How are the ride/handling quality of 2010 (15/17 inch rims) compare that of 2008 Prius (non-touring model). My wife and I both own 2008 Prius, and while I like the car, I wish it handles little sportier and has little less choppy ride on imperfect pavement. Thanks,
Not sure about the 2008 but my 2010 III package with the 15" rides very nicely. Smooth quiet and handles very nicely.
Go for the 17" wheel Prius if you want sportier handling but expect choppy ride on imperfect pavement. Hypermilers who ultra-inflate their tires get equally choppy ride even with 15" wheels.
Thanks everyone. I just pulled the trigger on a V. Paid $600 below invoice + 1.9% for 60 month, and got free maintenance for 2 year! That is some aggressive deal. I'll post some pix tomorroow since it's pouring outside.....
Awesome deal you got - you're going to be very happy in your decision. Enjoy it! I'm looking forward to some pictures.
Haven't had a chance to take good pictures due to the bad weather and crazy work schedule but here are some taken w/iPhone. The handling is much improved from the 2008 non-touring model. It almost handles like a 1990 Prelude Si I used to own. The ride is not too bad either on the coarse pavement. The huge improvement is the road noise level at a high speed. I'm very satisfy with the car and the deal I got (0% at 36 month). Only annoying things are the location of USB port and the coin tray....
Love the last picture. Great comparision photo.... the brakelights and taillights are definitely higher up but the last Gen has a rear skirt that is lower to the ground. The rear bumper on the 3rd Gen has a complex design near the reverse light vs. the more simple design of the Gen 2.
I'm a 2 Prius family as well, a 2004 and a 2010 IV w/sunroof. The USB port (and the Aux jack) were not placed in good locations at all. I give Toyota some credit for getting outside the box on the shifter location and temperature controls. However, they sure could have done a MUCH better job with the ports connected to the sound system.
