Buying a Prius tomorrow advice please

This is an easy decision to make
1. If u have no kids, get the Prius Plug-In
2. If you have kids or a big family you get the Prius v (lowercase v forf the Prius v wagon)
I'd go with the plug Don't get so caught up with a solar panel because all that does is keep the interior of the car add a ambient temperature it's more for looks.
Lighthouse a gen 3 with all the bells and whistles and the solar panel is the least of what I use or effectivenesBut in the end it's Ur choice. We all have different needs and different reasons for doing and buying what we did
Good luck

 

Do you mean Prius model 4 with solar sun roof? The model 5 cannot be had with that package, but an advance technology package instead. Strange indeed. I drive a 2013 model 4 with the solar sun roof package so I can relate to your 2nd choice. Bought mine used with 40K miles at a Subaru dealership last year so it was not a certified car. Had great luck with it, now at 64K miles. Bought a model 4 because I wanted a sun roof, HUD and softtex heated seats.

To help you choose which one, what is your intended usage? If you frequently drive short or moderate commutes and have access to a charging port, then the PIP probably makes more sense. If your commutes are very long (like mine) then the model 4 makes more sense.

The PIP model BTW has only an 8 gallon gas tank while the model 4 (and other models) have an 11.9 gallon gas tank so range plays a huge factor here. The leather you mentioned for both cars is actually softtex. Still very nice though. Good luck with what ever car you choose.

 

There are always room for more negotiations. I have been asked to pay dealer fees but have never paid one. You just have to act totally disinterested and be prepared to walk away if they do not meet your terms. There will be other Pri's and other deals.

 

I'd probably do the unless you make a lot of short trips (those will kill your MPG on the and the pip would be really good at them). I like the extra accessories and the power seat (I don't think the base pip has this). i am assuming that if the V is even in consideration then it's not too big for you. The wouldn't have fit in our garage with our Honda Odyssey so that would have been a deal breaker for me personally.

Also, the is a lot cheaper so would take you a while to make the up the fuel difference money wise.

 

I would not pay that $799 dealer fee. I could at least understand seeing the fee on a new car, but I would not pay it on a used one.

 

You say the Prius Plug-In has leather... is it the Advanced model? Or just a base with aftermarket leather?

For me, the power driver's seat is a must with the lumbar support.
I also like the battery in the Plug In better, as even after it deteriorates quite a bit (if it ever does), it'll still have more capacity than a regular GenIII.
I have a plug in advanced, so I'm biased... but that's probably the route I would go. My previous car had a panoramic clear roof, which was awesome. I thought I'd miss it... I haven't really missed it much at all. (in fact, hadn't thought about it until just now).

Sorry, my edited version didn't get posted...

If the "Prius V with Solar Roof" is actually a Prius Liftback 4 with solar roof package, and it has the heated power seats and upgraded navigation/entune, I'd probably go that route over the base plug in. Plus it's $2000 cheaper.

 

I agree with minnyprius - I'd get the 4 over the base pip if that is what it is. I have one (no solar roof though) and I love it.

Unless the pip is actually an advanced (you can tell if it has the power seat).

 

Tough call, but yeah, at that price point, I'd go with the four/solar. I'll be honest, the 11 miles is neat, but constantly disappointing.. hehehe. You always want more. Forget the plug, and enjoy the comfy seat, cool(er) summer entry and fancier interior features, and the extra cash in your pocket... (AND you'll have a spare tire, even though I hope you'll never need one). Consider that $2000 as your down payment on your next car with more electric range!

Nevermind, I see you just sold your Corolla.. Carry on...

 

I'd walk away from the greedy suckers. They advertise the car at a specific price then tack on another $799! Huh! If the advertised price doesn't cover the cost of doing business, then dealer is a sheister. Go with the "V". It's a way better deal.

 

I have Prius Gen 3 trim 3 and recent Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon) Prius v was my wife's choice, but some reason, she likes to drive Prius Gen 3 trim 3 and I end up driving Prius v. After many drives, I like Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon) more and more, reasons;
1. Space, is great taking solo trips, doing work inside while in camping and long trips
2. Cargo space taking bulk grocery items from costco, gardening items...
3. Better comfort on medium and long trips
4. Steering (not handling) is better

For me both car has advantages and disadvantages (I like both), it all depends what you like and your life style.., but for me I conformed to Prius v comfort and space

If I had choice I would negotiate price as low as you can for Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon) and use the Versatile in it.

 

Call a couple of the BIG Los Angeles Dealers and see if you can do better.
The savings could pay for your cross-country vacation.

I'd try to Get the dealer to throw in the plane tickets.

2 weeks ago, My dealer in Carlsbad CA, still had plenty of New 2015's, deeply discounted.

 

You don't have to waste your time charging the pip while you're on the road. With the gas prices around $2 a gallon, it's hardly worth your time to save $1 a day and possibly walking from charging station to where ever you're going to.

Long term costs on the PIP is still unknown as the first generation PIPs are still going strong. When they start failing and needing battery pack(s), then you might start regretting the PIP purchase. I believe both battery packs on the PIP will be close to $10,000 to replace

 

$13,500 doesn't seem too bad for the 4 with solar I paid 15 and change for mine with 40K miles certified but without the solar roof pkg. I would get that one if it were me

 

I have a Plug-in and don't any any advantage in your situation. ( Bought mine for HOV lane access) The Prius 4 would be my choice if I were you.