I would be able to get either for around $22,500. Which would you go for? -I drive 60 mph highway to work every day - 20 miles there, 20 miles back -I have a 1 year old so there will be a carseat in the car and a large stroller in the storage area -2011 Prius obviously has more room, but are there any other advantages besides better highway mpg? -Prius C3 would have 3 door SKS, display audio w/navigation, more comfy seats, bluetooth audio and talk, USB port, better multifunction display, probably better overall mpg, better handling -Prius II would have 0% financing, but financing won't be that big of a deal since I'm making around a $15,000 down payment -Prius C's may be hard to find in my color and package preference
It is a tough call. I'd say get your stroller and 1yo, go to show room and try both. From what I understand C is more cramped for 6-feeters, plus you may need more space with a babies. On other hand it may be not a factor.
If you have plan for another baby, the midsize Liftback is a better choice. Put the needs before the wants.
I also vote 3rd gen Prius liftback: more space for unanticipated baby-toting needs/baby supplies plus better highway mpg. And don't worry about losing nav: I have a Civic w/ navigation and I've read lots of Toyota navigation negatives; spend ~$100-200 to buy a Garmin - you'll have a radically more useful device. Wish I'd done that to begin with.
I've recently debated the exact same thing. For me? Of course I've waited so long that locally 2011 Prius II's which were excellent values...are now gone. But I think if you can get one for $22,500 and if you have a child? I'd easily pick the Prius "liftback" over Prius C. The extra room itself will be worth it. Prius C is currently "Next"...but when that wears off? Prius C is still by Toyota's admission the entry level or gateway hybrid product. Regular Prius is a step up the ladder...
The Prius C is great for a couple but the back seat is not ideal for transporting two full grown adults. Now the regular Prius is quite comofortable for two full grown adults in the back seat. I even had three of my wife's girlfriends in the back seat last summer and all three were not complaining. The Priuc C is right now the 'hot" Prius but eventually that will wear off, and all the Prius models will be in high demand as the price of gas nears the $4.50-$5 / gallon area. All of us Prius owners will be glad we bought ours when we did....
If you can find one, get a 2011 Liftback version 3 with Navi, after a few years the extra 1500 or so won't make a difference and you'll have the best of both worlds.
^Same with a 2010 for that matter (the 2011/2010s are like siblings). Of course, I realize finding a new 2010 is even less likely than finding a 2011 at this point.
I am in the exact scenario as the OP. and I plan on buying the 2011 Prius two for 22,133 instead of waiting for the "C". And here is my rationale.... - about the same mpg - reliable and already tested, the "c" would be first gen and may have issues that are unknown right now. - bigger in size, especially with kids, kids require stuff, bags, bags of stuff, plus car seats - the crappy base radio was turn off however I plan on putting in an ottonavi unit right after I make my purchase. And that would add the Bluetooth, nav, etc. - the seats, get the dealer to install katskin leather seats, that should only be like a $1200 upgrade. - also take the zero percent while you can, I don't think I have ever seen a Prius offered at 0% finance. So bottom line... In yours and my situation I would get the 2011 Prius two. And simply modify the other stuff to fit your needs.
I would check out the 2012 liftback's before you make your decision. It has the touch screen, bluetooth etc that you are looking for and you can get one for about 1,000 more than what your hoping to get an 11 liftback for.
How about the 2012 Prius Two? One teaser ad (Hanlees Toyota, Hercules, CA) showing $21,900 plus 1.9% financing (might be too good to be true) You get more with a 2012 Two - bluetooth handsfree for your phone (a very nice feature), USB port, display audio/touchscreen. You get none of this on the 2011 Two. Plus, you're sure to get the new intake manifold on the 2012 and the new right rear engine mount. Hopefully the 12's arent' price jacked in your area. btw, they still have 2011's left? I think they're just about gone around here.
Hanlees Toyota, Hercules CA, 888 241 2164 2012 Prius Two - $21,997 3 at that price (they don't show discount in paper, hmmmm) Hayward Toyo, CA 877 205-8526 '12 Two $22,988 or 2.9% 7 avail Toyota 101 Redwood City, CA '12 Two $23,888 ($1100 discount) so, that $21,990 figure from yesterday seems too low to be true. ... good job on big downpayment. Borrow less or nothing is best way to do. Little bit of achilles heel for Prius .. kinda pricey and naysayers trump card is ... can get a Corolla for $16k.
OK, let's revise this comparison a little bit. After doing some research I think it should be between a 2012 Two vs. a 2012 C Three. The 2012 has the bluetooth, USB, and multifunction display that I want so it would be a better option than a 2011. Prius C Three -$22,395 (probably not going to go less than MSRP) Advantages over 2012 Two Liftback -3 Door smart key -Navigation -Entune -Better multifunction display (color and more features) -Better handling -Probably better overall MPG 2012 Prius Liftback Two - $23,000 (I think I can talk my dealer into giving me this price final (with floor mats and destination charge) Advantages over C Three - More room, so probably more comfy - More room in the storage area to haul things like strollers, etc. - Probably better hwy mileage (I drive 40 miles hwy a day) - A bit more power - Possibly having a 2nd baby next year (but I do have another car - Grand Prix that would be larger than the C) I guess it is going to come down to the test drive where I can see just how much smaller the C is and what avg. MPG people get. I really like the 3 door SKS, nav, and entune on the C. Plus reports of close to 60 MPG is really making me excited. But if I'm having to haul around babies the liftback would be roomier. Hmmm.
more you wait, higher the gas prices are, less discount you will get on G3 . If gas prices continue like this for next 2 months, people will be paying 23k for 2-3 year old Prii, just like the last time.
If you're talking about hauling around babies, you should be thinking about the regular Prius and the Prius v, not the c. Two babies and a c are for sure a non fit. Back in the day when we had two babies, we had a 73 Dodge Coronet wagon, and we were tight on space in that monster. (yes I'm an old f--t, but not a dumb one). Good Luck!
