I like the idea of the package but just wondering if it is worth it. I tried researching but it's hard to find information on this package, how everything works and how valuable any of the features are. If anyone knows in details the features or if any first hand owners know if the features. Are actually pretty cool, please respond!
whether it's "worth" it depends on the individual. i was sold on the drcc/pcs/led headlights for safety, softex/premium nav+entune/power seat for comfort. the hud/headlight washers were a bonus. helps ease the transition from a luxury car, imo.
I would be bummed out to have the base model. I am always bummed out by any buttons that don't work, features that you can see but your model doesn't access, etc. So I generally opt for the more expensive model. It's a personal thing. There's absolutely nothing extra on the Advanced model that you can't live without - otherwise, it'd be on the Base model. It's kind of like asking the question "Can I afford this?" … if you have to ask… But then there's just the notion that you might wonder if you're getting your money's worth for the additions. I don't know how to measure that, really. Some of the things might be added aftermarket, but then YOU have to add them. Some people live for doing that stuff, and more power to them, but for me, I don't have the time and I don't need the practice. So yes, I could get the Base and then pop in the Homelink™ rearview mirror. I could upgrade the seats to leather. I could pop in a new head unit and get a better nav/sound system. I could probably not retrofit a Radar system to run the DRCC. I might be able to retrofit the front lights myself, but the cost is high. And so that's what this comes down to. If you can afford it and you want the extras, go for it. If you can't afford it and you'll stress out because you can't access the special features, then bite the bullet. If you have better things to do with your money, get the Base. At the end of the day, it's still just a car. A good car, but just a car. And that part of it works exactly the same for both models regardless of the "extras" package you have.
Depends how important a usable nav display is to you. I am totally dissatisfied with the design and readability of the display in the base version. If I had known how bad it was I would have paid extra for the advanced even though most of the features aren't that valuable to me. I bought my PiP sight-unseen as one of the early orderers. Never again! Richard
I think it depends what your in the market for. I got in an accident with my other Prius and was in the market for a Prius Four, but for almost the same money was able to get the PHV with all its benefits for free parking and HOV lanes, etc. If you have the disposable income to cover the difference than you get some cool bells and whistles.
The differentials in price are coming down. There appears to be more inventory of 1012 Advanced models available. In some states TFS gives $1000 more subvention cash (up to $5000 total) than for the base models and dealers are discounting more deeply on top of that. So the 7K differential can be really only 4-6K. It would be hard to equal the added equipment for that amount. There are numbers of significant upgrades on the Advanced and for me some are very important to me. The others nice but not necessary. Even little things like the garage door opener in the self dimming rear view mirror are plusses.
