Should I?

The PiP's highway EPA estimate is +1 more than whatever the regular liftback/no-plug Prius is.

If most of your driving is freeway and long distance, then I'd suggest you just get the regular one. If you're talking about an occasional long trip here and there but do a fair amount of city driving, then the PiP may be worth looking into.

 

For most drivers the PiP doesn't make financial sense. If you really never run short errands from your home then the inability to run in EV mode might be frustrating. Otherwise, the sheer pleasure of driving an electric vehicle around town from time to time may be worth the extra expense. I don't have any conventional Prius data go compare with, but our experience with the PiP is that it routinely gets approximately 60 mpg in pure HV highway driving at 65 mph. With an electric "head start" long trips will see a few mpg added to that.

It's not like a few mpg here and there is going to save me a ton of money at today's gas prices, but I personally find the process of learning how to drive efficiently with the PiP to be highly entertaining and well worth the extra expense.

 

Some people buy a car for economy, but many buy because it's what they want to own. As for the PIP over the regular Prius, in every way, the plug in version will give you better mileage. It also will be more fun to own and drive, because of all its versatility. Driving a 30-mile trip I’ve found the first half of my trip is pure electric and the rest hybrid. I averaged 77 to 100 miles per gallon on these drives. All my errands around town are well over 100 mpg. Don’t buy a PIP for its remarkable economy, but buy it because it makes you feel good, and you want to enjoy its versatility.

 

I think I would buy the PiP if I were you. But that is MY thinking. As others have said, it is all about what you want and what you can afford. Being able to drive electric is really fun and being able to get remarkable mpg even if you don't do it all of the time is really fun. But it is something of a hassle to install an EVSE if you want faster than the minimum charge. I find that once that is done, it is done. If you ever need to replace the traction battery, it will be more expensive. If you "sock away " some money that does not need to be a problem.

Go with what turns you on.

 

Most, if not all commercial establishments are very amenable to working out a charging system for you, especially when you are doing business with them. Stress Electrical vehicle, ignore hybrid when clarifying to an alien, unless alien is very friendly and curious. Buy one, you will love it. By slowing down, not only do you see the country better but mileage can be 65 mpg to 90 mpg. If feasible always charge, Motels restaurants , maybe even gas stations, casinos. It's all in how you approach them. Get off the free way and search for parallel roadways, country folk love these alien machines.
L

 

Worst problem with the Pip in long distance driving-no spare tire. Just get a regular Prius, they are great cars, and since you can afford the Pip, get a loaded Prius a 4 or 5.

 

Ok here is what you need to do. LOL

Compare all the toys you want and decide which PIP you would purchase. Then compare the toys on all the other Prius models. Compare price. Ding Ding. Pull trigger on your decision.

I have the Advanced version and the toys are huge. It was love at first sight. But if you do little city driving and more highway driving you may want to look at other models. Toys, Toys. It's all about the Toys. (grin)

Seriously, my Prius Plug-in is one fantastic travel machine. It has everything one could ask for. (well maybe a spare tire might be handy) But compared to my 2006 Prius Hybrid I feel the 2012 has grown up and is very elegant now. These comments are based on my Advanced version. Your mileage may vary. (cough cough)

 

Chris, according to the numbers I have seen, the reason dealers stick to MSRP is that there is very little profit margin in this car. Apparently there is more profit in selling used cars (i.e. the trade in). I have seen posts of a few who have had a few hundred dollars of discount but these do not seem to be the rule nor striking in the amount. The good thing is that there have been few reports of OVER MSRP charges. There have been a few, but those (that I heard of) were in California, not here in Washington.

Regarding the spare tire, this thread (9) No spare tire? | PriusChat discusses the matter at length. It is worth reading if you have not seen it.

Finally, no car qualifies as an investment. But with its resale value, a Prius is better than most. After a few years, if you need to, you can still get a big part of your money out of it. The counter to that is that if you wait, it is likely that even more desirable possibilities will become available (i.e/. a less expensive Tesla or the next Prius model).

Allan

 

The trouble with "waiting" is you can always say that. If I had not purchased my 2006 Prius I could have still been waiting. Products will always get better. Remember, you can't take it with you. If you want a PIP buy one. How does the old saying go? You always will get what you pay for. In this case the current Prius Plug-in is one wonderful automobile (with the Advanced Toys of course) LOL Go ahead, enjoy it. You know you want to. And if you take a test ride like I did you will be in love (with the car, that is) (grin)

Cheers

 

What? I can't take it with me?

Then I'm NOT going!

 

I was in for my 10K service this past weekend and in talking to the Sales Manager, he said that they have sold very few PiPs. He asked me for some ideas on how to sell. I told him to have the salesman find out the customers' typical commute and see if it fits in with the range of the PiP. The problem here on Long Island is that our electric rates are very high, about $.18 per KWH.

Anyhow, my point is that a dealership would rather sell one for less profit to not let it sit. So, you may be able to have more wiggle room.