Here's my dilemma. I'm contemplating buying a used 2011 or 2010. My choices are: buy a Prius 4 at a good price, or buy a Prius 2 and improve the audio and add leather. Both options will cost about the same, with maybe a 1000.00 advantage to the 2 option. Either will probably work for me, but I could use some opinions. Anyone care to comment, advise? I can get both vehicles at competitive prices. One clear advantae to the 4: sun roof.
The Prius 4 will have 3 door smart key. While I don't often use it on the passenger door, the trunk is immensely useful. Of course, you can program the driver's door to unlock all doors (see owner's manual), it's just less convenient. Seat heaters are another Prius 4 option you won't find on a 2 unless you somehow add them when you add leather. In moderate climates, the solar roof does a great job of keeping the interior cooler, provided you still use a windshield shade. Just don't expect much from it early in the morning or later in the evening as the sun is far too low in the horizon to be effective. Being able to tilt or open the roof on a nice day is great too. If you're big on Nav, Bluetooth hands-free, etc., the 4 will be a better choice as well, unless your after-market unit is capable (you'll lose out on steering wheel controls though). With the 2011, you "may" still be under warranty. The 2010 will be close to (or already at) the end of it's basic 3/36 warranty.
The Four will also have a better resale value if that helps you decide. You could always punt and get a Five
I have the 2012 IV model. I was debating getting the 2 or 3 over the 4 but weighted the options on the 4. 3 door sks is very useful especially getting into the trunk. Built in nav/satellite so I don't have to mess with replacing it because it has car diagnostics in the stereo system. Leather and heated seats are a plus too. My previous vehicle was a Tundra. I added heated seat to just the driver side and that was a PITA. I don't think I ever want to tackle that again. And also a built in homelink in the mirror so I don't have to carry an extra remote in the car (convenience factor for me). I don't know what the options on the 2010 has but these were on the 2012 model.
Traditionally, I have always bought low mile private party used cars ~1-2 years old, and really done well with them. With Audi, Mercedes, and BMW, this is a great way to save money and have a nice car. Most upper end models can be had for about half price this way. Funny, with economy cars, and esp the Prius, we've found that this is definitely not the case, at least in NC. Used ones seem to sell for pretty much newish prices. Particularly with dealer cars. So, we ended up just finding a good price on a new one ($< 23K OTD). Are you seeing used '11 and '10 Prius prices significantly lower?
I bought a used 2010 Prius 2 for $19. It was low mileage(14k) and still has half the new car warranty left, 3.5 power train and 6.5 battery. I upgraded the leather aftermarket. I may put in a new stereo eventually, but it already plays my iPod and my phone has nav. Bluetooth isn't a requirement for me since I don't talk on the phone while driving. That being said, if both prices are similar AND mileage as well I would go with the four. It will cost you at least $500 for leather anyway. If the mileage is significantly different I would go with the lesser of the two. Best of luck! quote="Filmmaker1225, post: 1616445, member: 93577"]Here's my dilemma. I'm contemplating buying a used 2011 or 2010. My choices are: buy a Prius 4 at a good price, or buy a Prius 2 and improve the audio and add leather. Both options will cost about the same, with maybe a 1000.00 advantage to the 2 option. Either will probably work for me, but I could use some opinions. Anyone care to comment, advise? I can get both vehicles at competitive prices. One clear advantae to the 4: sun roof.[/quote]
Colbertfan: Did you install the leather yourself? May I ask which kit you used? Happy with it? [/quote]
I went with a company called classic soft trim. They were expensive-$1300- but I wanted it done correctly. Since I got a decent price on the car coupled with the fact that I keep a car 10+ years I didn't feel bad about spending a bit more. (plus it wasn't financed.). The cst leather is all leather as opposed to just the seating surface from Toyota. I considered the other two popular ones on this board which are clazzio and katzkins. The clazzio are just slip covers and will run you around $450 and they are seats only - not the doors and center arm rest. The katzkins require you to remove the seats and cloth and run about $750. I don't know if they come with the door and center arm rest as part of their package. I could have done those with installation for around $1250. I felt better about paying the extrA $50 for cst because their leather comes with a lifetime warranty on the leather. [/quote]
