i'm in the market for a used car with a budget of $8,000(i know not a lot). i've been leaning toward 2nd gen Prius since i'm moving to california and gas prices are much higher. Most of the ones i've seen have 110-160,000 miles on them of course. in your honest opinion does it make more sense to go for a prius w/ MORE miles or get a non hybrid (corolla, camry) with LESS miles on it 60,000-75,000 for about the same price? thanks for any help or insight you can offer
welcome to priuschat! i would get the corolla/camry. how many miles would you have to drive to break even, assuming no major repairs? of course, if you want the prius for reasons other than gas savings, go for it. just be aware that repairs, although rare, can be more expensive than a non hybrid. all the best!
the gas savings are my main reason in wanting a Prius. my main concern is the reliability of a Prius(or any car) with mileage so high.
you are right to be concerned. buying the car with the lowest mileage is your best bet. it takes a long time to make up the difference in price between a corolla and a prius.
my honest opinion on your question is you would do much better in getting a lower mileage camry/corolla vs getting a high mileage Prius. I think the only Prius that really makes sense is a low mileage one. EXCEPT if you can repair the cars yourself, then a high mileage Prius can be considered. High mileage Prius cars can be very expensive to fix. No amount of gas savings will pay for the expensive repairs.
