New Prius or Used Civic?

[danisaacs]

Looking to buy in the next few weeks. I like the new Prius (2010) more than the older models. I also like the 50mpg. But I know I can get a 2008 or so Civic for a lot less, with pretty good but not Prius-like fuel efficiency.

Anyone have any thoughts on either side?

[Shpuker]

Out of those 2, the Civic. All the money you would've spent extra on the Prius you'll loose and more with maintenance. And its a better car

[danisaacs]

Thanks. There are a few certified pre-owned civic hybrids around here. I'll try and test one and check it out.

[akboss]

It depends on who you are and how you drive to offer advice between these two cars. If you are an aggressive driver, you won't see 50 mpg out of a Prius and the Civic makes more sense. If you like a sport drive, the Civic would also be better, the Prius lacks driver engagement. Also, unless you drive long distances every year (20K miles or more), you won't be spending a crazy amount on gas anyways, and the upgrade to the mega-mileage Prius is not important.

I wouldn't be worried about service costs - a battery has much less that can go wrong with it than a combustion engine, there are very few moving parts in the battery assembly, and Toyota covers it with an 8-year, 100K mile warranty.

Basically unless you a) drive 20K+/year, b) don't mind a 'soft' car, and c) aren't an aggressive driver, the Honda is a better choice. What about the Matrix/Corolla? If you like Toyota's, that might be an alternative to the Civic, especially in sportier 'S' or 'XRS' trim.

[danisaacs]

I probably drive 10-12k per year, but the majority of that is non-highway, local roads with lots of lights and stop signs. I will take a used Civic and Civic Hybrid out for a spin, and compare it with a test drive of a new Prius. Then I will weigh the mileage, financial and drivability factors. I may also stop by Hyandai and look at a Sonata or Elantra. But since I do so much local driving, I'd rather stay with a hybrid to get max mileage.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by danisaacs

I probably drive 10-12k per year, but the majority of that is non-highway, local roads with lots of lights and stop signs. I will take a used Civic and Civic Hybrid out for a spin, and compare it with a test drive of a new Prius. Then I will weigh the mileage, financial and drivability factors. I may also stop by Hyandai and look at a Sonata or Elantra. But since I do so much local driving, I'd rather stay with a hybrid to get max mileage.

Good idea - sit down and crunch the numbers. If you have Excel, put in numbers for how long you intend to keep the car and make columns for all your planned expenses, right from each oil change to out-of-warranty costs, fuel, insurance, etc. You will be amazed at what turns out! And buying used (when adding out-of-warranty expenses and cost of financing) can be as much as buying new.

[Shpuker]

buying a civic Hybrid would sotra ruin the point of avoiding the Prius.....