We have a 20 year old 1st gen Prius with 475,000 miles on it. Never had a major repair, still runs like new everyday. The only thing is that it is ugly. I want a new car, but my wife says that we need to drive it until it dies. It will never die. Should I buy a new Prius or keep driving this until it dies? Are new Priuses still good quality? I will only drive Toyotas after this Prius.
The new Prius is good but never buy the first model year of any generation. I would check the battery health of your current Prius to see how it is, hopefully you have a back up car just in case.
475,000 miles is a lot of miles. Do you have a backup car or is this your only transportation? Do you drive a lot? If it were me, I would at least look to see what’s out there because the next major repair you need done to that Prius, it might be time for a newer (not necessarily brand new) vehicle. Unfortunately, newer cars are all more complex than 20 years ago and I would argue the newer ones may not last as long as the older ones, even Toyota’s. I also would not limit your search to another Prius.
Yes it is a lot of miles. We drove back and forth from Massachusetts to Pittsburgh a lot during those years. I used it for work every single day, and we took it on vacations. It really has been driven a lot. Like I said, weve had it for 20 years.
I tend to concur. I took a leak at some newer Toyota engines, and I was like, damn, this is almost as complex as a BMW.
My 99 Accord looks super simple compared to these modern cars.
It further amazes me to look at car engines from the 70’s or older! Those look super simple.
If you want all the fancy features of a new car and the accompanying car payment, get a new one.
If you just need to get from point A to point B safely, and it is not costing an arm and a leg to maintain or repair, keep driving the old one.
Right now since the car prices are high I say drive it as long as you can. But at the same it is a gamble we dont know if the car prices will ever go down or go above.
See, that's why I asked. I never even thought about the state of car prices right now. Thank you for your input. You are correct! I agree!
I actually put $1100 into it to pass PA inspection. I am very happy that I did. This 1st gen Prius starts and drives like the day I bought it.
I actually put $1100 into it to pass PA inspection. I am very happy that I did. This 1st gen Prius starts and drives like the day I bought it.
None of the new cars are better in terms of reliability as the old ones, IMO. They just have more luxurious electronic junk that messes up sooner.
If all you’re worried about is it’s looks, spend $1000 on cosmetic upgrades & make it look like a new car.
Buy new headlamps & tail-lamps, fit an android stereo, fix up the worn seats and if the budget allows, fix up all the dents & scratches.
The car itself, as you said -
It will never die.
