Having second thoughts--three versus four

Sounds like the $5K difference isn't worth it for you, if all you get is the following, and none of them are really important to you:
--nav (certainly not the most advanced system)
--softex seats (if you decide down the line you'd prefer leather seats, you could probably get aftermarket ones for a few grand)
--heated seats (never been one of my priorities)

 

I got the 3 for similar reasons. I didn't want built in nav.

I got clazzio seat covers because I didn't want my dog ruining the cloth seats with wet or muddy paws . Aftermarket custom seats might be $1200 tops.

I would have paid for just heated seats and backup camera.

Sounds like the 3 is the better choice for you. Save the $5000 for things you really want

 

the main reason i went with 4 instead of the 3 is the power seats. you stated that you prefer manual adjustments over powered ones. but the manual adjustments dont have enough options to select. for example, theres no lumbar section. they feel like completely different seats.

if possible, you need to go on another drive with a 3 or 2 (maybe rent a prius). you dont get a good feel of how uncomfortable they are on those 5-10 min test drives. if you driven the prius and you're still ok, then go for the manual seats. if its a really big issue, then you're going to end up spending more for "fixes" and end up not enjoying your car.


dont forget the other features of the upgrade:
jbl 7.1 (not audiophile level)
auto/on/off lights
7.1 nav with sat traffic (but you preferred the garmin)
softex (vs $700-1k upgrade on 3 for katzkin)
HUD (i really like it)
led drl?
heated seats

 

toggle between interior/exterior/safety/etc tabs
Toyota Prius Hybrid - 2012 Models: Prius Two, Prius Three, Prius Four, Prius Five

HUD only demo

very misleading video. the HUD only displays in the bottom 25% of your windshield in a narrow box. you can move up it, down, left, right, etc. turn brightness up/down. i hate the nav items. you can toggle HSI(mph) and nav.

HUD is only available on solar 4s and adv tech 5s.

 

Biggest would be the infinitely adjustable power seats vs. the uncomfortable for many manual seats.

You may prefer the ability to manually adjust but that doesn't affect the issues with seat ergonomics, the powers seats do address the seat ergonomics.

As for the lousy auto nav, there are all lousy in comparison to Garmin.

 

Pretty sure I can only move mine up or down.

 

I went with Four over Three for these reasons:
-- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink. I had this in my 2005 and loved it.
-- Auto-on headlights (as well as auto-off).
-- Heated seats. I had this on previous cars and appreciated it in the winter a surprising amount.
-- Heads-Up Display. Quite simply awesome.

Softex vs fabric wasn't a deciding factor. But I do like the softex seats.

 

I wanted at least a 4 because of the adjustable seats. My wife's 2005 pkg 6 seats with unpowered cloth seats caused me to have back ache after about a 1 hour drive. We routinely take a 4 hour drive at least 3 times a month.

Went with a 5 because of auto leveling LED headlights vs projector halogen bulbs. The 2005 Prius with HID headlamps are exceptionally bright at night. When I test drove a new 2012-4 at night I was disappointed with headlights. I have HID lamps in the 05 Prius and my Avalon Limited and they outperform the 2012 pkg 4 Prius headlights

For me i wanted at least the 4 over a 3 because;
Power seats , More comfortable due to adjustments

The 5 because;
Power seats, more comfortable due to adjustments
Brighter LED headlights with auto leveling

Life is full of compromises.

 

I made the decision to go with the 4 for the same reasons. I enjoy the upgraded navi as well and the other factors including the HUD definitely make the 4 a nicer car.

 

Similar...chose four because of:

1. HUD - fantastic, LOVE HSI there to help learn driving hybrid
2. Seat - very comfortable, even on 7 hr. trip
3. DRL
4. Softex
5. Auto on headlights

Also I have been happy with Nav, compared to my admittedly older Garmin.

 

You won't regret your decision. The Four is a really awesome car! :rockon:

 

I was torn between the 3 & 4, but in the end I had to draw a line somewhere.

The 3 with the sunroof/nav is great. Yes, a garmin also works well, but the in-car navi is nice because I can hear it over the stereo or handsfree calls. It's also a very large display, which is nice. And it doesn't leave a "ring" on my windshield to alert thieves that I've probably got a GPS hidden in the glovebox when the car is parked.

My dealer added aftermarket leather & heated seats for $750 as part of the purchase agreement. They work great & I love them.

I do miss the auto-dimming mirror & auto-headlights. My last vehicle had them & they are nice features, but I can live without them. Same with power seats; I really don't adjust my seats often, so that's not a big deal.

I would have loved the HUD. My regret list includes that, as well as the lane assist & radar cruise. But again, they are things I can survive without.

 

Note: you get HUD with the four, but need a five for lane assist and DRCC.

 

Power seats in the 4 won me over. I share the car with the wife, its a pain to try and manually get it just right.