Ask the Car People.SM


Purchasing a USED Hybrid - READ ONLY

20 messages,  Last post on Jun 23, 2005 at 9:03 PM

You are in the Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions Forum.

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the Hybrids Host for directions! discussion.

What is this discussion about? Hybrid Cars

Messages Page 3 of 3

#13 of 20 10K by mirth

Jun 03, 2005 (8:57 am)

I don't think you can get a VW TDI for less than $10K, even used.

#14 of 20 Re: 10K [mirth] by gagrice

Jun 03, 2005 (9:02 am)

Replying to: mirth (Jun 03, 2005 8:57 am)
I don't think you can get a VW TDI for less than $10K, even used.
 
Not in CA or one of the CARB states. They bring top dollar. In the free states you may find one. I think the used Corolla or Civic is a better choice with the limited funds.

#15 of 20 Wildatheart: Get the longest extended warranty you can find by marcb

Jun 22, 2005 (2:30 pm)

Hybrids are very expensive to fix.
 
You are stuck with having to bring them to a dealer, then parts are expensive too. Even a $2k+ insurance will pay for itself in less than 2 repairs.
 
Establish a good relationship w a reputable dealer by having them service your car. As a hybrid ages, the risk of expensive repair goes way too high.
 
If you are that committed to driving a hybrid, consider car replacement in your insurance.
 
However if $aving your money and the world is your intent, and you are handy with tools consider buying those cheap old VW or Benz diesels. Get yourself a good manual and familiarize yourself with your car and the local used car parts. Then buy a conversion kit to veggie oil (ie. www.frybrid.com) or a biodiesel making kit.
 
Even with the veggie conversion or biodiesel kit, you still end up spending considerably less, your fuel savings will continue forever, you cut down support to Big Oil and terrorism, and cut your c02 contribution, and recycle an old car from going to the landfill.
 
Now isn't that a win-win situation?
 
Marcb:
 
- Ex used '01 Prius owner.
- Studying to convert replacement 94 Jetta TD to veggie fuel.

#16 of 20 Re: Wildatheart: Get the longest extended warranty you can find [marcb] by gagrice

Jun 22, 2005 (2:34 pm)

Replying to: marcb (Jun 22, 2005 2:30 pm)
Ex used '01 Prius owner
 
Did you get a good price for your used Prius?

#17 of 20 Not sure if it was... you be the judge. by marcb

Jun 23, 2005 (7:22 am)

gagrice:
 
I bought that 01 Prius with 26k km for $22k (all prices in Canadian) from a Toy dealer.
Brand new Canadian Prius goes for $30k.
 
Drove it up to 96k km then sold it Feb (winter when cars don't usually sell well) for a no haggle price of $16.5k .
 
The asking price then were around $17k but I just wanted to get rid of it quick as I already bought my 94 Jetta TD and I was paying insurance for both (and it was getting tight in my driveway with 3 cars in my one car garage).
 
Needless to say I was deluged with calls.
 
Now (summer), same car for same mileage goes for $18.5k.

#18 of 20 more used hybrid advice by marcb

Jun 23, 2005 (7:39 am)

A used Insight would be a better buy than a used Prius, simply because the Insight has continued today with no major changes.
 
If you have to go for a used Prius, go for the newer hatchback model so you get the latest hybrid system.
 
See, this is the problem with used hybrids. The technology is still developing quickly and you may end up buying older tech.
 
Heres one more thing icky about owning one (for now until they become more widespread).
 
If ever you get into any accidents major or minor, don't settle the cost privately between you and the other driver. Always take the other persons insurance and have it fixed in the shop. That bender on that exotic fender could cost you more than you think it would.

#19 of 20 used hybrid advice by lorok

Jun 23, 2005 (9:03 pm)

I have noticed the Prius gets no better mileage than my '95 Honda Civic VX ,
around 45-50. So For considerably less $ and still good reliability , the Honda
is still a good choice. In researching vehicles for best gas mileage , the '95 VX is the best. I got lucky. The civic is noisy & not all that comfortable , especially in comparison to any newer vehicle .......

Messages Page 3 of 3

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement