Prius info

[TWIH]

But I do also want the efficient "normal citizen" transportation into the well-paying big-city job.

If not, you're right but I'd remove all the relevant parts and re-assemble so it all stored nice looking and compact in an offroad camp trailer base.

Key would be getting a very recent model year cheap enough; you got me thinking!

Look at the Gen 3 Prius, 2010 - 2015. 
My Gen 3 with only 104K and impeccable maintenance is only worth $6,500-7000.  
A 2010 with say 150K would be worth $5K or less.

Gen 2', like a 2008-09 would be even less. 

Here's one in Florida:

2008 Toyota Prius5dr HB

• Mileage: 72,795 miles
  
• Location: Sarasota, FL
  
• Exterior: Classic Silver Metallic
  
• Interior: Dark Gray
  
• VIN: JTDKB20U083376774
  

$5,911