Just bought a '05 Package 6 Prius with 87k on it from Steve at autobeyours.com. Got it for $8400 repaired. Here's my thinking..tell me what you think. My old beloved Volvo S-90 died in an accident recently leaving me with the need for replacement. I've driven an average of 22K a year the past few years. So that is the base mileage I expect to put on a new(er) car. We've all seen the cost analysis for a 'NEW' Prius vs. regular car. But, a used one becomes completely compelling. At least for me compared to my old Volvo. Taxes Tags and Insurance pretty much the same. Volvo got 18.5 MPG City. For 22K miles, that's 1189 gallons of gas a year. I've talked to Prius owners here in Florida (where it's warm and flat) and they report I can expect between 50-52 MPG just driving 'regular'. That same 22K mileage in a Prius would use roughly 431 gallons of gas. The difference is 758 gallons. At $2.70 a gallon I will save $2046 a year. I plan to own the car for at least 4 years, so, the car is essentially free. Don't think you can make a case for owning any other car than a used Prius. There are Priuii available both rebuilt and on craigslist in the $7-9K range now. Well worth buying if people just do the math.
I agree that high mileage drivers find the Prius attractive price wise, but you are spinning a little ... - I doubt all your 22k miles are city driving, and most cars get better mpg on the highway - Presumably you would not buy a Volvo as replacement - I have no idea what financial risk you took by buying a rebuilt car. Mind you, I think you probably made a wise choice, and autobeyours has a stellar reputation.
well I use mine for work and given current gas prices compared to my last work vehicle and the amount of miles I drive yearly 80K+ my prius was 10K and my last vehicle averaged 26mpg so mine will be free in a little over 2 years!!!
It's all city driving for me. Haven't gone on a trip in 5 years. I drive to peoples houses and fix their Puters. So I think my math is right.
Well, it might be optimistic to assume that a Prius which is 5 years old and has 82K miles on the odometer now won't incur significant repair bills as you add 160K miles to the odometer in the next two years. If you have to rely on Toyota dealer service you'll likely fork out a four-digit sum with any significant repair. However, hopefully you'll find that the gasoline cost savings dominate the financial picture.
