[auser86]

I have a 2010 Prius with 30k miles that I use for work commuting about 40 miles (60% highway, 40% city). This area has tons of potholes and construction zones and the Prius feels like its axles are coming off everytime I hit a pothole, small bump, or uneven road. This might be due to the low suspension or type of suspension/framework used.

Given that the hybrid battery will cost a ton after the warranty expires, the maintenance/repair costs for drive train, transmission, or engine will cost a lot….I’m deciding whether to trade it in.

I’ve researched a bit and I think a new 2013 nissan versa sedan is a good match.

I can trade the Prius in and only have to pay about 5k or so for the versa.

Would this be a good choice? I know very little about cars…so I don’t know if the drive train components, engine, transmission compares to the Prius. My biggest concern is cost of repair/maintenance. The prius has to have the hybrid battery disconnected to repair certain components.

 

[08versailles]

Welcome!
Assuming the Prius is a hatch, you may miss it, so i recommend getting a Versa hatch.
If you prefer new, the updated 2014 Nissan Versa Note [hatch] is coming out shortly, might be out now, search forum for details
Lots of people happy with the new sedan and 1.6L motor too, welcome!

 

[auser86]

I don't really care about the style or mpg (expecting atleast 28-30mpg)....I just want a reliable commuting car. If any repairs are needed in the future, it should be cheap etc.

 

[JoshG]

How about getting a manual tranny? Those are pretty good on gas. I've had my 2010 sedan for a little over 3 years and love it. No issues at all.

 

[NewNissanNupson]

You're trading in a 2010 Prius for a 2012 Versa sedan and you have to PAY 5000 along with giving them your Prius? Bad deal my friend, sell that thing on autotrader.com and use the money go buy a Versa sedan, you probably will make money.

 

[JVersa]

Prius isn't a cheape car they can be pricey. A clean trade would be good, or go with NewNissan's idea.

 

[Crazzyboy]

I personally would not do it. But thats me. Gas milage sucks balls. Pathetic. Horrible. If I had bought it new I would have sued Nissan to take it back

 

[gapperguy]

I never bought a hybrid because I was told it was thousands of dollars to replace the batteries after about 4 to 6 years. There goes the gas savings. Also, the Versa has one of the cheapest insurance rates for some reason. I agree to buy the hatchback version. I have a 2010 HB and love it. I bought my car with 21,000 miles on it from Hertz Rent 2 Buy and it was $5,000 below bluebook. It is loaded with all the options. I would probably sell the car outright to someone looking for a hybrid and don't mention the batteries. Good luck.

 

[Tijo93]

I never bought a hybrid because I was told it was thousands of dollars to replace the batteries after about 4 to 6 years. There goes the gas savings. Also, the Versa has one of the cheapest insurance rates for some reason. I agree to buy the hatchback version. I have a 2010 HB and love it. I bought my car with 21,000 miles on it from Hertz Rent 2 Buy and it was $5,000 below bluebook. It is loaded with all the options. I would probably sell the car outright to someone looking for a hybrid and don't mention the batteries. Good luck.

I'm actually working at a Toyota dealership and as for the hybrid battery, it's not that much about years but more in milleage. We've had a client using his prius as a taxi 24/7 he had to replace the battery at 275,000 kms only after 2 years or so..the battery itself is nearing 5000$ I think..so yeah it's a lot of money but as a city car, you'll save in gas money too ! Obviously, the Versa is gonna cost a little more but in maintenanceand parts price, I think it'll be an even match after all ! : P

 

[robj80]

You're trading in a 2010 Prius for a 2012 Versa sedan and you have to PAY 5000 along with giving them your Prius? Bad deal my friend, sell that thing on autotrader.com and use the money go buy a Versa sedan, you probably will make money.

I agree with this statement. Getting rid of a 2010 prius with 30k you should definitely be able to get into a 2012 Versa for nothing. Unless you went with the SL with all the options. Even then I think it's possible.

I personally would not do it. But thats me. Gas milage sucks balls. Pathetic. Horrible. If I had bought it new I would have sued Nissan to take it back

The OP is talking about getting a newer one with the 1.6. The old 1.8 engines usually do get horrible gas mileage but the 1.6 is a totally different beast. In 126k miles of driving my worst tank is 32mpg and that doesn't happen too often. I have the older 1.6 with a 5spd. The difference between the two engines is huge. Or at least it seems that way from what I read on the net.

 

[RedAlertV]

Versa it's a great car but if you're looking for mpgs than a Fit might be a better option. Not trying to steer you away from the versa by any means but mpgs could be better, at least for the hatch. The sedan does give out great mpg if driven correctly and well maintained from what I've heard. And DAMN 5k for the battery lol. Good luck either way

 

[JVersa]

Trade in value of a 5 door 2010 Prius with 30,000 miles is $18,000 on kbb ( not fan of kbb but there you have it)

 

[steamer99]

One other option to think about, since anything else (Versa or Fit) will cost more in fuel, take what you are spending now on fuel and put a matching amount into a "repairs" account. Will cost about the same as having a non-hybrid and you will have the money already available for repairs plus will not take another hit on deprecation.