NEED HELP DECIDING IMMEDIATELY: Two exact same 2010 Prius IV with diff price

Do you have their VINs?

Maybe you can register and put them into Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More to figure out their service histories.

OTOH, I don't know what "Premium Accessory Package" is.

Toyota Vehicles : Toyota Announces Prices for 2010 Prius / Toyota was the original model and package matrix. Ignore the prices, they're old.

 

IMHO, both have identical warranty and if the equipment is the same, go with the non-smoker car. If there is no history of a major repair or insurance claim, again, go with the nicer car. I wouldn't read much into the price unless they are at the same dealer. Then ask the obvious question.

Now if one of them has lane following and collision avoidance, I would buy it in a hear beat. Over the life the car, you are less likely to be involved in an accident and you'll find adaptive cruise control great on cross-country trips. But that is me.

After you decide, please share technical details of the two cars and the offered price of the other one.

Bob Wilson

 

I don't know what's up with "electrical concern". I take it the above is from the cheaper one w/o oil changes listed on Carfax?

Oil change interval on Gen 3 Prius became 10K miles w/required synthetic. I had to LOL about the "world class inspection". Those words have only come up a few times. Google for

Code:

site:priuschat.com "world class inspection"

.

 

Search on YouTube for prius lka and prius pcs.

DRCC.

(Video) I give you a rundown of all the cool things the Intelligent Park Assist can do. | PriusChat

These are all part of the advanced tech package.

 

The Prius, including the 2010 has a very good reliability record w/every single model year in Consumer Reports (they only have 03-11 listed) having much better than average reliability. Electrical doesn't look like a problem spot in CR. It still has a very good rating in that system.

Without knowing more details of these unspecified "electrical concerns", I have no idea. For all we know it was user error or the original owner ran their 12 volt flat or their dealer did it for them (like this one: Closed Minds | PriusChat). On a Prius, if the 12 volt is low, you will NEVER get symptoms of slow cranking or starter unable to turnover the engine as the Prius has no dedicated starter motor. The engine isn't started by the 12 volt either. Instead, usually weird stuff happens or the car won't start up.

 

Sorry, CR = Consumer Reports.

If price is a concern, do look into a less well equipped model, possibly a new one. Or, if its size and err.... cheaper interior is ok w/you, do consider the The Toyota Prius c models and prices. I wouldn't buy the model One due to lack of cruise control.

 

You mean a Gen 3 (2010+) regular Prius aka the liftback? For 2010, the models were I thru V. For '11 and beyond, they went to spelling out the words (One thru Five) instead of Roman numerals.

I'd probably steer clear of car #1 w/o knowing more about the supposed electrical problem.

For MY 12, there were some significant changes to the trim levels (Exclusive: 2012 MY Prius - Changes and Additions | PriusChat is mostly right except there's no backup camera on model Two). 2012 Toyota Prius MPG | Prius Prices shows MSRPs.

 

Let's start over with an introduction to the Prius. Unlike traditional cars, this is a computer operated car. As a driver/owner, we tell the computers what we want and the computers handle the details:

• engine control computer - handles valves, throttle, mixture, and the electric water pump. This has all but eliminated the mess of hoses and belts found under the hoods of a traditional car.
• hybrid vehicle controller - handles gear 'shifting', power and interface to the electronic brake.
• electronic brake - with the hybrid vehicle controller handles regenerative and emergency braking. This includes a 'hill hold' assist so when stopped on a slope at a traffic light, you can take your foot of the brake and accelerate without rolling back into the car behind.
• electronic steering - this alone eliminates the major, hydraulic pump and tubing using an electric motor to assist steering at slow speeds.
• traction battery computer - this handles keeping the traction battery state of charge and within optimum operating ranges so they will last incredibly long . . . as long as every other part.
• body control computer - handles lights, door locks, wipers(?), e.t.c.
• air bag controller - deals with accidents
• keyless security - keeps the bad guys from easily driving off with the car

Now the first Prius dates from 1997 and has gone through multiple generations:

• NHW10 - first Prius only in Japan, 1.5L engine, computer controlled, compact sedan
• NHW11 - first Prius in North America, the NHW10 with more power but same compact sedan body
• NHW20 - second Prius in North America, same engine but more power and larger, hatchback body
• ZVW30 - third Prius in North America with 1.8L engine and more power, larger, body

What these computer controlled, electrical cars do is replace heavy, inefficient mechanical assemblies with efficient, reliable electrical systems. Software now tweaks the car performance AND can be updated. For example, there was an obscure, brake pause that was difficult to replicate. About the time we found out how to replicate it, Toyota issued a field upgrade that downloaded new brake controller software that all but eliminated the pause.

Now if you are used to working on mechanical cars, the Prius could be a challenge. But it you are comfortable with cell-phones, iPads, computers, and digital movies, the Prius will be just another, terribly useful appliance . . . one that will take you from point A to point B and consistently get +50 MPG. Each tank can deliver over a 500 mile range with a bunch of 'stuff' in the back. For example, I put a tow bar on mine for an oversized load:


That was a long drink of water for a short swallow. You'll get a warranty with either car so I would not worry about an 'electrical' problem. Talk with the sale-critter and they may have some sort of extended warranty BUT I would have no interest. You would be better served to take a vocational-tech electronics course so 'electrical' won't be intimidating. It isn't that hard to do.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

^^^
They could've taken the a 3rd party (not a Toyota dealer) for an oil change. It wouldn't be noted there. Again, the OCI became 10K miles with required synthetic oil (Toyota Synthetic Motor Oil Change and Replacement Services and Information).

 

Is that OK as I read in manual that towing by Prius is not recommended?
Very nice summary above anyway

 

^^^
Correct, recommended tow capacity of Prius is 0 lbs. I've never towed anything w/mine but that doesn't stop others...