New Gen III vs. used Gen II

That's a lot of driving time. I'd drive both to make sure where you are going to spend a lot of your life over the next 10 years is comfortable. Neither will be worth a lot at the end so the old one will indeed save you money.

 

I see a lot of used G-II (2004-2009) Prius being advertised these days. Considering that the G-III is now available (and that we have a depressed economy, and the price of gas is currently relatively low), many used Prius (G-II) seem to be over-priced. If I were going to buy a used G-II Prius, I'd wait a month or two for the fact to sink-in to people's brains that the G-II is now out-dated.

Good Luck,

Keith

 

Additionally, I see people getting screwed on trade in's here with the GenIII deals. I'm betting you could find someone in your area here on PC willing to give you a deal. Personally I'd rather let you have the deal as let the dealer. They make a huge profit on used cars. It's what's keeping most dealers alive.

Plus here you'll be buying from a fanatic and probably get a great car. (If it's a bad car and they chat you can probably see postings where they have complained)

 

(I've stated this a bunch of times here on PC)
Even though I have nav on my Prius, given the price of PNDs now, the high price of factory nav systems and updates for them, if I were in the market now, I most likely wouldn't buy factory nav.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 350 for my other car w/o nav and although I wouldn't say the Garmin blows away the nav system my Prius (some here would), the OEM nav price premium is just too high despite the convenience factor, integration, larger screen, voice recognition, etc.

If I were to replace my Prius w/a 2010, I'd buy a model II or III depending on whether I felt the stock non-JBL sound quality was acceptable.

BTW, davidsf, what state are you in? I'd guess California, from the handle.

 

If the price of the Gen II is reasonable vs. KBB value, I think I'd go that route. First year models of a new generation car often are subject to bugs that need some ironing out. The Gen II has a proven track record.

 

My strong recommendation would be to get the 2010 if you can afford it. There has been a huge improvement in highway handling and in the comfort of the front seats. The 2010 corners flatter and the ride is also better. They also fixed several other minor complaints people had about the gen 2 cars. Drive both and you'll see what I mean. If you don't, well then maybe the gen 2 car is good enough. If you do get a gen 2 car, try to find a touring model.

 

We are in the same situation as the OP - we will be deciding between a used Gen II (prefer back up camera) and a new Gen 3 but model II for us because we are not interested in upgraded stereos or the NAV system. Anyone in the greater Milwaukee area (Chicago, Madison, maybe even Twin Cities) wanna talk? We will be back in the States in 1 week.

 

Just be careful, make sure you're happy with the driver's seat on the Gen2. There is a substantial improvement with the Gen3 seating.... and the chassis and power, etc...

If you're 5'8" or so, likely fine in Gen2. If 6'+ like said, beware.

They are different though. 24HP is a substantial gain for Gen3.

Could always buy a low cost nav even with wireless backup camera.

Keep in mind Toyota's price is something like $250 for a new DVD to update the maps for the Nav system.

Also, if 5 years later, and don't have extended warranty, Toyota Nav goes out, could cost a small fortune to replace.

I would not get nav in Gen3. Would just add Nav w wireless camera for ~ $800.

Gen3 II ... $22,950 with carpet mats.

 

And the Gen3 is showing up more ... I saw 3 more Gen3's yesterday during 1 1/2 hours on the road.

Hope I'm not seeing the same one's every day

J/K... SF Bay Area a huge place.

 

If you don't care about money then get the GenIII and pamper yourself. If you are trying to make the most economical decision then buy a quality used GenII. $10,000+ difference in price buys A LOT of gas and covers any eventual repairs the GenII could possibly need including a new battery if that were to be an issue.

And as always to counter Cycledrum's concern over tall people and the GenII, if you are thin and normally proportioned the GenII is not uncomfortable. At 6'3" 174lbs I have zero issues with the comfort level. Nothing against Cycledrum and I'm not saying he is wrong. We just play this game back and forth.

 

Turapeach...I sent you a PM.