be taken to specialists for maintenance, or so I've heard. If you know a lot about the Prius, start a new thread and send me a link or send me a link to a previous Prius thread. Recently I saw one on Craigslist for $1500, but it does not run. According to the owner, it needs a hybrid battery, but I can't be sure that's all it really needs.
The Prius is a good vehicle, but the hybrid battery must be changed every five years, and it costs around $1000 or more. They also must be taken to specialists for maintenance, or so I've heard. If you know a lot about the Prius, start a new thread and send me a link or send me a link to a previous Prius thread. Recently I saw one on Craigslist for $1500, but it does not run. According to the owner, it needs a hybrid battery, but I can't be sure that's all it really needs.
The hybrid battery does NOT need to be changed every five years. There are many hybrids out there over 10 years old with original hybrid battery. The Prius is very reliable and have been out a while so many mechanics can work on them.
It's all good, it's your money and you can spend it on how you feel fit. I asked all those questions and felt comfortable enough with the responses to purchase.
It's all good, it's your money and you can spend it on how you feel fit. I asked all those questions and felt comfortable enough with the responses to purchase.
The only way I could probably get something like that, though, would be to buy from an owner, and it would be rare for people to sell working cars of that quality for around my asking price. The $1500 Prius was tempting, though. Too bad I don't know how to change a hybrid battery.
Agreed with the hybrid battery replacement on the Prius, it's not an every five years sort of wear item. However, I would not buy a non-running Prius that needs a battery, according to the seller. A decent '05-'06 Prius should be in the $6-$7k range, with about 100k miles, but the car is known for being reliable, though a bit boring to drive, but economical. Toyota's hybrid system is also common, so you can go to most independent Toyota specialists, not a hybrid-only shop.
The other option to find something reasonable would be to look for a car that has been owned by a retiree that is in good condition and well maintained. Toyota Avalons are very good in that regard, as are the Lexus ES. You might also look for a Toyota Matrix, which is a reliable small hatchback.
From your post, I think a car is what you should consider, but look carefully for a decent used car that will not cost too much to own. You could get a scooter, too, if you are comfortable on it, but if you do not like riding it, it would be a moot point. Since you cannot transport much on a scooter, even with saddlebags and under-seat storage that some models have, it would likely not replace a vehicle, but could be an adjunct for local trips where you'd rather not walk, but would save driving the car. However, if you were to get a used Prius, that would also mitigate that cost, since the car does very well on local trips in terms of economy, and is much safer for trips that deal with heavy traffic, and the like, which is where you would likely be most vulnerable on the scooter.
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It's all good, it's your money and you can spend it on how you feel fit. I asked all those questions and felt comfortable enough with the responses to purchase.
i agree, ask all the questions you want to ask until you are satisfied enough to buy what ever car you want.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kmb501
The only way I could probably get something like that, though, would be to buy from an owner, and it would be rare for people to sell working cars of that quality for around my asking price. The $1500 Prius was tempting, though. Too bad I don't know how to change a hybrid battery.
i wouldnt recommend that anyone other than a properly trained technician replace hybrid batteries regardless of how good you are with a wrench. i would also stay away from modern cars, like the prius, that are priced too low, unless you have them looked over very carefully before hand.
The other option to find something reasonable would be to look for a car that has been owned by a retiree that is in good condition and well maintained. Toyota Avalons are very good in that regard, as are the Lexus ES. Y.
I'm sure I'll find something. I should probably do the math, though, to make sure that getting a car is a cost-effective and necessary option. Thanks for the zip car suggestion, but I do not think they have them around here. Buying a used car or scooter is probably my best option. My next best option would probably be leasing a new car.
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