[Kasmodean]

Someone totaled my 2008 Honda Fit and I am leaning towards buying a 2015 Toyota Prius C. I have never owned a hybrid before. The reason I always lean towards new is I need a reliable car for work. I live in the Northern rust belt, so really old cars are usually covered in rust. But before I buy the Prius C I want to rule out other cars.

I notice a lot of people recommend buying older 90s cars. Other than obviously being cheaper to buy, will their mileage surpass the Prius C? I will likely mod any vehicle I get including the Prius C so would one of these older cars compete with C in terms of MPG? I have read there are more mods to do to non-hybrids.

Also, I assume that in order to get these older cars to compete with the C you would need to practice extensive hypermiling.

Can anyone provide some feedback?