Why I am predicting something as silly as increased Prius sales? I have my reasons, and you are about to find out.
Do you own a Toyota Prius? Are you looking to own a Toyota Prius? If I were you, I would get one now before you are not able to. Now before you start losing your mind, hear me out. I am here to give you a warning, nothing more. My warning is simple, but it can save you a lot of hassle.
The Toyota Prius Is Going To Cost A Premium Soon
New or used, the fabled gas miser, Toyota Prius, is going to cost a premium. Before you think this is only about the rising gas prices, think again. Everything that is surrounding us is starting to cost more.
Gas prices are just the beginning. Right now, in California, regular gas is 3.49 a gallon. While it is cheaper in other parts of the country, this is very concerning to me. When fuel costs more, the goods and services we rely on cost more too.
When your life costs more to live comfortably, you begin to find ways to keep more money in your pocket while still enjoying freedom. One of those ways is being concerned about getting from point A to point B for the lowest cost possible.
People that once enjoyed the freedom of taking the family out now have to rethink that strategy, and the first way most do it is with what they drive.
I saw this happen back in 2009 when fuel prices surged. I was working for a Toyota dealer at the time, and we could not keep a Prius on the lot for more than 48 hours.
Conclusion
Call me crazy, but if you have a Toyota Prius, I bet by this summer, it will increase in value. If I were you, I would try to get my hands on a couple of good ones and hold them till prices go up. Or get yourself one now while prices are still reasonable.
I hope this helps someone make an informed decision. I look forward to seeing you in the following article- Catalytic converter theft is so bad, people risking their lives.
Check out this wild new battery tech that Tesla has and why it will forever change the auto industry.
Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporters.
I leased a prius. Just turned
I leased a prius. Just turned it in.. Great car but overpriced. "Its bigger on the inside" and is fairly peppy around town . but Gas is such a small part of TCO it doesn't matter at all.
I would never buy a Prius too
I would never buy a Prius too small and too slow. Also the caty converter is very expensive. Thieves like the Prius Caty converter for some reason. Also a high number of previous Prius owners in CA left the little polluter and bought a Tesla model3
No need to replace with an
No need to replace with an OEM cat. You bag buy an cheap bolt on off eBay for less than 1/4 the price. If you only need the cat, it's even cheaper. You just have to have a muffler shop weld the right flanges on, and they'll make it fit what was cut with tube expanders
I don't think that's going to
I don't think that's going to be the case now, at least not to the level it was 10 yrs ago. The difference is that in 2009 the prius had no real competition, most fuel efficient cars were achieving low 30 mpgs. Now the competition is much closer with plenty of cars getting 40+ mpg and also there are affordable electric cars.
I just bought a new Hyundai
I just bought a new Hyundai ioniq for pretty much your exact reasoning. And got it a lot cheaper than a prius. I do see this type of car being harder to buy over the next several years.
I would stay away from prius
I would stay away from prius's, my ex got and both of them ended up with blown head gaskets. Other than those two issues can honestly say that's it, but what's a car if the engine is no good.