Sunday, June 14, 2009

Buy 2010 Prius or 2010 Fusion Hybrid or 2009 Prius?

Question: I have three hybrid cars with commensurate pricing: the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid base, 2010 Toyota Prius base and a loaded 2009 Toyota Prius. The latter seems like the best deal, but now I’m reading of braking and seat problems. Any advice?

Answer:

The 2010 Prius is a significant improvement over the 2009; it benefits from increased gas mileage ratings, a higher quality interior and an MSRP that isn’t significantly higher than the 2009’s. In fact, the entry-level 2009 and 2010 Prius both start at $22,000; the pricing differences come in the higher trim levels.

The current generation Prius has had complaints about the brake-pedal feel associated with its regenerative braking, but it’s a characteristic of the car and not a problem. You’ll be able to judge if it’s a deal-breaker when you test drive one. The same goes for the seating, which Toyota has upgraded for the 2010 Prius.

The 2009 Prius might be more attractive with its current incentive of zero-percent financing for up to 60 months in your area. Between the financing offer and the arrival of the 2010 Prius, you could find a good deal on a new 2009 Prius or even a used 2009 from current owners that are looking to trade-in for the new model. Orders are already being placed for the 2010 models, so it might be a while before you can take delivery of one.

The Fusion Hybrid is a little out of place in this comparison as it starts at $27,270 and is a larger, more traditional sedan compared to the hatchback Prius. The Fusion Hybrid competes with Toyota’s 2010 Camry Hybrid.

+ 2010 Toyota Prius, Would It Be U.S. Top Model?
+ Best Selling Car May 2009 of Japan: 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid
+ 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Tax Credit is Good!
+ 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Tax Credit Updates
+ 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Road Test
Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid

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