With the current prices of gasoline rising continually, I've started evaluating my current vehicle and wondering if it's worth holding onto or trading it in for a new hybrid. My current vehicle is a 2000 Toyota 4Runner. It's in perfect condition, runs perfectly, and it is paid in full. The truck only has 41100 miles on it. According to the original window sticker, the gas mileage is supposed to be 17 mpg city and 19 mpg highway though I've never actually tracked it. The hybrid I'm looking into is the Toyota Prius. Yesterday I had gone out for a walk at a local park and saw a guy from Florida with a Prius in the parking lot. He noticed me looking at his car and asked if I wanted to see the interior. We got in the car and all I can is "Whoa!" The dashboard on this car looks like something from Knight Rider or Star Wars! Talk about new toys! He told me he gets anywhere from 55 to 60 mpg, that's over three times what my 4Runner gets. It's not just the gas savings that I'm considering, it's the maintenance costs of both vehicles over the long term. When the truck needs new brakes, it can cost over $600 to get done (I've had the front brakes completely done once already), new tires are $125 each (yep, I've bought four already), etc. If the Prius would be cheaper to maintain, then combined with gasoline savings, it could be worth purchasing. Another benefit to a new car is that in NJ, cars that are 2004 or newer only require inspection every four years. My truck requires inspection every two years. Helping the environment would also be an added benefit. What do you guys think?
Poll #564786 Which Toyota?
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sunfirelion
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How much will it cost to keep and maintain the 4Runner for a few more years? More or less than the cost of a new vehicle?
Second, also take a look at the '06 VW Jetta TDI. Can get mid-40s on highway, strong, durable turbodiesel engine. No battery packs, best-pick in front and side-impact crash tests... and you'll be able to snag one for less than a Prius (dealer markup).
Food for thought. :)
From BBC Top Gear (a VERY popular, and in my opinion one of the best, motoring show in the UK, Europe and down here in NZ), a review of the Prius
I was going to make some other suggestions too but after chatting with a few others on IRC I decided it'll be pointless, as the whole car market in America revolved around Americans and "the rest of the world" have completely different offerings. *chuckles* you Americans still thinks you ARE the world and nothing exists outside of your borders. :P (I was going to suggest the Ford Focus TDCi 1.8L or 2.0L Diesel variants as they are even better than the Prius in terms of MPG ratings and have MUCH better performance but since Ford USA doesn't even OFFER it in the States its pointless. And despite what most Americans think that the Focus is rubbish (because it isn't "big and American" enough), its one of the best cars in Europe and "the rest of the World" as agreed by most car magazines/reviews out there, best of class in handling, performance, space, etc.. Ah well...)
But the Ford Focus was made/designed by Ford Europe for the European market in the first place, so it was designed to compete with the Audi's, BMW's, Citroen's, Renault's, VWs etc..
Anyways... hope you can make up your mind soon! :)
Mmm...this is a rather difficult decision..
Statistically, the Prius seems more beneficial and efficent than what yuo have.
However, I believe what it comes down to is maintence cost really. It is possible to by a sturdy vehicle while trading in the old and still have money saved? There is also insurance to think about, so that may be a reason to keep the old vehicle..
I'm..not entirely a automobile person and know very little about them... However, what I'm sure that anyone would do would be to find something that can be considered dependable as well as affordable to them without much hassle..
At the moment, I would suggest keeping options open and weighing the costs of reliability to things that my seem moreso aestically pleasing with the new vehicle. Perhaps to find something greater than the Toyota?
But I'm not entirely sure about automotives..
How...unusual for a cost to be so great..
I believe that would be what best to look at. After all, isn't insurance what happens to get to everyone apart from gas prices? ^^;
If..things to also add:
-1) How it handles in different conditions (rain, snow, off road)
-2) Durability (Repairs and how often it would require them)
-3) Space? (Depending on company that travels with you)
-4) Gas milage (Self explanatory)
-5) Would you comfortable with it?
Meaning, a month after purchase, you're not going to look at your choice and ask "what have I done?" [To which I'm hoping shouldn't ever get that bad..]
2) That's one of the main questions I am asking people and the dealership. Condit actually has knowledgeable sales people. I'd recommend them to anyone.
3) The Prius has seating for 5, but I'd say 4 to be more comfortable.
4) My 4Runner is supposed to get 17 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, the Prius gets 55-60 mpg.
5) I'd be fine with it as long as it's less expensive to maintain than the vehicle I currently have.