New vehicle for my mom... considering a Prius C?

[Spazdog]

What does she want?

Maybe she's really pleased with Corollas. (good luck finding a fairly well appointed manual....I almost never see manual Corollas anymore. Not even the "sportier" S model)

Maybe she's ready to move up to an Acura ILX or Buick Verano.

I would also show her the Hyundai Elantra. If she likes Corollas, she should really like the Elantra.

 

[supton]

Why not wait it out a couple more years on the '03? It's only around 100k, so it's got life left. Sounds like it does everything needed, and that the automatic is a wish "for the future", not a new need.

 

[BearZDefect]

True, that 03 has plenty life left in it, but it has reached the age where it will soon exhibit old car symptoms: Leaks will spring out of various seals, when you fix one there are two more waiting to take its place.

So if she wants a new car and can afford it, why not? Keep the 03 Corolla somewhere in the family, someone who has DIY skills can get more years of good economical service out of it.

 

[supton]

Fair enough--can't blame her, as I really want to do the same myself!

I'd be hard-pressed to go other than Prius. Short trips etc. Not sure if C vs V(whatever the normal sized one is), since the regular hatch is a bit larger and probably a bit better in NVH and ride; but for short trips across town it probably doesn't matter--and the hatch is going to cost more.

If it takes her 10 years to rack up 100k, what about getting her that Toyota care at the same time? Sounds like she might like that: nothing out of pocket, save tires, for 100k. Just go in every 5k. Like an appliance. Let dad check the oil level and tire pressure every so often.

 

[fdcg27]

Somebody who drives but 10K a year doesn't get much benefit from a fuel sipper.
I'd recommend a larger, safer car, like a Camry, which can be bought for a couple of shekles more than a Prius C, or maybe even the same bucks.
There is also no manual available in any version of the Prius, if that's what she'd prefer.
Another Corolla is also an option, and would be cheaper than any Prius, although how much cheaper will depend upon the price of fuel when she actually buys a car.
Prius discount retail pricing correlates pretty directly with the price of fuel in my observation.

 

[[email protected]]

I just bought a regular Prius hatchback this September. I went from a GM SUV. I didnt think the Prius was going to 'work out' for me because of its size and performance - in general, and also its performance in snow.

1.) It has more than enough power. Heck, it goes 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, whereas a Dodge Avenger with a 4-cylinder takes 11.5 seconds. Plus it averages 50mpg

2.) It performs in snow fantastically, if thats a word. Im completely confident with it in Michigan winters.

2.) The inside is very roomy. Im 6' 190lbs.

Based on what you've told us, I think the Prius C, which is smaller "city" designated than my hatchback Prius, is a GREAT choice for your Mom, especially with her coming from a Corolla. Of course, she will need to drive one first and make sure SHE likes it. Im sure she will....

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Somebody who drives but 10K a year doesn't get much benefit from a fuel sipper.


Yup, buy her another Corolla if she likes what she was driving, or another similar car if she's interested. No need to punish yourself in a Prius C (it is a Yaris Hybrid) if driven only 10k a year.

 

[jigen]

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't know the C was Yaris size. That's a bit small but we will see. I think she digs the styling of the C and is looking for something a little different. But we will see in the spring!

 

[JimPghPA]

The last time my mother was looking for a car I brought a few to her to look at. One thing she said she wanted was "that thing on the top of the trunk on the back of the car so she can judge where the back of the car is when she parks it". Well that was a new one for me, I always though a spoiler was put on the back of a car to add down force at highway speeds to improve the way the back wheels of the car gripped the road. Now I know better, at least according to her it is for judging the back of the car for parking. I wonder what NASCAR will think of that.

And she also did not want leather seats, because of how hot they get on a hot day.