Can't decide INSiGHT or Prius C

[coasterdevils30]

Awesome spreadsheets! I bascially did a little number crunching by hand before I made my purchase. Originally I was settled on the Prius C... I was probably 80% sure I would purcahse it.. but a local dealer had the '10 insight lx for 13600 with under 10k miles... felt it was too good to pass up

[Further]

I appreciate all the input. I'm still going back and forth everyday.
In the lot today at the Toyota dealer is a 2012 Prius C3 for $20,920 and at the Honda dealer is an Insight EX w/o Nav for $22,730. Those are the 2 models that I'm looking to buy.

I'm only looking for new and I honestly don't see where the Honda is cheaper.

[Further]

I should add that price is negligible, the 2 are so close in $ that it won't be a dollar decision. I also am not that concerned about MPG, as they are close enough. I'm looking for a comfortable commuter ride, occasional 4 hour drive. I also want something I can depend on. I test drove both and found the INSiGHT to be a little more comfortable, but I am concerned about the technological differences between the two.
I'm lacking confidence in the Honda's battery longevity/dependability.
I find it alarming that the Prius requires snow tires. I live in South Dakota and we get Winter every year and I've never bought snow tires in my life (35 years of driving).
I don't want to purchase an aftermarket stereo and streaming music via Bluetooth is a deal breaker for me if the INSiGHT isn't capable.

Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts!

[Kocho]

Originally Posted by Further

I appreciate all the input. I'm still going back and forth everyday.
In the lot today at the Toyota dealer is a 2012 Prius C3 for $20,920 and at the Honda dealer is an Insight EX w/o Nav for $22,730. Those are the 2 models that I'm looking to buy.

I'm only looking for new and I honestly don't see where the Honda is cheaper.

I would not even consider the Insigth at such high asking price. Ust not worth it. For about the same you can get a new 2012 Prius (not C, but the regular). The Prius is so much nicer and bigger and more fuel efficient than the Insight, that unless you are saving many thousands over it with the Insight, I think there is simply no good reason to go with the Insight! Maybe I had a good deal, but I paid $18.2 out the door price for my new '11 base model when it first came out, when the '11 Prius was $24+ (with all taxes, fees, etc). I don't know whether you "must" have the Honda nav and bluetooth, but I would not pay such premium for these over a base Insight. The '11 all come with traction control so the only diff in trim levels are convenience. The '12 have a bit more rear foot room, I hear, but still nowhere as useful as a Prius.

[coasterdevils30]

Yeah I agree with kocho.. go for the C or the regular prius for that price. 22.7 seems awfully high compared to what you get in the Toyotas.

[Kocho]

The Insight I find very comfortable for the front passengers, but even larger 8 year olds are cramped in the back in terms of foot room. No adult will be comfortable in the back for long as head room is also poor. The Prius has a LOT more rear room.

The Prius rides a bit firmer than Insight but is heavier and less bouncy than the Insight. Also, with exactly the same tires (size and brand) my wife's '08 Prius is a lot more surefooted than my '11 I sight. The '10+ Prii are even better in this regards. The Insight is just too soft-sprung, even compared to a Prius...I have not driven the Prius C - that is light and some complain harsher, but others like it as it feels sporty because of it...

Originally Posted by Further

I should add that price is negligible, the 2 are so close in $ that it won't be a dollar decision. I also am not that concerned about MPG, as they are close enough. I'm looking for a comfortable commuter ride, occasional 4 hour drive. I also want something I can depend on. I test drove both and found the INSiGHT to be a little more comfortable, but I am concerned about the technological differences between the two.
I'm lacking confidence in the Honda's battery longevity/dependability.
I find it alarming that the Prius requires snow tires. I live in South Dakota and we get Winter every year and I've never bought snow tires in my life (35 years of driving).
I don't want to purchase an aftermarket stereo and streaming music via Bluetooth is a deal breaker for me if the INSiGHT isn't capable.

Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts!

[Cobb]

FYI, the Fiat gets 45 mpg and has no hybrid crap to worry about.

[argentic]

Yea but its Fiat


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[abr]

I think I'd go with the Prius C as well. I haven't kept up with the newer Insights features or the C's, but I know the autostop feature in the Prius works much better than the Insights.

[Kocho]

Originally Posted by Cobb

FYI, the Fiat gets 45 mpg and has no hybrid crap to worry about.

I suppose you are joking, but some might take it seriously (the Fiat would be very far below 45mpg, not to mention it is 1/2 the size of the Insight )...

Fiat 500 MPG Reports | Fuelly