news flash:
cars are expensive.
and as it's already being stated, you need to compare properly with prices.
it's easy to look at some add and see how affordable the car companies are making things look.
But peel back the smoke and mirrors and you learn how quickly prices go up.
the Tech package is a completely loaded vehicle. (at least that's as loaded as you're getting it)
It's actually a nice little car. If you don't need a big car and want some creature comforts.
My wife drives a Yaris and her friend recently bought this car with the same package. My wife feels this thing is far nicer, drive better. They're nearly the same car, just hers is older and lacks many of the options the tech package features.
Pricing...
here's a great example of how insane things can get.
Hyundai Tuscon... every add will show this car at $19,999.00
BUT... if you want to drive off the dealer lot with the completely fully loaded version... i know someone who's paying off a $42,000 loan for this car. FOURTY TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS for a $20K vehicle!!!!!!!!!! How the heck does that happen!!!!
I just think, but they could have bought a million other vehicles instead at that price!!!!!
the point here is, until you actually start to build and price a vehicle, you don't really know what the real cost is. Unless of course you want the bottom of the line, bare bones model.
- 4 trim levels of Prius C of which the Prius C "upgrade" is the cheapest, but more livable.
- Prius C Tech "premium" is getting to the point that the buyer is not bothered by the fact that they have exceeded the "value ceiling".
- Prius C rides and handles nothing like a Yaris.
Finally what ppl don't get who haven't had extended seat time in a Toyota Hybrid; the opportunity to drive on battery only. This applies to urban driving and if your the type of person that likes going down 50 km/h streets in silence or going thru the TIM's of the world in SILENCE then the cost is in line with what you get.
Sure, an Accent is an alternative. Just think, 80 degrees F, stop and go traffic, idling, drive belt spinning the AC, alternator, etc., all located on idlers that wear out along with the starter and the brakes .... same old sh*t. But on the flip side an Accent might be better in very cold environments such as anything other than BC's lower mainland, Toronto, Niagara and Windsor areas.
