I want to buy a Prius for my wife, this would be our first. Mostly she likes the better mileage. We want the Gen 3, but a little bewildered by the options packages. We don't want to end up missing something essential like floor mats or a radio but don't want to buy something thats just a tourist trap. So which model/package should we get? We need an alarm, HUD would be great, solar roof looks like it might be overkill, is there a non-solar roof? (our area gets hot a couple months per year but isn't exactly Phoenix) Our garage is tiny so bumping into to the sides of it are likely, would any of the paint protection help at all? Are the 17" wheels just for show or do they help mileage? Is there any option that will drive up price due to being rare etc? Any help GREATLY appreciated!
(I have owned the Gen 2 Prius and the v, but not a Gen 3) 3 door SKS is very nice, so I would get at least a Three. 17 inch wheels will hurt MPG. I would resist the Five. PriusChat Shop : 2010-2013 Toyota Prius Body Side Moldings [FE-PRI10] - $122.00$119.00
First study the online brochures. Then go look and drive the various models. Make a list of must haves and nice to haves. Basically, if you just want great mileage, get a package two. If you need Entune and a backup camera, get a three. If you must have leather (actually Softex) and a JBL sound system , get a four. Also, you can add a solar roof and Nav to a four. If you must have all the bells and whistles, get a five with the dynamic radar cruise. LED lights, and 17" wheels/tires.
I suggest the Three or Four. If you can afford it, the Four has a lot more useful luxury, such as leather seats. Both have a built-in backup camera, which will hopefully help with your concern about door dings while parking.
welcome to priuschat! i've had them loaded, and i've had them stripped. it's really a personal decision, all the best!
Welcome ..... Slight loss in MPG with the larger tires. Have her look and decide A happy wife is a happy life
Thanks guys! 17" sound like a definite no-no. We will get at least a 3, due to backup camera. Quick Q -- do the 3's come with HUD or do you have to get the 4 for that?
I'm pretty sure the HUD is rolled into the solar roof package. Check Toyota Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Hybrids | Toyota Official Site. for that. Pay careful attention to the driver's seat between the Three and Four: The Four has 10-way Power adjustable (8-way + lumbar adjust) driver's seat with Softex cover which is an engineered (faux) leather. It's much lighter in weight than leather. The power seat does not have 2 position memory settings which is a mild bummer, but the '7 and 8' cushion tilt adjustment can come in really handy and the '9 and 10' lumbar adjust might help your back a bunch. If your cool with the manual adjust fabric dr. seat, the Three is quite nicely equipped: 3 door smarty key, USB, Bluetooth, navi, Entune, ... and doesn't it get HD radio too? That's nice to have, tunes in FM much better than not. Might have XM satellite radio too.
HUD comes with either Deluxe Solar Roof or Technology package. Delux Solar Roof is only option with on Four. Tech package is only offered on Five. Since the display is so high up on the dash, I don't see the HUD as a big deal.
