Thinking about selling a car - help me decide which one...

**GLC1968** · 05-28-2008, 02:03 PM

Yep, the Matrix has those features. It was 'top of the line' when we bought it (got a good deal as previous season leftover), so it's got everything possible. I'm not sure about stability control, but it's definitely covered on the other items. We should be good!

I don't know about the emissions standards. We bought the car in NC and while they do have emissions testing - I know it's not California strict. If Oregon goes with tighter controls, do older cars have to upgrade? That's really interesting to think about - it hadn't even occurred to me.

**ny biker** · 05-28-2008, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by tulip

If you are the type to drive a car until it dies, it will last alot longer than the Prius (no unknown battery issues).

There are no unknown battery issues with the Prius. Let's kill that myth right here.

If the Matrix meets your needs best, keep it. Plenty of people are on wait lists to buy Prii right now so I'm sure you can sell it easily.

**SadieKate** · 05-28-2008, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by ny biker

There are no unknown battery issues . . . .

Hold the presses! Stop the scientists! We don't need no more stinkin' research on anything because we now know what we don't know!

**sgtiger** · 05-28-2008, 02:49 PM

If the Matrix meets your needs better, go with that. Since you're doing most of your commute by bike, I imagine that what miles you do put on your car will be to transport dogs+gear for trips or items needed for your home which might not fit as well in the Prius.

About emissions, it looks like the new standards only apply to 2009 models and beyond. Oregon DEQ info on emissions guidelines:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehic...ssions.shtml08
http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/vip/whatstested.htm

**GLC1968** · 05-28-2008, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by ny biker

There are no unknown battery issues with the Prius. Let's kill that myth right here.

If the Matrix meets your needs best, keep it. Plenty of people are on wait lists to buy Prii right now so I'm sure you can sell it easily.

Ah...but there are unknown battery issues for us - as in, it is unknown in my family how to work on a car that is partially driven by batteries!

**OakLeaf** · 05-28-2008, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by GLC1968

Ah...but there are unknown battery issues for us - as in, it is unknown in my family how to work on a car that is partially driven by batteries!

Best keep it that way and not work on 'em in the backyard. My neighbor who's a body repair man, tells about an insurance adjuster who was electrocuted by a short in a Prius. Perfectly safe as long as you're not laying metal objects (his clipboard) across parts of the internals, after it's been crashed.

Of course it could be an urban legend, but he told it like he heard it from someone who worked at the shop where it happened.

**mimitabby** · 05-28-2008, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Best keep it that way and not work on 'em in the backyard. My neighbor who's a body repair man, tells about an insurance adjuster who was electrocuted by a short in a Prius. Perfectly safe as long as you're not laying metal objects (his clipboard) across parts of the internals, after it's been crashed.

Of course it could be an urban legend, but he told it like he heard it from someone who worked at the shop where it happened.

It's NOT on snopes.com; they're usually very good about keeping track of urban legends!!!!

**Crankin** · 05-29-2008, 02:56 AM

Keep the Matrix. You're already doing a lot to cut down on energy usage by selling one car. You need to have your car fit your lifestyle. If that includes dogs and bikes, you need to think about that.
The Matrix is not exactly an energy hog.

Of course, my opinion always goes against the grain. I think Priuses are ugly.

**OakLeaf** · 05-29-2008, 04:11 AM

Originally Posted by ny biker

Plenty of people are on wait lists to buy Prii right now so I'm sure you can sell it easily.

I struggle with pluralizing that name, too

For a long time I thought it really ought to be Greek: Prios, Prioi. Now I say it's a fourth declension Latin noun: Prius, Pri[long U]s. Except I don't know how to make a long U in HTML.

GLC: keep the Matrix.

(and don't forget: Matrices.)

**tulip** · 05-29-2008, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by Crankin

Of course, my opinion always goes against the grain. I think Priuses are ugly.

I agree. They look like cockroaches (so do classic Citroens, but I like those). I found the Prius that I drove to be lacking in some very significant ways. The rear window slopes so much that when I look in the rearview mirror, there's only a sliver of window to see through. And the rear side panels are very wide, further reducing visibility. I just like to be able to see all around, and I couldn't do that in the Prius. Plus, the other cars I was looking at (Matrix, Fit, Rabbit, Corolla, Yaris, Versa) were about $8k cheaper, so I couldn't justify the purchase on gas savings alone.

They are so popular, and it's great that there are so many Prius aficionados. Too bad they can't use the same technology in an improved body. I like the first generation Prii better.

Hijack over.

**GLC1968** · 05-29-2008, 09:03 AM

Crankin and Tulip - the 2009 Prius has a new look. I haven't seen it in person yet, so I can't comment on the rear window thing...but overall, it's much neater looking (and less hybridish).

After all this internal debate, I'm finding that I'd love to get something that is more practical like a Matrix (or even something more wagon-type like an Outback) in a hybrid model. That would solve all our issues!

So, it's settled then. Once we get moved into the new house, the Prius goes up for sale. Anyone in the market for a nice dark red 2005 with 60K miles and a navigation system?

**indigoiis** · 05-29-2008, 09:13 AM

I envy you. We have four vehicles and can't get rid of any of them - one is for hauling stuff around the farm (old pickup); one is for hauling stuff to the farm (Toyota Pickup); one is for hauling animals (minivan); one is for hauling DH to and from his job (Prius).

While it is nice to have the flexibility of all of those vehicles when we have visitors from out of town, or need to haul something, I hate that we can't pare down.

I say keep the matrix.

**OakLeaf** · 05-29-2008, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by GLC1968

I'm finding that I'd love to get something that is more practical like a Matrix (or even something more wagon-type like an Outback) in a hybrid model.

A Subaru rep told me in '06 that there'd be a hybrid Forester in '07. Which has come and gone... Way I understand it, the issue is with the transverse engine. Apparently there's no room in the engine compartment for the electric motor and ancillary whoknowswhat. The other thing is, AWD hybrids still get s*cky gas mileage, and you're better off with the Matrix in that department, if you live someplace where you don't really need AWD. We (briefly) considered a Ford Escape hybrid, but besides being freakin' HUGE, the gas mileage is pathetic.

**Hub** · 06-03-2008, 10:50 AM

Sounds to me like the Matrix is more flexible for your needs.

**tc1** · 06-04-2008, 08:29 PM

I always buy my cars according to what fits my needs the best. Sounds like the Matrix fits your needs the best, plus it has a known maintenance history. And, re the Prius, I am a little concerned about the effect of dog pee and dog vomit corroding the battery area then getting into the batteries

. No, I haven't heard of any studies, but I have had new dogs and old dogs, and sooner or later they all leak from somewheres.

Besides, wait a couple months for gas prices to keep rising, then sell the Prius and make more money.

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