Hit and Run

California does not allow uninsured motorist property damage to be used in hit-and-run collisions. In these states, your collision coverage may be able to help pay for your car repairs.
https://www.esurance.com/info/claims/hit-and-run-claims

Prius Gen 2 MAF Sensor Cleaning (Code P0171)

The MAF (mass air flow) sensor measures the mass of the air flowing through the throttle valve. Air mass changes due to altitude, temperature, etc. The car computer uses this information to determine the fuel injection time and provide a proper air–fuel ratio. (Via)

The Prius gen 2 MAF assembly has external and internal sensors.

First, the external intake air temperature (IAT) sensor:

Before: intake air temperature sensor bulb (left) obscured by deposits

After: intake air temperature sensor bulb sparkles

Second, the internal sensors: 1) Ambient temperature sensor; and 2) hot wire, kept at a fixed temperature above the measured ambient temperature:

A mini hamburger bun (?)

Wait. That debris should not be there. Wow. The other sensor seems dirty. Not sure anyone has ever cleaned these in 260K+ miles.

The car has run rough for some time--I'm guessing this explains why.

After: clean hot wire and ambient temperature wire, with debris removed

I used a Craftsman 9-4116 Offset Screwdriver Ratchet Set to extract the two screws. Others have used a flexible socket extension, etc. A bit of torque was required to loosen them.

Set it on generous layers of paper towels. Sprayed short bursts of CRC MAF sensor cleaner onto the bulb and inside the housing--as the instructions state, do not touch the components while cleaning.

I think the result speaks for itself. Cleared the code and will see if it fixes code P0171.

This project really represents something anyone can do in a very short amount of time.

The car now throttles very smoothly.

NOTES

Via:
It would dry really quick, just a minute or two. But just to be sure I let mine sit for about 15 mins then installed it. A simple trick is to spray the side of the mesh first and then the open side. If you do it the opposite order( spraying the mesh side last) all the crap from the mesh is gonna stay on the sensor. Also keep the sprayer 5-6 inches away from the sensor. So:

1. Remove sensor
2. Spray the mesh side
3. Spray the open side
4. Let it sit for 10-15. Do NOT touch the actual string with anything
5. Put it back in the car

Via:
If you are replacing the MAF, consider a new O-ring (90099-14141). If needed, new screws (90167-A0016). From any Toyota source for about $5.
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~screw-pan-tapping~90167-a0016.html

Prius Combination Meter Notes

Via https://priuschat.com/threads/combination-meter-repair-diy.161268/:

• I use the key FOB trick (Foot on the brake, lock, turn on lights, foot off the brake, lock) to get it back on, which works about 95% of the time

Prius High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp (HID) Bulb Replacement

Replaced the HID bulbs from November 2015, about 3.5 years.

Still a PITA. But this time it was easier as I had lower expectations.

Previously, previously

Prius 2006 Headlamp Bulb Replacement

Old bulb (top) with detached low-beam coil; new bulb (bottom) in box with both coils

Successfully replaced both headlamp bulbs, this time on a 2006 Prius with the standard halogen 9003 bulbs (the 2005 Prius had HID bulbs).

Still a PITA. However, it seemed a bit easier than the 2005 Prius. The 2006 model seems to have different clips (just one clasp?) and cover assembly, which makes it a bit easier.

Both existing bulbs failed within a few days of the other. The first the day of, or the day after, getting my oil changed at Oil Can Henry's in Soquel. The second failed within the next few days.

Bulbs used:
Philips 9003B1 Standard Halogen Replacement Headlight Bulb

Tools used:

• Flat-head screwdriver (remove cowl)
• Philips-head screwdriver (remove cowl screw)
• Mechanics gloves
• Overalls
• Flashlight (mobile device)
• Nitrile gloves (to handle bulbs)

Found a shady spot near Rachel Carson college parking lot. Figured neighbors didn't want to hear me cursing.

Two contractors working on a roofing job came down to the lot and hopped into a white truck. I overheard one say, "I don't do drugs ... regularly." I wondered at the need to qualify the statement with an adverb.

Previously, previously

Prius High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp (HID) Bulb Replacement

Replaced both headlamp bulbs yesterday, on November 12, 2015.

NOTES

• Driver's side seemed harder, for me, due to the fuse box, which limited space more than the passenger's side, I think
• Driver's side clip's shape seemed distorted, a bit, so I had difficulty replacing it. I eventually did the best I could and tested it for snugness--it was snug, so replaced the cap and called it a day...note: did not have this problem on the passenger's side
• Dealership "Toyota & Scion of Santa Cruz" quoted me $200+ to do the job, just for labor
• Used new, disposable latex gloves while installing the bulb, and Mechanix gloves otherwise...protected my hands nicely from random scrapes and scratches, and gave better grip
• Night before, I wiped the bulbs with rubbing alcohol (that is, 70% isopropyl alcohol); dried overnight
• New headlamp bulbs glow, in a blueish white color
• Aligning the bulb: hold it in place with one hand, then step back and look through the front of the headlamp...you will see the bulb poking through and get another indication of whether you have aligned it properly
• The electrode, the part which looks like a metal bar and runs along one side of the bulb glass, should face down (?)
• I think the knobs, on the bulb back should align horizontally (?)
• Time elapsed: 45-60 minutes
• Do it again? Yes

RESOURCES

• Driver's and passenger's side bulb replacement (shows: plastic tab removal; mirrored view of bulb clips, and so forth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Ih1CPQUzM
• Removing the entire headlamp assembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zG2BPEK0dQ
• Driver's side bulb replacement, only (gave me the idea of using the screwdriver, for torque): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er0oEHNUfQs
• San Francisco's Luscious Garage YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/lusciousgarage/videos
• Bulb source: 
• HighPerformanceBulbs.com
• Product: "High Performance Xenon D2R HID replacement bulbs (2 bulbs) (Choose Your Color) Part # D2RHID"
• HID Bulb Color : 4300K OEM White
• Parts cost (two bulbs), with shipping and handling: $52.74
• Warranty: 1 year for defects or failure
• Estimated HID Bulb Life: 3000 Hours
• Recommended, via PriusChat
• Previously

Prius Replacement Headlamp

Tips:

• Replace in pairs (light changes, over time)
• D2R
• Sources:
• Highperformancebulbs.com (via)
• "Buy a Phillips or Osram labeled bulb that is 4100k or 4300k D2R ... and you will be set." (via)

Went with: "High Performance Xenon D2R HID replacement bulbs (2 bulbs) (Choose Your Color) Part # D2RHID", per recommendation and one year warranty. (link)

Wiper Blades

http://priuschat.com/threads/wiper-blade-refills.37939/

PIAA Super Silicone blades

• DS: 95065 (adapter: C1/C11)
• PS: 95045 (adapter: C1/C11)

Bosch constant pressure design

• DS? Front Left - 26A
• PS? Front Right - 18A

Braking Bad & Dash Cameras

Researching dash cameras, primarily in response to another driver brake checking ahead of me last Friday evening during stop-and-go rush-hour traffic.

So. Dash cameras.

http://dashcamtalk.com/dash-cam-comparison/
http://www.carcamcentral.com/reviews/dash-car-camera-guide-buyers
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-dash-cam/

Previously (this was before we purchased our new-to-us car)

THOUGHTS

• Infrared LEDs = gimmick (maybe not for internal cabin monitoring or for nighttime security)
• Motion detection: handy, since I park on the street
• Cameras work best within the windshield wiper sweep area
• GPS not a critical feature, for me
• Battery discharge prevention device: "Overall, they are a reasonable device to consider but not 100% necessary depending on your driving behavior and battery condition." (via)
• Footage of rear-end not a major benefit:
• Typically, not culpable
• If driver flees, let police worry about offender
• Use dashcam to prove innocence for front-end collisions
• Estore009 represents a historically-good vendor
• TheWireCutter recommends, as of this post, model  DVR207GS
• Pros: $66; HD; mini-screen; G-sensor: "slightest jostling of the car would set it to record until stillness returned for a few minutes" (via)
• Cons: Color occasionally overexposed and blown out while driving at dusk (via)
• DashCamTalk, recommends, as of this post, model G1W as a successor to the DVR 207 GS
• Pros: $52; HD; mini-screen; G-sensor; "When comparing to our previous best buy camera in this price range, the DVR-027, the G1W video quality is vastly superior." (via)
• Cons: Not all black; loose mini USB plug; light-weight build quality; some wavy noise in the background (via)
• CarCamCentral recommends, as of this post, model K6000 ($38), or, for a bit more, GS1000 ($120)

 Leaning toward the G1W, currently.

INSTALLATION

• Prius technical manual (PDF) of wiring to/from front center mirror
• Front: "The heavy slope on the front windshield gives a very strong reflection in nighttime video. I think maybe I should have mounted it at the bottom of the windshield instead, although hiding the wires would have been much harder." (via)
• Rear: "...my camera location, on that vertical glass, is not so good." (via)
• Head rest...via bungee cord (??? : o \) (via)
• "A screen is not necessary..." (via)
• Itronics ITB-100HD install (via)
• "For my dashcam I took power from the mirror (I have the auto-dimming one with garage opener). It's powered on in READY. There is a wire in the same bunch that is hot all the time." (via)
• Another install of a Itronics ITB-100HD, with pics (via)
• Regarding mounts behind the rear-view mirror: "It is also quite difficult to use the camera if you have to change settings etc. " (via)
• Might want to use a sun shade...which would bump the camera (?)
• Seems like a number of favorite mounting positions for the front windshield (via)
• Rear windshield (via)
• Mounting locations
• After a review, I am still undecided...behind the front RVW can look OK, but it can also look conspicuous
• Front
• Dash
• Behind rear-view mirror mount
• Sides of windshield
• Headrest
• Headliner
• Rear
• Top of rear windshield
• Bottom of rear windshield
• Sides of rear windshielf 
• Headrest
• Headliner

Prius car care

Washed and dried the car, then applied Armor All to inside & out...finally have some time to stop and maintain it a bit.

FLOOR MATS
http://priuschat.com/threads/opinions-on-mat-color-for-bisque-interior.54378/

SHOP VAC
http://www.amazon.com/ArmorAll-AA255-Utility-Wet-Vacuum/dp/B003M2F7NI/

NAVIGATION UPDATES

The 2005 Toyota Prius contains a Generation 4 DVD navigation system; updates seem to come out yearly as follows:

U20 = 2005 = 5.1
...
U27 = 2012 = 12.1
U28 = 2013 = 13.1

Toyota supplies the same navigation systems across the various models. The navigation system accepts DVD+R DL media.

LICENSE PLATES
I have decided to try the zip tie approach for the front license plate:

BULBS
http://priuschat.com/threads/light-bulb-list-2005.16413/ (scroll down for a more accurate list)

MAINTENANCE
http://priuschat.com/threads/just-got-a-used-prius-first-things-to-look-for.93831/

• Hatch squeaks when opening
• Interior bulbs burned out
• License plates
• Vacuum interior
• Navigation DVD update
• Local mechanic
• Oil change
• Filters - cabin and engine
• Toyota dealership
• Ensure all warranty work done
• Transaxle fluid drain-and-refill
• Hybrid battery blower fan and duct are not clogged

License plate mounts

License plate relocators:

• Skene Design
• US Mill Works
•  

Other:

• FlexyFrame
• Hide The Plate
• Zip ties
• BumperPlugs (for reference only)

My favorite comment, so far: "If your Prius comes with the license plate bracket in the cargo area, take a sip of a good wine or a premium beer and attach it yourself."

Prius Gen 2 Rear Spoiler Removal

Notes on removing the rear spoiler:

Touring B-Type Rear Spoiler Installation (link)
How to remove/replace spoiler (link)

NotAPriusTouringCar.com

Seriously Prius owners/sellers: look at the wheels - Touring Prii have seven spokes, fog lamps, and Toyota only manufactured them for 2007-2009...plus all the stuff at the following link:

http://priuschat.com/threads/prius-base-vs-touring-edition-the-dirty-little-secret.66143/

Used a Craigslist search tool this evening to search for Prius Touring cars for sale in my area and sellers had mislabeled nearly every one...greedy and/or ignorant--Blue Book lists them as quite a bit more than not. Though, in some cases, I think people assume they have a Touring car when they really have some high-end package (e.g., leather seats, navigation).

Anyway, /vent. ; o )

Toyota Prius versus VW TDI

Reading a bit on performance of the Toyota Prius versus the VW TDI (Jetta, Golf).

Auto dealer interactions

Compiling a list of auto dealers I've interacted with:

CLOVIS AUTO MART
Clovis, CA

After contacting via web form with what seemed to me like a reasonable offer, I received the following e-mail: "Hello my name is J.R and I am the internet Mang. here at Clovis Auto Mart we are located in Clovis ca. on Barstow ave. 1048 Barstow ave. Clovis Ca, 93612 and you can reach me at 559-323-8100 between the hours of 9-6pm monday thru saturday.. love to hear from you soon, thank you for your time. J.R ( it is better to call for i am a one man show.lol ) thank you again.."

• Mang? I guess that means manager, but my first thought was Cheech and Chong : o \
• lol?
• Poor writing skills

Attempted to reply to this e-mail with the same content as what I sent via the web contact form, to give them one last chance: "I'm interested in this car: http://www.clovisautomart.com/2005_Toyota_Toyota_Clovis_CA_188783836.veh . KBB seems to list a 2005 Prius, in Good condition, with 86K miles, at $7.7K; I'll offer $8.0K...no way I'm paying $12.0K, so no use calling unless you are willing and able to reduce the price.Thank you for your time."

Attempted to reply by e-mail but received 554 delivery error trying to reach clovisautomart@y....com.

I'm giving up...I wouldn't give any money to this sales rep.

Prius Shopping

Our car's engine siezed up last Sunday (dropped valve seat).

So, on the advice of our mechanic, we're shopping for a new car...a Toyota Prius.

Previously.

NOTES

• PriusChat glossary
• Getting rid of the previous car
• Donate Your Car to KDFC
• JunkMyCar--instant quotes
• California DMV: How to Change Vehicle Ownership
• "In most states you should remove the license plates once the tower arrives and return them to the DMV. However, in the following states the license plates need to remain on the car: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisianna, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington.In the states of California and Arizona you must also turn in a release of liability as well." (via)
• Research
• Sellers
• Top 10 Best Places to Find Used Cars (via; recommends AutoTempest)
• Craigslist
• "People who sell cars on craigslist generally sell lower end or salvaged cars because the people who look there are looking for that type of junk...." (via) 
• "...it's also a place where really smart people buy and sell quality cars without any additional costs that cars.com and other dealers would add to the sale." (via)
• Options
• 3M Paint Protection Film seems like a good investment, but only on new cars
• Solar roof available on 2012+ models
• Toyota options, by year
• More, plus video outlining Gen 3 changes
• Colors
• Prius colors through the years
• Salsa Red Pearl (2004, 2005)
• Navigation
• "...have heard the nav. is not what it is cracked up to be plus a Garmin is cheaper and able to go in different cars." (via)
• Touring differences (2007-2009)
• Shipping 
• From AR to CA costs about $1,100 (via)
• More discussion
• What's the best way to ship a car? (link)
• Buying a car in Deleware (link)
• Tips for a long cross-country drive (link)
• Electric cars
• DIY Electric Car
• EvalBum - compare electric conversions
• List of electric cars eligible for California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project refund
• Third party inspections
• 
  
• Test drives
• Things to look for
• Checklist
• Prius Maintenance
• Video: Second-generation Toyota Prius still reliable, efficient after 200,000 miles
• DIY maintenance 
• Scheduled maintenance guides
• Toyota's Owners Site lists all service history and recalls
• Fluids
• Transaxle oil
• "...that goes at 100,000 miles give or take and costs another $3,000...." (via)
• Transmission 
• "...transaxle fluid change, so I had that done at the dealer for $100." (via)
• "At 3 years, some will change their transaxle fluid (you can diy or my dealer charged $144 for it but that's cheap) despite Toyota's claims of it being a 100,000 mile product. There are oil analyses indicating that's a really good idea." (via)
• Analysis of replacements
• Catalytic converter
• 
  
• Inverter
•  "... the Inverter is another $1,500 to $2,000." (via)
• Batteries
• HV traction battery
• "If you are in the market for an HV battery replacement, outside of warranty, the absolute best use of your money is a brand new unit from Toyota." (via)
• "...main traction battery costs $3,500..." (via)
• "The main traction battery lifespan is about 10 years. Many have exceeded that and others have not. Much is determined by abuse and environment (via) 
• "Traction batteries from wrecks are still plentiful. Saw a couple on car-part.com, each for $700 from a 2008 and a 2009 each with less than 30K miles on them." (via)
• "I have read on PC that if a Salvage Battery has been in the yard awhile the battery is most likely completely depleted which brings on many other issues if you decide to install this in your Prius. It may require a charge from Toyota which is chargeable. This may also not work. Evidently if the battery is not in constant use problems occur. " (via)
• 12V battery
• "The 12V battery...powers the computer and there are many horror stories of bizarre car behavior with a low 12V battery. The battery exchange cost was about $120 at my dealer, but again they're usually more expensive. There are way to check the battery voltage by accessing the car's MFD service menu." (via)
• New 12V battery (expected life of 4 years - 2006 prius would require new one soon) http://priuschat.com/threads/questions-to-ask-when-looking-at-a-used-high-mileage-prius.88426/#ixzz2cyZDPf1v 
• Testing the battery
• Spark plugs
• Serviced at 100K-120K miles (via)
• PCV valve
• Serviced at 100K-120K miles (via)
• Shocks/Struts
• "...probably getting towards end of life [at 100K-120K miles] .. That is probably $1k to replace...." (via)
• Coolant pump
• Ensure recall work done...for 2005 (via)
• Water pumps
• Inverter
• "It failed at 185K miles on my car." (via)
• Engine
• "It failed at 195K miles on my car." (via)
• Filters
• Engine filter
• "Hold the filter up to sunlight. When you can't see light coming through, it's time to change the filter." (via)
• Brake pads
• "...most changed brake pads after 150k...." (via)
• Oil change
• "From my nearly 50 years of changing oil, this is the best method that I discovered."(via)
• Polish/Paint protectant
• Nu-Finish, semi-annually (via)
• Salvage titles:
• "However, if someone tells you why it was totaled for some minor reason, they are almost 100% lying and the car was probably in a horrible accident and badly repaired (but has a new paint job)." (via)
• "Salvage title cars have essentially no warranty (you can confirm it yourself in the warranty book)." (via)
• "it ... sounds like a good deal to me IF you have an inspection done by a body shop as well as the one already done by the dealer." (via)
• "The main test for a Prius is the full-works drive through car wash. If it passes that, then you can be assured that all connectors are water tight and you are very unlikely to have a problem...." (via)
• "You will lose almost all your "savings" when you sell a Salvage title car..." (via)
• AutoBeYours rebuilds Prius, Leaf, and so forth
• The Primo II, the Pruck
• Tips on buying a salvage Prius
• Financing
• Tax, title, tags, and fees calculator (link)
• Handling payment for used car sales (link)
• California DMV Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator (link)
• $15,000, purchased in Placerville, CA (local/one-time fees highlighted):
• $1,200 in Use/Sales Tax
• $195 in fees 
• $1,396 total
• $10,000 car:
• $800 in use/sales tax
• $195 in fees
• $995 total
• $5,000 car
• $400
• $195
• $595 total
• "KBB tends to overvalue, if anything." (via)
• CARB electric car refunds
• LightStream loans
• Residuals of leased cars, from a Toyota dealership employee (link)
• 2012 Prius Plug-in (blue book): ~$25,335 (21K mi)
• 2010 Prius (blue book) $9,304 (110K mi, p#1)
• 2009 Prius (blue book) $18,860 (14K mi; touring); ~$9,095 (100K mi); $12,840 (93K mi, p#6)
• 2008 Prius (blue book) ~$8,300 (132K mi); $9,814 (103K mi); $9,250 (90K mi); $14,614 (76K mi, touring, p#6); $12,714 (63K mi, p#3)
• 2007 Prius (blue book): $8,728 (91K mi); ~$11,400 (53K mi); $8,980 (124K mi; p#6); ~$9,119 (123K mi; touring); ~$7,364 (157K mi); $5,790 (160K mi); $5,621 (173K mi)
• 2006 Prius (blue book): ~$8,494 (99K mi); $7,361 (149K mi); $6,023 (145K mi)
• 2005 Prius (blue book): ~$8,548 (75K mi) ~$7,435 (95K mi); $7,247 (100K mi); $6,186 (133K mi; p#6); $5,100 (164K mi); $4,618 (174K mi; base); $4,583 (179K mi)
• 2004 Prius (blue book):$8,035 (56K mi; p#1); ~$6,359 (100K mi; p#9)
• 2001 Prius (blue book): $4,491 (72K mi)
• "0% APR is a great way to purchase a vehicle if you can get it.....simply put....you're paying cash for the vehicle.....the general rule of thumb is.....for every 10 thousand dollars financed under normal APRs you will pay about 200 to 250 a month......so with no money down and no trade a 30 thousand dollar vehicle would cost about 6-7 hundred a month.....with 0% APR that same vehicle would cost you 500 a month for 60 months.....basically the bank will make no money off of you....and if you have this chance....take it now while it lasts...dealerships usually dont do it for long." (via)
• Insurance
• Looks like financing a 2010 Toyota Prius will add $243.00-$620.53 to my insurance bill each six months : o \
• So, for five years of financing, this will add somewhere between $2430.00-$6205.30
• I currently pay $245 every six months (~$40/month)
• All quotes, below, via Esurance.com 
• Selecting Ownership = Financed seems to trigger some Esurance coverage requirements:
• Comprehensive Coverage & Deductibles
• Collision Coverage & Deductibles
• "THE SPLASH OUT"
• Bodily Injury Limits: 250K/500K
• Property Damage Limit: 100K
• Medical and Funeral Services Payments: I decline
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Limits: 100K/300K
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Limits: I accept
• Comprehensive Coverage & Deductibles: $100
• Collision Coverage & Deductibles: $100
• Towing and Labor: I decline
• Rental Reimbursement: I decline
• Customized Parts and Equipment Coverage Limits: I decline
• Auto Loan/Lease Coverage: I decline
• 2010 Toyota Prius
• If financed: $878.53 (six months, or $146/month)
• If not financed: same as above...this is "the splash out," after all....
• "THE MINIMUM"
• Bodily Injury Limits: 15K/30K
• Property Damage Limit: 5K
• Medical and Funeral Services Payments: I decline
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Limits: I decline
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Limits: I decline
• Comprehensive Coverage & Deductibles: No coverage
• Collision Coverage & Deductibles: No coverage
• Towing and Labor: I decline
• Rental Reimbursement: I decline
• Customized Parts and Equipment Coverage Limits: I decline
• Auto Loan/Lease Coverage: I decline
• 2010 Toyota Prius
• If financed: $501.00 (six months, or $83.50/month)
• If not financed: $258.00 (six months, or $43/month)

Prius Dreaming

Dawn and I decided to purchase a Prius as our next car.

Some firms offer aftermarket mods, including EV mode for about $13,500...though it seems a bit limited.

Prii younger than 8 years old with under 100,000 miles on the odometer (10 years and 150,000 miles in CA) are covered under Toyota’s original battery warranty. (via)

Replacement batteries for the 2001-2003 Prius cost $2,299, and those for the more common 2004-2009 model currently run $2,588. (via)

the 2004-2009 Prius is more fuel efficient than its predecessor. (via)

http://priuschat.com

The Dust to Dust dust-up:

http://priuschat.com/threads/prius-myths-and-their-rebuttals.26050/page-7#post-711827

Car shopping tools

Car bargains
https://www.checkbook.org/auto/carbarg.cfm

Consumer Reports' April issue annually lists the "good bet":

• Acura RL (link)
• 2012 $40,450 - $42,650
• ...
• 2004 $9,025 - $9,025
• 2003 $7,650 - $7,650
• Acura TL (link)
• 2012 $29,750 - $35,850
• ...
• 2004 $9,850 - $9,850
• 2003 $5,975 - $6,650 * transmission issues?
• Acura TSX (link)
• 2012 $25,500 - $28,450
• ...
• 2005 $10,500 - $10,500
• 2004 $8,775 - $8,775
• Ford Fusion (link)
• 2012 $16,150 - $22,825
• ...
• 2008 $8,925 - $12,175
• 2007 $7,575 - $10,525
• 2006 $6,375 - $8,525
• Honda Fit (link)
• 2012 $16,050 - $17,550
• ...
• 2008 $9,875 - $10,575
• 2007 $8,550 - $9,200
• Honda Civic (link)
• 2012 $15,425 - $21,050
• ...
• 2008 $9,400 - $14,975
• 2007 $8,075 - $12,750
• 2006 $6,825 - $11,050
• 2005 $5,800 - $8,075
• 2004 $4,850 - $6,950
• 2003 $4,200 - $6,200
• Lexus ES (link)
• 2012 $34,100 - $34,100
• ...
• 2004 $10,300 - $10,300
• 2003 $9,175 - $9,175
• Lexus IS (link)
• 2012 $32,300 - $57,175
• ...
• 2004 $9,750 - $9,750
• 2003 $8,475 - $8,475
• Lexus GS (link)
• 2011 $37,200 - $42,225
• ...
• 2004 $10,200 - $10,925
• 2003 $9,075 - $9,750
• Mazda MX-5 Miata (link)
• 2012 $21,725 - $26,700
• ...
• 2005 $9,500 - $11,425
• 2004 $8,175 - $9,925
• 2003 $7,300 - $8,800
• Mazda Mazda3 (link)
• 2012 $15,025 - $23,400
• ...
• 2009 $10,675 - $15,950
• 2008 $9,300 - $13,425
• 2007 $8,175 - $12,175
• 2006 $7,100 - $8,600
• 2005 $6,100 - $7,750
• 2004 $5,175 - $6,425
• Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan (V6) (link)
• 2012 $41,200 - $51,300
• ...
• 2004 $10,950 - $16,925
• 2003 $9,625 - $14,675
• Nissan Altima (link)
• 2012 $15,850 - $22,775
• ...
• 2008 $10,525 - $15,850
• 2007 $9,250 - $13,275
• 2006 $7,575 - $10,775
• 2005 $6,250 - $9,775
• 2004 $5,525 - $7,525
• 2003 $4,650 - $7,150
• Subaru Impreza (link)
• 2012 $20,150 - $28,425
• ...
• 2007 $9,550 - $22,400
• 2006 $8,075 - $19,925
• 2005 $6,950 - $15,525
• 2004 $5,475 - $13,375
• 2003 $4,150 - $6,775
• Toyota Corolla (link)
• 2012 $15,125 - $17,225
• ...
• 2008 $9,350 - $10,525
• 2007 $8,175 - $9,350
• 2006 $7,250 - $8,525
• 2005 $6,575 - $7,900
• 2004 $5,850 - $7,000
• 2003 $5,225 - $6,000
• Toyota Matrix (link)
• 2012 $16,700 - $18,600
• ...
• 2007 $9,075 - $9,825
• 2006 $8,125 - $9,200
• 2005 $6,950 - $7,850
• 2004 $6,100 - $7,000
• 2003 $5,325 - $6,150
• Toyota Prius (link)
• 2012 $21,825 - $24,775
• ...
• 2006 $9,650 - $9,650
• 2005 $8,375 - $8,375
• 2004 $7,100 - $7,100
• 2003 $5,375 - $5,375
• Toyota Corolla (link)
• 2012 $15,125 - $17,225
• ...
• 2008 $9,350 - $10,525
• 2007 $8,175 - $9,350
• 2006 $7,250 - $8,525
• 2005 $6,575 - $7,900
• 2004 $5,850 - $7,000
• 2003 $5,225 - $6,000
• Toyota Camry (link)
• 2012 $18,450 - $25,375
• ...
• 2006 $8,950 - $11,625
• 2005 $7,925 - $9,950
• 2004 $7,175 - $9,050
• 2003 $6,650 - $7,875
• Volkswagen Golf, Rabbit (link)
• 2012 $17,125 - $30,850
• ...
• 2008 $9,725 - $10,525
• 2007 $8,375 - $9,200
• 2006 $6,950 - $10,625
• 2005 $5,950 - $9,250
• 2004 $4,950 - $12,275
• 2003 $4,250 - $6,825
• Volvo C30 (link)
• 2012 $22,025 - $22,025
• ...
• 2008 $14,050 - $15,100
• Volvo C70 (link)
• 2012 $32,900 - $32,900
• ...
• 2004 $6,750 - $8,075
• 2003 $5,550 - $6,850
• Volvo S60 (link)
• 2012 $27,375 - $35,450
• ...
• 2007 $10,750 - $15,450
• 2006 $8,600 - $11,925
• 2005 $6,950 - $11,175
• 2004 $5,850 - $10,550
• 2003 $5,025 - $8,025
• Volvo S80 (link)
• 2012 $27,050 - $27,050
• ...
• 2006 $8,400 - $10,275
• 2005 $6,650 - $9,950
• 2004 $5,450 - $8,950
• 2003 $4,875 - $8,450

Green cars

http://www.greencarreports.com/ (via)

Greater Sacramento Electric Auto Association
www.greatersaceaa.org/ (via)

• "He chose electric because of the dramatically lower cost of fuel and maintenance."
• “You have to keep in mind that a lot of people only look at the money you’re saving on gas. They’ve got valve adjustments, smog checks, clutch problems, oil checks. All those things don’t exist with electric cars,”

A 2010 Prius seems to retail for about $19-20k.

The Sacramento City Parking Garages offer free parking to registered EV. They also have several spots with free J1772 charging stations. (Via)

Media Matters busts some myths
http://mediamatters.org/research/201202080012

Secondary Car Purchase Update

Dawn and I have investigated the purchase of a second daily driver car for some time as our primary car gets up in mileage (160K+). I figure better to stay ahead of the curve in case this car breaks down.

I've spent the last few days researching used cars in the range of 1999-2005, which seems to represent the price range we can afford right now. Top considerations (in order):

1. Safety
2. Reliability
3. Insurance cost
   
4. Looks
   

I first visited the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which operates SafeCar.gov. SafeCar reports driver/passenger frontal and side impact assessments, as well as rollover assessments. Next, I visited the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which reports similar information on impact ratings.

For local and national pricing information, I relied on Edmunds.com and their partner site, autotrader.com.

For reliability information, I visited MSN Autos which lists reliability for the current and previous years in a table.

And I enjoyed reading Samarins for used-car buying information (and reviews).

Initial picks (in no particular order, in the range of 2000-2005):

• Volkswagen Golf
  
• Five-star frontal- and four-star side-impact safety ratings from NHTSA, reliability seems pretty good.
• Honda Civic
• Nothing really needs to be said that hasn't already been said--great safety ratings and reliability.
  
• Dodge Neon SRT
• Vroom-vroom! ;)
  
• Honda Accord

I've said since college that I planned to purchase a low-emissions vehicle as my next car purchase. I still want to make that a reality--and the later-years Toyota Prius seems the likely bet, if I can afford one!