deciding between loaded Prius and CT200h

Definitely a subjective decision. My wife and I are 8 year owners of our 2004 Prius, and recently bought a CT. She would have preferred a G3 Prius to save money and preference for the exterior design, but I am the main driver of this car, and I chose the CT instead.

Why ?
For one, I wanted a quiet, comfortable car for long trips. The Prius is good, the Lexus is better. Prius squeaks annoyed me enough to pay a lot to get rid of them LOL

Second, I like to keep cars a long time, and I expect the Lexus to age more gracefully interior wise because the materials are better quality.

Third, I like tech, but oddly enough I do not really like it in my face when I drive. The CT has a subdued interior design I like. My kids would no doubt call it boring

I thought the main compromise I would have to accept to buy a CT over a Prius would be fuel economy, and that bothered me more than the higher cost. I am happy to say the CT actually is within 5% of our G2 Prius. The much lower EPA results are proof that *some* routes are much better in the Prius, but either I have not found them or as a driver I have adapted to the CT's requirements.

 

I am looking at a 12 Prius Five Series and a CT200h too. I like everything better about the CT200h, except the backseat room and no upholders in the backseat. Prius has quite a bit more room. Agree the Lexus front seats are really comfortable and love the layout.

 

I just test drove both yesterday, trying to make the same decision.
For whatever reason the CT is just too tight for space inside. It just won't work with our reverse facing infant seat without the passenger being pretty uncomfortable and squished.
It's too bad, because otherwise it's a no-brainer IMHO.
So it's a Prius with package 5 for me.

 

BTW, LED headlights, headlight washers, heated seats and enform are all available on the upper model prius. Which to me is a better comparison to the CT.

 

Wait, why are you comparing to a Prius Three when you should be comparing to a Prius Five?

 

I would choose the CT based on this alone. If you're not comfortable with the feel of the Prius, you're always gonna be doubting yourself and wishing you would've went with the CT.

 

Some of us actually find the CT to be less comfortable because of how cramped the interior is. The driver's seat area wasn't too bad but everywhere else felt like a cockpit and not in a good way. So if you regularly have passengers you may want to consider them and their comfort.

 

I guess it varies by person, but for me, driver>passenger. But I have to admit, passenger room for the Prius is pretty nice

 

Another consideration is the dealer...if you want granite counter tops in the parts department and free coffee in the waiting room, think Lexus. Also think of who pays for it!! Haha....An oil filter at my local Lexus dealer was $12.95, at the Toyota dealer a mile down the road it was $4.95.

I do love my CT, but I'm more at home at the Toyota dealer.

 

No one beats lexus service. Our dealer offers free pick and delivery anywhere in the city, for any service, including dropping off your loaner car which is included "free" of charge. Plus the free coffee, wifi, nice lounge area, etc if you'd rather wait. And you are treated so much better from the second you step foot in the dealership. Ya you are paying for it but it sure is a much nicer experience.

Just one more reason it pained me to find out the CT was too small.

 

I own a '12 CT "F" and I gotta say that coming from a G2 #6, it was a no brainer.

Now, with that said and done, rear storage, cargo and seating room was seriously compromised. I've moved THREE times with my G2 and I dont think the CT could have accommodated as much room. If rear passengers/cargo is not too much of a consideration, the CT is a must.

But, hearing myself talk, isn't the Prius always the most practical car?

Cheers.

 

My 2 nearby Toyota dealers have free coffee (I think: I don't drink it) and wireless. No granite counter tops though. Cheapskates.

From what I've read the CT is also potentially very efficient, whatever the EPA says. But if I'm spending that much money I'd rather put it into a plug-in.

 

What state are you in?

Although Lexus' basic and powertrain warranties are longer, are you in CA or a CARB emissions state?

From our discussion at http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...now-dealer-lots-starting-29-999-photos-6.html and Lexus Warranty and Protection it seems the CT may not have the 10 year/150K mile HV battery warranty that AT-PZEV cars (like the regular Prius) would get in CA and CARB emissions states. Ditto for the 15 year/150K mile emissions warranty.

You can check the warranty booklets of both to see the details.

 

In simplest terms:

• The Prius is a hybrid Toyota.
• The CT200h is a hybrid Lexus.

 

Also, consider with the extra $$ saved on getting the prius, u can upgrade the suspension to be equal or better than the CT. I'm not knocking the Lexus, as I own a 2007 RX350 & know their great quality vehicles but one way or another you are paying for it.

 

Sorry, I meant Entune. Enform is the same (apps) but adds the Lexus version of Onstar, connecting you with a Lexus service rep for emergency assistance, directions, etc. I believe you are right, that part is not available on the Prius. But those other items are available. The heated seats are hidden under the "bridge" in the cubby space. The headlight washers are included with the LED headlamps.

 

Tough choice, but in the end I guess it's what you value more: comfort/luxury vs. practicality. Both have its merit, I decided on the Prius instead because I rather spend the money save on an Enginer plug in system instead.