Hello all, Forgive me if this has been posted before, I searched and could not find an exact answer.... Prius trim levels are the most confusing I have every seen! My wife and I are shopping for a Prius for her. We found a 2010 II that she really likes. The dealer has it listed as a trim level II. The Carfax lists it as a II. When I search the VIN, I see II. However, the car is almost fully loaded. It has heated leather, driver lumbar, JBL audio system, the "plasmacluster" listed on the climate control, review auto dimming mirror with Homelink. Everything I have found, including a link from Autoblog, that breakes down the trims, describes this as a level 4 (IV). Any input is greatly appreciated!
Was it previously a corporate car? I have bought "certified pre owned vehicles" in the past that were manufacturer corporate cars, never registered to anyone outside the manufacturer. In one case, the car I bought had several options (factory tech packages, etc) that were not even available as options on that particular trim level. My conclusion was that the particular employee that got that car must have cherry picked the options he wanted.. Just my assumption though as I have no other info to base that on.
What does it say on the big placard on the driver's door jamb? Something like ZVW30L-AX␣BA? What's the ␣ ? -Chap
If the car does not conform to what the sales brochure lists as standard features for the model, and options group for the model, then the car was likely a fleet vehicle customization for a large leasing companies or rental car companies. Auto-Brochures.com|Toyota Car PDF Sales Brochure/Catalog/Flyer/Info Avalon Camry Celica, Corolla Corona Echo Mark II Mirai Prius Yaris My employer contracts with one of the large corporate vehicle leasing companies. These leasing companies custom order vehicles, direct from the manufacture, by the hundreds to thousands of vehicles. Options are cherry picked, usu with the bare minimum in creature comforts. For example, the 2007 Prius I bought after the end of the lease does not fit into any one trim level according to the 2007 Prius brochure. I would never be able to buy this non-conforming trim, at the retail level.
If it was a fleet or (especially) a rental vehicle, I wouldn't buy it. People generally care for their own cars but treat rentals like garbage.
I laugh (silently to myself) when people buy used cars from Rental companies. Despite the rental companies selling "creme de la crap," of the lot, one should RUN. Type "rental car abuse" in YouTube, for some entertainment. Fleet leased vehicles are probably treated a little bit better than rentals. For the simple reason the driver is in the car for the duration of the lease vs very short term (1, 2, 3 days, 1, 2 , 3 weeks, etc). But still abused, b/c its not yours. When I was issued the Prius, I took care of it from mile zero, b/c I knew I would buy it at the end of the lease.
Sure sounds like a model four. Does it have all the model four features? Never the less, if the car is in great shape then go for it.
I have to agree with this opinion about rental cars, or any cars that aren't personally owned for that matter. I've always taken care of every vehicle I've ever rented but I have yet to meet anyone that has as much consideration for something that isn't theirs. Whenever I'm driving a rental I hear "have you floored it yet?" and "how does it take corners, do you peel out?" and "who cares, it's just a rental!" For this reason I would never consider buying a rental or fleet vehicle. A lease, possibly. But I'm a "buy a brand new car, keep it for 15+ years" kinda gal.
Yeah, we should all have such problems, lol. Still, don't get starry eyed over this steal: look it over carefully. What's the mileage?
