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Looking for a hybrid for my parents.

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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 09:44 PM
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Default Looking for a hybrid for my parents.

My parents have finally had enough of high gas prices and want a hybrid. They are leaning toward the Prius. Are there any better cars out there? I hear the demand for the Prius is crazy and the prices reflect it as well. Thanks.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:28 PM
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The Camry hybrids are pretty nice.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:41 PM
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I think they want a car that is a little more fuel efficient. What do you guys think about the Civic hybrid?
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Maximus350
I think they want a car that is a little more fuel efficient. What do you guys think about the Civic hybrid?
I think it may be too quirky and futuristic for most older car buyers...

If they want to save gas and money, why not get a small compact car with a simple I4 engine, such as the Corolla or Fit (both get about 30-35 mpg without hybrid technology)?
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 11:44 PM
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prius is really nice..nice nav n features, nice interior..exterior look not bad too.. MPG? no need to ask
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 01:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Maximus350
My parents have finally had enough of high gas prices and want a hybrid. They are leaning toward the Prius. Are there any better cars out there? I hear the demand for the Prius is crazy and the prices reflect it as well. Thanks.
How about an LS600hL?
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by tfz_hebe89
prius is really nice..nice nav n features, nice interior..exterior look not bad too.. MPG? no need to ask
+1

they (or you) will probably have to search quite a bit for one, or get on a list at your nearby dealer.

Civic is a notch below in MPG + features (no backup camera, etc)

another option is a slightly used Prius - there's quite a few out there now.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 04:37 PM
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a search on the pre-owned list on toyota's website shows quite a few in my area, that even though have high mileage, still cost about 25K. at least its available now.

i have to agree that the prius does not have any sacrifices other hybrids have. no small trunk is a big plus.

i forgot to add that my parents are also seeking a hybrid, but plan to wait for the three new models for next year. either the redesigned RX400h, the new prius, or the new dedicated hybrid from lexus. it might be too late for them by that time though...

Last edited by RXSF; Jun 3, 2008 at 04:43 PM.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Maximus350
My parents have finally had enough of high gas prices and want a hybrid. They are leaning toward the Prius. Are there any better cars out there? I hear the demand for the Prius is crazy and the prices reflect it as well. Thanks.
What are your parents looking at?

I would say Camry Hybrid (esp. if you're used to a nice large car or something with a lot of luxury). The Prius is great for maximum mpg and all the high tech toys (Although most can be found on the TCH).

Civic Hybrid is a good alternative and lower cost (I think? I can't remember the US prices). It's quite spacious for a compact car (the wheelbase is nearly identical to the Prius) and it gets pretty close to the Prius in mpg without looking like a hybrid (if that's what your parents want). It's also more fun to drive even though it's slower (0-60 is 13 secs vs. 10.5 for the Prius) but you can't do EV driving in the city.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 09:35 PM
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I'n going to ask them to test drive the Prius, Camry Hybrid and the Civic. I called around a 200 mile radiius and no one had a Prius in stock. I couldn't believe it.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Maximus350
I'n going to ask them to test drive the Prius, Camry Hybrid and the Civic. I called around a 200 mile radiius and no one had a Prius in stock. I couldn't believe it.
I've read that the Prius has been sold out since May 15
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:21 AM
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Originally Posted by xioix
I've read that the Prius has been sold out since May 15
I don't think so.....there's nearly 1000 on autotrader.com -- don't how accurate that is.

dealers have Prius' coming in all the time -- you need to get on the dealers list...and keep calling them. When one comes in they'll call and ask if you want it, if not they move to the next person on the list (I wouldn't plan on a discount).

Last edited by bagwell; Jun 4, 2008 at 11:58 AM.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Maximus350
I'n going to ask them to test drive the Prius, Camry Hybrid and the Civic. I called around a 200 mile radiius and no one had a Prius in stock. I couldn't believe it.
wow. Well I'm sure if you go on PriusChat, a kind member would be more than happy to help you out and take you out for a ride. It has happened in the past lol.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 01:28 PM
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Hey Maximus, I see you're also on Prime.

My folks also wanted a hybrid. They decided on an RX400 over a Camry hybrid. I'm sure the Camry and Prius offer 10-20 mpg better, if that's their top priority. All solid choices.

Last edited by pvmike1; Jun 4, 2008 at 08:43 PM.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:22 PM
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My parents are in the same boat. I've been pushing them to wait for the next gen Prius. What do you think?
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