Hesitating between new Gen4 and used Gen3

This is from the back page of the 2010 brochure, might help you determine what level it is. There was a minor refresh in 2012, so there'll be some variation.



(Ignore the numbers; I think something's messed up. FWIW, we got Touring, for around $30K.)

 

These are really pretty different vehicles. The 3rd Gen Prius has MUCH more USABLE cargo space than the 4th Gen. Toyota made the Gen 4 more aerodynamic at the cost of cargo space but increase in MPG. There are some threads on the fact that the cubic cargo space numbers between the two generations do not tell the real story in actual usable space. You may want to check the two out side-by-side.

Kids are messy and expensive. You have a lot of dirty outdoor stuff. New cars take a huge depreciation hit as soon as they leave the dealership. Since you asked for opinions, mine would be to get the bigger used Gen 3.

 

Whenever someone appears in Prius Chat and say's I'm thinking "New" or "Used" my answer defaults to budget.

If you can afford it? I think new always trumps taking the risk with used. BUT....

A newer used car? You can mitigate the risks, and you don't take the new car depreciation hit, so you can save a lot of money.

To the OP specifically? My advice would be whatever you choose, new or used, try to buy the "tool"-vehicle that is going to most meet your expected needs.
2 of you now....with kids on the horizon, and you like to take long road trips, outdoor enthusiasts carrying gear? That sounds like a situation in evolution.

I would really try to evaluate if a Prius not only meets your needs today, but would meet your projected needs tomorrow. Specifically size. If you are expecting a growing family? You might consider looking at Prius v. Slightly less MPG, but more space.

I found the standard Prius-Gen 3, to be kind of amazing as far as what I could fit in it and haul. So it may be perfectly fine. But that is the issue I'd want to be comfortable with given what I'm hearing about your future. Don't want to invest today, and 3 years from now discovering The Prius is just too small.

 

Yeah I am too: that's the Canadian Brochure.

 

welcome!

the 2012 is a great model year, and that sounds like an excellent price. i would go for it.
all the best!

 

a few more posts, and you will be able to.

 

Congrats!! Do circle back with pictures and how you like it.

 

KBB says its worth $14,700 CAD, so it is a fair deal, but not a steal. If you really want it and the dealer won't budge on price, try to get stuff thrown in, like extra keys, floor mats, schedule service, etc.. The keys for this car are insanely expensive (hundreds of dollars) so maybe the dealer would throw a couple in.

 

Gen 3 also has an inch (3cm) higher ground clearance which helps for those dirt roads. I've very gently scrapped my gen 2 several times (no damage), but wouldn't want to be lower.

Note that it's easy to setup a sleeping space for 1-2 people in the back of gen 2's and 3's, probably harder in a gen 4. I sleep in the back on my gen 2 on a 4" twin mattress several weekends a year on rock climbing trips. Also works great for sharing with a girlfriend/wife Plus you can take the ~$10k+ saved and go buy more outdoor gear!

 

No contest. Go for the Gen 4. It's a far superior car, better mileage and more comfortable. Plus, you reduce risk with a new car warranty and knowledge of its entire life.

 

We're considering trading up to fourth generation, because we want to be able to pull a small trailer. Given your penchant for gear, you may want to think about that.

 

Either Generation is equally up to the task of pulling a smaller trailer (Harbor Freight style, lightweight 4 x 8 is a great choice). There are plenty of threads on this issue within PriusChat. Plus, both models have plenty of room inside, the Gen 3 just a bit more than the Gen 4 per my reading of the specs. Toyota does not recommend towing or bumper mounted rack mounts, btw.