Getting wife a new car - help

CBR Shadow · 11-06-2012, 06:37 AM

I'm selling my wife's 2011 Kia Sorento (worth about $19,000) and buying her some type of very fuel efficient car. I was thinking either a 2006-2009 Prius, 2010 Insight, or 2009+ civic hybrid. I want to buy used and am looking to spend $14,000-17,000.

I understand this is an insight forum, but which would you go for and why?
Is it true that the 2009-2011 honda civic hybrid gets better gas mileage thant he insight?

What are the Pro's/Con's of each vehicle listed above?

Thanks for any help!
Ryan

**freezin4** · 11-06-2012, 08:32 AM

Which one: Prius
Why: The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive probably has the most reliable battery management system. And more consistent MPG than Insights. Not the prettiest car, but it's handy.
Unsure about the '09+ HCH.
Good luck.

Edit: BTW, at that money, you can start getting into the newest (2010+) Prius. But if two seats are enough, consider the 1st Gen Insight. There are low mileage '06s out there for around $10K.

CBR Shadow · 11-06-2012, 10:19 AM

I actually own a 2002 Insight already. She like sthe car, but says it's way too rough of a ride for her. I want something newer and a little nicer for her.
I see 2010 Prius' going for about $19-20k. I'd really like to keep the purchase price around $15-16k if possible.

egads · 11-06-2012, 12:21 PM

I think the 2010+ Insights will also be "too rough" of a ride for your wife. My wife went from a Honda Odyssey to the Insight (because she had to cut the fuel costs & it had over 200k) and the ride comfort is her only complaint. I have not driven a Prius, but I bet it would be the most comfortable. A HCH might be a little nicer than the Insight. For us it was about the usability of the hatch.

**freezin4** · 11-06-2012, 03:05 PM

Consider a Toyota Camry Hybrid. My wife has a 2007 with 108K trouble free miles. The newer ones are even better.

Diana · 11-08-2012, 09:28 AM

Not sure how "smooth" a ride your wife wants, but I got the 2012 Insight and it's quite nice compared to my 23 year-old Civic which is barely more comfortable than sitting on a skateboard.

I'm considering a new set of tires for better mpg and less noise, though.

Rick Reece · 11-08-2012, 12:14 PM

You might want to check the lease rates on some of the new electric vehicles. The volt has been as low as 199 but the norm is closer to 299. Not sure how far she drives but if its less than 40 miles at a time then you could completely eliminate your gas use. If she drives more than 80 miles at a time then you are better off with the Prius.

**Waynetc** · 11-08-2012, 12:56 PM

I'd go with the Prius - Get a used certified one and it's a great deal any year. I have a G1 insight and a G2 prius. Very pleased with Prius (avg 50mpg) and all the warranty work (certified) Toyota has done since owning it.

InsightFTW10 · 11-08-2012, 08:44 PM

Can't go wrong with Prius or Insight to be honest. You can go wrong though buying a 2nd gen HCH hybrid. Those have the worst management system for the NiMH IMA batteries I have ever seen.

Don't make a 5,000 mistake by getting the 06-11 HCH hybrid. They have a design flaw in the battery. Avoid em. The 2012+ are different with the Li+ battery but thats out of your price range

As for the Prius vs. Insight, the more refined vehicle is the Prius. The more FUN vehicle is the Insight. The bigger vehicle is the Prius. The more "Normal" car is the Insight.

Gas Mileage is a toss up in most everyday situations. If you do more 45-50 MPH driving, the IMA system in the Insight will kick butt. If you crawl in rush hour traffic , the HSD system will blow IMA out of the water.

Make your choice. Can't go wrong with both

Jivko57 · 11-09-2012, 07:17 AM

Ryan, if your wife is happy with the Sorrento so far, it may be a mistake to trade in such a new car for an older hybrid. If she drives a lot and clocks 2k miles a month the fuel savings over several years may justify the losses in the trade in and the tax on the new car, but if she drives fewer miles per month, you may be doing a mistake provided she is happy with the comfort of her current ride.

Basic calculation : you probably will lose ~9k on this transaction (7k on the trade in and you pay 1500 tax+ 500 dealer fees on the new car).
at $4.00 a gallon that is ~2250 gallons and at 20 mpg that will be ~ 45000 miles
you could buy with the saved money if you do not do the change .....