Living In A Prius - How Much Does It ACTUALLY Cost?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 січ 2023
- How much does it ACTUALLY cost to live inside of a 2015 Generation 3 Prius? In this video I break down my monthly expenses for living on the road in my car.
This video is Part 2 of teaching you guys what Living in my Toyota Prius is like, click here to watch Part 1 if you haven't already: • Living in a Prius - Ho...
Subscribe, Like, & Comment if you enjoyed this video! ❤️ - Розваги
Starting my car camping journey after April, that will be the last time I pay rent. I have been dreaming of doing this for so long and now the opportunity has arrived. Cant regret or looking back now.
Congratulations! It’s incredibly freeing to be able to travel anywhere and if its a Prius/similar for cheap too 🤓
Enjoy your trip!
how has it gone so far?
You don't list a couple of obvious things: vehicle maintenance, car insurance. Other things, less obvious but ought to be listed: phone bill, wi-fi expense, streaming subscriptions, health insurance. These are all part of a realistic budget, even for someone who lives exclusively in a vehicle.
That isn’t the cost to live in a car. This video is what it cost to live in a car. Those things you mentioned are needed even if you live in a house.
For sure maintenance and insurance costs
@@4kasiavlogs i rent my apt here in brooklyn new york. i do not pay insurance on the home, nor maintenance, the landlord does that. i only pay rent. i use wi-fi at my gym and work and starbucks and dunkin donuts. believe it or not, i have no internet at home. the phone bill is 10 bucks plus fees for talk and text only via ting.
Your on top of everything Jotey!!!!!! People will be following your trail!!!! Love love love your videos! ❤
Wow, just wow this is the most in-depth breakdown of living in a Prius with all the details. I am so impressed.
Thank you for watching! 🫶🏼
lol Yes it is!!😂✌🏻😂
But its bs
Loved the Video. Very informative. Great job!
I'm compelled to comment just based on how incredibly well done was this video! Thank you for your fine content
And thank you for watching and the kind comment! 😀
I started my ct200h journey thanks to your videos❤❤❤ keep up the great work
WOW! I love this comment, thanks so much my friend for taking the time to watch my content and show some love. Enjoy your trip and if you’re ever in Denver hmu!
Great vid! Love all the details.
Thanks for checking it out! 🤓
Excellent video. Professional and well made.
Much appreciated! Thanks for the support 🤍
Loved the video jotey! Absolutely fascinating learning about it :D
I’m glad you liked it! Thank you for checking it out my friend 🙏🏼
Love the video, please do a more detail walk through of your setup. Very interested in the roof setup.
Thanks for checking it out! Feel free to look into priusoffroad.com I believe they just started selling these as well, i bought mine off priusoverlanding.com but wouldn’t recommend buying from them, plenty of terrible experiences across the board with them.
Look into it some more if you don’t want to take my word for it
Very professional video, Jotey. I glanced at the subscribers thinking "It'll be 100k+" and oh... you're on track! Good luck (personally own Prius gen 2😊).
Thank you kindly! Certainly “on my way” 😄 Gen 2’s are cool! I’m excited to see what people do with the Gen 5’s out now 🙏🏼
Great video, thank you!
You’re welcome! Thank you for checking it out 😄
I know you've moved onto different content but the Prius living, dog sitting videos are valuable
Thank you! I realize it’s very valuable content but truthfully I have no more interest in making that kind of content, dog sitting is just Rover.com or Wag, nothing really to explain there, and most of everything I have to teach about prius living is in those videos 😎
Perfect breakdown of expenses and awesome editing. Great video 🔥
Glad you liked it! You’re the best :)
The most Iconic UA-camr I know is....... Jotey! and his fabulous Prius!
Collab on the way!
@@Jotey new collab video, the difference between living in a dodge Charger and living in a Prius
Id love a video about car maintenance n the costs n stuff. Like battery and oil n stuff. If you dont already have a video of that 😊
I don’t have a video on that, but it’s pretty routine normal care, oil changes and the occasional visit to the mechanic.
I don’t know how to do any of that work myself
@@Jotey understandable!! I guess itd also vary quite a bit person to person too. I loved your video! def gonna watch more :) Im about to be living full time in my prius :)
some of the greatest advice "I didn't buy it all at once" me getting into it buying everything lol.. Great video!
Hey if you have the money! 🤣 I personally could not afford everything at once, so had to slowly purchase. There’s still things I would like to get such as a winch, skid plate, and a spare tire rack ✌🏼
@@Jotey oh I’m way over spending and I really should of budgeted. It’s more of I even returned a bunch of stuff really and really wished I didn’t just buy as I saw
@@Jotey my next purchase is a cooler or even a Thule!
I like the video, you should include car insurance and maintenance in the monthly price though
True! Does vary per person and car though, at the time of making this I was 24 and from what I understand, Insurance is more expensive if you are younger than 25.
Prius maintenance is pretty non existent. Its been rated one if the most reliable cars on the market, and with the regenerative braking system you only ever need to change you cars brakes maybe 1x in its lifetime.
So pretty much oil changes and tires!
I noticed you installed MotoShieldPro Tint. Can you share the version and percentage you used around your Rig? And are you still happy with the tint?
I think the version was just 5 window hatchback? I remember the guy I hired to install it (was suggested by friends in community to do it myself but glad I didn’t) and he told me the extra thin window on the hatch wasn’t included with the pack however he cut me some tint from his own stash and finished the job for me.
I got nothing on windshield, 35% in front windows, and 5% in back window and hatch.
I personally love it and HIGHLY recommend. It’s kind of a must when living in your car, I would honestly suggest doing a full 5% on the entire car if you’re brave enough.
The tint itself is awesome, no complaints and super happy with it
My Prius was my favorite car. I lived in it for two years and saved a shit load of money.
What happened after the 2 years? 🫢 Apartment?
@@Jotey I was able to buy a second home so I moved into that and continue to rent out my first home.
Curious to know more about how you work heating/cooling. Can the Pruis just stay on without ruining the battery because its a hybrid? Would love to know more since I'm looking into Prius living for the fall!
The car stays on as if you were going to drive it, but you put the car in park of course & activate the parking brake.
Depending on the temperature outside the car’s engine will turn on periodically to charge the hybrid battery and then will shut off. By doing this you’re able to use a small amount of gas per night for heat/cooling.
It’s also relatively quiet so its still pretty stealthy and only happens periodically for a brief 30-60ish seconds.
Although I highly recommend getting a rechargeable fan and a sleeping bag, that way when the temp is manageable you can just use that to stay cool or heat up via the sleeping bag.
I only use the AC at night when its below maybe 43degrees F, though I know people who never use it, just depends on your affinity to comfort!
Thank you so much for the reply! That helps a lot!@@Jotey
I just saw another video that the heat or a/c overnight is powered by the battery. The gas engine turns on to charge the battery throughout the night at a minute each time. Is that only with new Priuses?
This is with all the priuses to my knowledge.
Its powered by the battery but when the battery is drained from providing power and heat, the engine kicks on and begins to charge the battery, then shuts off again to let the battery take over.
Probably stays on for about a minute or so, but it is subtle still
How do you get past that bump between the back area and the flattened out surface when the rear seats are down? I'm talking about for sleeping on an even plane?
Maybe you can be a little more specific? I’m not sure I’m aware of what Bump you’re referring to.
To bridge the gap between the back seats down and the front seats pushed forward i use a cooler on once side (which doubles as my perishable food storage) and a Dog food container on the other side (which i store all my sleeping gear inside of.
This creates a flat surface area to blow up my mattress and lay on. The only noticeable annoyance with the set up is when parked on a street, typically the pavement is sloping towards the sidewalk to create channels for rain water, I sometimes am bothered by not being level.
I could buy something to stuff under the mattress to even me out but It hasn’t bothered me THAT much yet! 😆
I'm assuming the person is referring to the Prius Prime drop-down when the back seat is folded down. My memory it's about 4" in my 2017. Another Prius Prime site gave dimensions for a wooden platform he built. Another Prius Prime site suggested blankets to even it out. I had the platform made by a handyman.
Please describe the key fob box. I've never heard of one....something I need!
They are called faraday bags! You can find them online to buy :)
Uhhh do you have the links to all the items and prices you listed?
Thanks for sharing your lifestyle. Since you are staying in customer's home this really works. Enjoy the life.🙋
How do you stay connected to the internet? I’m really struggling to find the best way to do this!
Well I live in a city, I'm not traveling currently so my phone data works fine, otherwise coffee shops or the gym I go to has pretty good wifi
Can you share your average mpg's running with all your rigs upgrades?
It’s hard to say because my car doesn’t give me an accurate readout since I spend my winters with the car on at night to keep me warm.
Probably somewhere around 40-45Mpg
@@Jotey Still impressive mpg's considering all the added gear .your rig is one of the very best builds I've seen. Slick and clean fantastic build.
Thanks so much John! Means a lot, I put a lot of love into it, trying to rewrite the mainstream opinion about Prius’ 😎
Hi Jotey, I'm exactly like you but in Seattle and I don't get paid (I just get the house). Where could I find paid pet sitting? Thank you! I have a 2003 corolla but saving to get a Prius like yours
That’s awesome!
I use an app called Rover, also a website but a great resource to start your own dog sitting/walking business. Thanks for the comment, friend 🙌🏻
@@Jotey thanks, yeah i have heard about Rover before
2015 Toyota Prius (6 years old) at 60000 miles sounds like a great deal
It was, its such a reliable car too! Hardly ever anything more than oil changes
Hallo
How to setup your roof rack
Instructions and product on priusoverlanding.com or Priusoffroad.com
I recommend Offroad…
How much is your car insurance? Is it more than regular insurance since you are living in the car?
Its only a little more expensive because I’m still 24, it drops at age 25. I didn’t see any option to clarify that I lived in my car, so my insurance company isnt aware of this.
Wait where to buy the privacy curtains
You make them! Bunjee Cords and Pillow Cases :)
1. How that duck are you spending 500 dollars a month on food.
2. 10-15 priuses have more carbon build up than later and earlier years so the more you idle the more it builds up that you have to clean the EGR valve.
3. You can die from monoxide build up from the heater, it’s also not good to let the car idle because the exhaust gases don’t properly leave the vehicle
When I made this video I was eating out A LOT. I’ve cut those expenses down a considerable amount, so it no longer is close to what I typically spend.
I hadn’t known about your point here in 2! Appreciate the shout out
I have a carbon monoxide monitor in my car that alerts me if it rises even slightly, its a very serious issue and don’t want to mess around with it.
Thanks for the comment!!
May I also suggest a small smoke detector?
That’s an incredible price you got on a 6 years old Prius with very low miles
Thanks! No real issues with it either since then. Changed the O2 Sensor 1st year but literally nothing else 😁
How to do your roof rack
You can get it from Priusoverlanding.com!
what if you do not use AC or heater at night?
Then I use a small fan and crack the windows so I can still circulate air throughout the car. Otherwise condensation will build up, fog the windows and announce to everyone someone is sleeping inside
Did you know that the Prius or any Toyota doesn’t take 85 grade gas? It’s on your gas cap. In Colorado, the lowest grade gas is 85 not 87 like most states. So in Colorado you always have to pump mid grade which is 87 so you don’t destroy your car. Hopefully you already knew this not like me who realized it later as I am not originally from Colorado.
Woah! I did not know this at ALL! I’ve been pumping 85 for about a year now 😬 Thank you for the heads up, I’ll look into it .
What happened to your car as a result?
Part of the reason that high-altitude locations call 85 octane regular, is that at altitude, engines create less power. You can't get enough air into the engine (unless turbocharged) to create full power. It's similar to if you put a wood block behind your gas pedal to keep you from being able to "floor it". Engines knock (and therefore need more octane to prevent knock) at high throttle.
So, one argument goes that 85 is fine for non-turbo cars that specify 87, if you are at altitude. The main danger is filling up with 85 at altitude, descending to sea level, and then flooring the gas pedal climbing a hill, causing knock.
Modern cars have knock sensors and computer controls to simply change engine timing and reduce throttle, to protect the engine.
Personally, I am a mechanical engineer who bought my first Prius 23 years ago, and I never feed a Prius engine 85 octane. But at altitude and with a light foot on the gas pedal, it is probably OK to do so. If you hear knocking, or get any sort of check engine light or ODBII code, or the car seems to be limiting power output to protect itself, use higher octane.
Watching all sorts of engine parameters in real time via the ODBII port with a scan tool, would not be a bad idea. Even just a $15 ELM327 ODBII dongle (your choice of BlueTooth or WiFi) off eBay, plus a free app like Torque Lite, will give you an idea of whether the engine is reducing power due to sensing impending knock. You can also see some internal codes not bad enough to turn on the check engine light or set a "P code" that will make your car fail inspection. Get a dongle with an on/off switch, because the ODBII port is powered up when the car is off, and the dongle will be a decent sized battery drain transmitting WiFi. The alternative is inserting and removing the dongle every time you drive, and you risk finding out how expensive it is to replace the ODBII port on your car when you wear out its contacts.
A step up from dongle + app, is a scan tool that monitors, graphs, and stores data you are interested in watching. For that, I use the Launch Creader Elite (200, 202, or 205). I bought them all for various family members, the only difference is how many additional diagnostic/repair functions they do, such as programming the car to recognize a factory new Toyota key fob after you lose one of yours. Just using it to recognize one new key fob, pays for the scan tool ($100ish, and a Toyota dealer or locksmith charges $140 labor to do it.)
Your a genius
❤
Phone bill ??? Vehicle insurance ???
Would you NOT have spent some of the $3900 for car upgrades? Which ones are not important and which ones are VERY important?
I’d say they all are important in some way, theres other items I’ve purchased but didn’t list here because i’ve resold them or returned them.
A roof top tent for example, it killed my MPG and sleeping inside was much easier, i never used it.
Some items like the ROAM awning I don’t typically use unless camping, but when you live out of it like I do, i’d say items that increase storage like the hitch box and the rooftop box are a must!
Prius camping is quite an adventure. Just make sure you get tinted windows.
MUCH needed 😎
Quick question and a few comments. Have you ever been pulled over for the rear cargo box blocking your license plate? I don't think that would work anywhere that I've ever lived (East Coast). To me, it's just giving cops a perfect excuse to pull you over. I'd move the plate to the cargo box, or elsewhere on the car where it can be seen.
I couldn't help but laugh when you said your car is stealthy. To anyone with a clue, it screams "vanlifer without a van". Hitch storage, roof storage, lift kit. C'mon, man. If you don't get "the knock", it's not because your rig is stealthy, it's because it is non-threatening and semi-upscale.
I spent a month camping in my Prius Prime. Way less space than your Prius due to no underfloor storage, and raised floor. No external storage, no lift other than 205/70R15 Michelins at 50psi. 50 liter freezer under my pillow behind the passenger seat.
I've since installed a receiver hitch, but only for occasional local use of a cargo carrier, I haven't used it when traveling. I'm soon going to drop back down to 205/65R15, but likely add a modest lift.
I have never been pulled over for the license plate, but I did shortly after making these videos take off the Waterport Tank and place my license plate there, so I no longer run that risk.
Thanks for the comment!
Is a Toyota, so Let's go places.!!
Only, you forget factors like health factors related to electrolysis. ...
I’m unaware of such factors! I tried looking it up just now but couldn’t find an answer, feel free to educate us, I’d be happy to share the info with this community :)
In regards to counteracting or preventing electrolysis, I have only read a wierd 1970's book called, "Out Earth, Our Cure," and random words from conservation-based elders as a basis, but I have tried to compile a bibiograpgy to reseach the topic before and it is not some wierd "new age" cult concept... I am sure the type of clay, and mineral involvement, used or ingested, would have variances to what is appropriate. I have not done much further research, yet; but, I can suggest lining one's sleeping space with some sort of rubberized something is probably advisable, especially if it is the rear hatch, with the two of three main electrical components. Most people on UA-cam I have seen have mats/pads. I am thinking of placing antifatigue mats. I also know that iodine-rich (leafy greens, seaweed has of the highest concentration) foods are also helpful, should you notice slightly more hair loss, also good for longer-term "Roaring Springs(AZ)" water consumption, should you tend to get yourself in those types of places. it will not ca
That’s crazy, you keep your on at night, I slept in like 13 degrees in mine. Not fun
I think thats one if the main benefits to sleeping in a prius is the climate control, its one of the things that makes sacrificing space very worthwhile, can’t believe you don’t use it!
is it legal?
Nothing about this is illegal except for maybe the way my license plate is mounted on the read of my vehicle, after making this video however I have moved it to the back of my cargo box making it perfectly legal!
No phone bill?
Good shout! $20/m 👍🏼
Confused about why you're calling it stealthy. you have lots of obvious things on your car letting everyone know that you live in it not to mention the roaming sticker that you have. It doesn't look like you blend in at all. But I do appreciate your channel I'm looking to move into a Prius. Thanks for all the info.
Thanks for the comment! A few people have said similar things in other comments, I realize now that it wasn’t the correct term, or at least I didn’t fully explain what I meant.
I basically meant that most people are clueless to the fact that someone can sleep & live out of a Toyota Prius, so seeing it parked on your street (even with all the bells and whistles) is still unlikely to get spotted as a ‘vanlifer’ by most people.
It’s a stealthy camper in that it’s unexpected, but yes all the attachments certainly draw attention to it.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
No need to explain @sparklemotion86 just one of those “ keyboard “ no it alls 😂😂
That Prius is as stealth as an ostrich.
🤣 True! Compared to other Prius’ but the average person isn’t aware you can sleep inside of such a small car, so in that way, compared to what people expect to see (buses, campers, vans) it flies under the radar
I'm was get in to Colorado 2013 . I drove in my 2010 toyota prius from NY , and I bounce trough Colorado all spring and summer looking for a good place to settle in !! All this time I was living out of my car !! I was never realizing how specious and comfortable this car is !!! Not to mention very reliable and fuel efficient this car is !! Now I live in the mountains of Colorado, with studded tires I never get stuck in the snow or icy condition !!
About my set up !! I think your set up is over kill !! To much staff !! I did watched bunch of videos like yours , and I found very similar tendency in all of them !! All of you guys try to convert their car in to a home as much is possible !!
That WY all of you must carrying with you so much extra thing !!
What I had in my car !! I did fold seats down which is give me space for nice bad !! I get fully unzipped sleeping bag with I used as mattress and comforter as a blanket , as a pillow I was using my duffel bag with my clothes !! It was surprisingly very comfortable !! On my flor by my passenger seat it just right amount if space for Styrofoam coolar for snacks, fruits and drinks !! I'm a vegetarian so I don't cook stakes ... salads is my primary diet !! I did shopping once in every few days , hot water for coffee or tea available in every gassstation and in most cases it's free !! Once in a wild if I find some interesting place who offers vegetarian items on menue I definitely stop by !!!
About my clothes !! In my duffel bag wats ..2 jeans , 2 shirts, 5 long sleeve t shirt, 5 underwear, 5 pair of socks, pair of crocs and sneakers !! Plus warm jacket , hoodies and pair of warmer boots for cold weather !! As soon as I laundry my underwear 3-4 times I replace them , t shirt every 5-6 times. So my clothes is constantly new !!
Showers !! They everywhere , recreational centers, sports clubs, gym clubs , camping grounds , rv parks , or just jump in to a lake or river , I did it more than few times !! Water in Colorado lakes are cold but clean and very refreshing !!! And by the way wile I was taking shower I was doing my laundry, washing my underwear, t shirt and socks !!
Far as my experience I don't remember exactly, but I'm sure it was very cheap !! Liaving out of my prius was one of my best adventures yet !! I did sold this car , but I'm planing to get one again and hit the road in it driving coastline of North, central and south America , make a big loop !! Start in NY city go up north on coastline roads through New England , Canada , than Alaska , than down south by west coast , Mexica , Central America , South America all the way down to Straight of Magelan , than to east cost and back to NY city !!!! That how om confident in toyota prius !!
I will not do any upgrades to the car , only maybe better traction tires , that is all !!!
I think it will be fun adventure !!))
It is definitely not an exact science but realistically the first few months will probably cost much more than the rest
I definitely agree! Of course the purchasing of things overtime costs money, but once you have everything and sort of streamline the processes then things become cheaper.
Already i feel I’m spending a lot less than what I was.
Another option not mentioned is buying a really really good sleeping bag and just not ever using the engine for heat in winter. I however love my comforts and don’t mind spending the money
How the heck you eat out 1/4 meals and only spend about $200? Seems like should be much higher. 3 meals x 30 days is 90. 3/4 of that is about 67. Even if you could eat for $5 a meal which I don’t know where that would be, still comes out to $335. I would think would be closer to $10/meal or more. Seems like would be closer to $600 plus
Haha totally agree oddly! I don’t think my food calculations were correct on this one. Another commenter said something similar, I definitely spend a TON of money on food.
However these days the set up is different, I typically eat fruit in the morning, Huel Meal Replacement for Lunch and then possibly eat out for dinner.
I also have been pretty booked up at dog sits which allows me to cook my own meals or est food they’ve left for me.
The number fluctuates every month depending on certain circumstances but you’re indeed correct in saying that the number reflected for take out is much lower than it actually is.
@@Jotey hope you didn’t think I was being critical! I thought you had cracked the code lol! I lived in my Prius last year and am about to get back into it and was looking to see if there are any new hacks. Thanks for the reply!
@@theaustralianhulk thanks for the comment! I definitely definitely recommend Huel, its cheap, quick, easy, and “healthy” although who actually knows. Especially when it comes to dishes and clean up, it checks all the boxes for meals on the go.
My morning meal in the car is usually cut up apples, bananas and peanut butter, none of it needs refrigeration and is a pretty hearty/healthy way to start the day!
Hope to see you out there!! 🚗
Isn’t it a giveaway if you keep your car on to control hvac while stealthing in neighborhoods?
It certainly is more of a risk doing so, but the engine cycles on and off and is pretty quiet in both on and off cycles.
The best option is to sleep with it off to remain most stealthy but even after sleeping with it on almost every night ive slept in it for the past 6months, no one has noticed or bothered me at least
900 a month seems kinda high
Depends on your lifestyle! For me it works, but for others they may choose to cut out eating out through the month and spend less on entertainment or gas
Вы считаете 8 часов ночёвки.А когда вы не работаете вы живёте на улице?В сутках 24 часа
I live in the car at night, and during the day will spend time at coffee shops, libraries, the gym, etc.
the click click click sound is a bit aggravating. Maybe lower the sfx sound next time
Thank you for the feedback :)
900 a Month is to higher
It can be lowered, and honestly should. Just being transparent with my spending
Can you make a video on how much you make as a dog sitter
I’ve thought about it! Its definitely something to consider though its not really the type of content I’m looking to create.
Either way, thanks for your support and suggestion!
Your food expense is too high
Wholeheartedly agree 🙏🏼🤣
Another one not smart enough to know to stealth camp in hotel parking lots exclusively. That's what #ladythepitbull and I do 365 nights a year. Amateurs 😂😜🤣
That’s incredible! I’ve heard stories of security bothering people, and the issue I have is I’m not currently traveling so it would be the same area every night, the hotels would likely catch on.
The other issue is hotel parking lots are well lit throughout the night and I prefer to sleep in residential areas because they’re typically darker, quieter, and (at least to me) feel safer.
Either way that’s awesome you and lady make it work exclusively, cheers brother!
Some motel/hotels require a form be posted inside a patron's vehicle. No form, no license on file with front desk could mean a knock or towing. Happens around Dulles Airport hotels.
dog sitter !! really ? i never knew such job even exist and people are ready to pay such amount of money for a living being whose survival skill is million time more than human. i am not complaining rather wondering.
Did you just land on this planet? You seriously never heard of a dog sitter? What do you think people do when they go on vacation? Having a sitter at your house is less stressful for the dog and it's much more cost-effective. Kennels are incredibly expensive many are unsanitary and of questionable quality. I have been pet sitting for two decades.
It doesn't make sense that a single thin man is spending $300 a month on food alone maybe $150, but I don't believe you spent that much on store bought food unless you're buying store bought prepared meals
That’s a fair point! Looking back on this video I’m actually not sure where I got $300 from for monthly grocery hauls, but I probably spend more than I claimed on eating out so it balances out I suppose.
Nowadays I have changed my diet even more, I eat Huel at least 1x a day and usually apples and bananas w/peanut butter for a meal too. It keeps costs down but I still eat out and spend a lot when I do 👍🏼
Have you tried eating out and buying mostly single serving meals at the store? $150?? That’s $5 a day lol. Where are you eating out and getting a days worth of food for $5? Even $300 is $10/day. Most fast food is more than $10/meal.