I have the choice of two Prius', and would love to know which is the better choice: 1. 2010 Prius, 57k miles, $13500 2. 2009 Prius, 73k miles, $12000 I like the price on the 2009 better and the really nice computer screen in the center console (it's big and I like the computer readout and touch-screen radio, etc). But the milage and newer 2010 also intrigue me...not sure why they got rid of the big computer screen. Anyway, would love to hear some insights from those who know what they're talking about here! --JD
What model is the '10 and what features does the '09 have? No matter what your answer is though, I'd go with the '10. I have both a '09 and a '10 and the '10 is by far my favorite to drive.
By the way, the '10's come with a screen if they have Navi, which is available if you get a 3 or 4 model.
It's a pain in the butt to use the touch screen to change the fan or A/C and heat settings on the Gen II. You end up taking your eyes off the road to the point where it's dangerous. I find that the Gen II screen is not really useful unless you have the Navigation option. Even then the Navi is probably out of date and costs over a $100 for a new DVD update. I drive a 2010 Gen III and also have over 20k miles on the wife's Gen II. The Gen III has a little more power on the Interstate and will give you better MPG (about 4 mpg better) at 65 + mph. It's also much more stable in cross winds at high speeds. The one big drawback on the 2010 is the squeaks from the poor fitting dash/ flying bridge.
Since I still have this link in my "paste" button, here you go from Toyota all the differnces between Gen3 and Gen2.
The '10 is a Prius I and the '09 is just the basic model, I think (I'm still learning about Prius models). I have only about $14k to spend, so my options are limited. I have an iPad I use with my current car for GPS and music, so I don't need the screen for that, but it's a nice feature. Being able to shoot the music from my iPad to the car via bluetooth is important to me though, and I'd love to be able to control it from the steering wheel or screen. Can you implement that easy enough on the '10 model? Is all the info on the '09 screen still available elsewhere on the '10 model? I will, over time, have the ability to mod-in components if that's an option....
Are you sure about the 2010 being a Prius I? The lowest level sold by Toyota dealers was the II. There a only a few Prius I's on the road. It was a stripped down model only sold to fleet users. I think you can identify the Prius I by it needing a key to open the door. If it's really a model I then that's not a good price and you should offer $1,000 less. I don't think any of the 2009/2010 Prii trim levels will allow you connect the iPad via bluetooth. I think the trims that had bluetooth only implemented the interface for phone functions for those model years.
It says Prius I in the ad, but the picture shows no keyhole on the handles, so I'm betting they just mean it's the most "standard" model.
Here is a link to an upgrade radio for the Gen III. It might work but it does ship straight from China. So you never know about quality.
