Gen2 Prius, Gen3 Prius, Prius C or ???
 

Hi all. I've got about a year left on my current lease ('14 Nissan leaf) and I've recently been bitten by the efficiency bug. In searching around online at what sort of car I want to get when the time comes, I keep coming to the conclusion that it seems impossible for me to beat a prius for value/efficiency.

So, in looking at the different prii out there, I've got a question for those who might know - gen2, gen3, or C? Which would you choose and why? I'm leaning towards the C, since it's a little smaller, lighter, and better for around town where most of my driving generally happens. It unfortunately is newer and thus more expensive, so that's a mark against it.

Alternatively, if you know of something comparable/better, I'd be interested to hear. My requirements are that it must be a compact (or smaller) car, have an automatic transmission(non-negotiable), be available for under $15k, and obviously have potential to get great gas mileage (50-70mpg). Preference will be given to smaller, cheaper, and/or more efficient vehicles. Hybrid is not required, but I haven't seen much evidence of anything beating hybrids in efficiency and for only 1-2k more, that pays for itself fast. Also, no pure EVs, I've got one now and the range is not enough for me to have as my primary vehicle, at least not until tesla (or anyone) starts making something under $30k that can go over 300 miles on a charge.

I'd be happy to answer any questions if I was unclear about anything. I've been loving lurking around this place and seeing all the amazing things people are doing to get the most out of their cars. :thumbup:

I'd go with a Prius C if you do mostly city driving and don't need the extra space.

The 4th generation Prius will be out in a year when your lease expires, so hopefully the price on the Gen II and III will come down.

If you go gen II, I would look at 2007 or newer since there were some improvements in that model year and more options were included in lower package models.

If going for a gen III I would get a 2012 or newer since there were some improvements made in that model year and more options were made standard in the base package. For example, HFL is standard on a package 2 from 2012 on.

Finally, you could get a plug in Prius if you still want the option to charge but have the range for when you need it. It's only good for about 12 miles before the engine kicks on. 2012 was the first model year for these. If electric rates are high, I wouldn't consider a plugin anything. Where I live, electricity is cheap, and plugging in is an appealing option.

I've done the same cost analysis and I can't beat already owning a Prius. If I were to replace it, I'd probably get another 2nd gen just because they can be had for under $10k if you want, and I don't pile on the miles (anymore).

I'm interested in the plug-in prius, but unfortunately even searching 300mi away from my zip code I only found one 2012 model selling for $23k. To be honest I only bought the leaf because my fuel is free, due to my university having several free plug-in spots on campus. I'll have graduated by the time my lease is up, so I don't know if the electric option will be as appealing.

Honestly searching the market is really frustrating, especially when looking at Honda over the last decade. They cancelled and then completely changed what the insight was/is, refuse to bring over their engine start/stop technology, and they won't bring the hybrid fit to the states (for some reason we get the EV model though?). They've also come out with the ridiculous cr-z which has dreams of being a fuel conscious sportscar? They could have made a super lightweight fuel sipping hybrid coupe (like the original insight) and had a whole market segment to themselves. I should stop now before I just get completely lost in a rant about things.

While we're wishing for future vehicles, here's to hoping the Elio works out. Outside of being a hybrid it's almost exactly what I'd design if I had my choice.

The Gen 4 Prius launch was just pushed back to December 2015.

Honestly, now is a good time to pick up a new Gen 3 if you plan on keeping it for a while. If you look, you can find deals. I bought my 2013 new in February for >$4000 off MSRP. Not sure what kind of deal you can find on a C.

1st-gen Insight with CVT?

-soD

Sadly I won't be able to wait for 02/16, since my lease ends in 09/15, no super late model year deals for me. :(

I would love to get one, but there's so much variation in vehicles which are that old and I'm not the kind who has the knowhow or the money to be throwing at potentially fixing a car with so many oddball parts. Beyond that they're thin on the ground in these parts. When I see them they usually go for around $3k, and tend to have 150k+ miles on them (in addition to being 10 years old). I seriously think they're the sexiest mass-produced eco-cars around, but I don't know that I can afford to gamble like that and risk being out of a car if something on it dies.

Why not think of a gasoline 2012 Civic HF? You could buy from a dealer with a warranty for much less than a new hybrid, maybe half as much. And the HF's 0.525 fifth gear, 4.44 final drive and 15" wheels will offer better freeway RPM'S than the legendary 1992-1995 Civic VX with its 0.702 fifth, 3.250 FD, and 13" wheels... the HF is also a VTEC engine. With smart hypermiling you should radically beat the freeway EPA rating and never need a new hybrid pack. A few minor and discreet mods would bring even better mileage.

EDIT: on car gurus I see a 2012 HF for sale from a dealer for under $15K and less than 40k miles.

You don't need to wait until Feb. 2016, unless you want to get a Gen 4, but I don't recommend buying the first year of a redesign. The current Prius is getting long in the tooth, and over the next year and a half you'll be able to find a deal if you want (right now Toyota is offering $1250 cash back and 0% financing on 2014s) as they continue to sell an aging design.