I'm in the market for a used prius, but I'm stuck between the two and three. It seems the only difference between them are the navigation and backup camera which are features that I really want. If I purchase the model two, I can always install an aftermarket dash unit and backup camera myself. My question is, will I be missing out with any of the stock functions such as the energy monitor display etc. Which would be the better option?
The stock functions are the same. I think you may also get a lower grade entertainment system in the two. In my opinion, I would try and get the Three to have all the features you want built-in. Add-on backup camera and NAV are not as nice as built-in. We have both a two and three (Persona Series) and we much prefer the Three to the Two. I would not buy another Two, actually...
Not all 3's come with Nav (to my knowledge anyway). IMO, I really like the "Energy" display but I find myself using it less and less. The 2 has a version of it but, it takes away from your ability to view other things you might want to monitor. If it were me, I'd want the Energy display mainly because it helps you with pulse and glide and to manipulate the system into using the ICE at the optimal times.
Thanks for your input. I found a 2013 Prius II with 28k miles and it seems it has upgraded leather seats and an in dash display for $13k. No mention of a backup camera though. Still waiting for seller to respond.
It is usually best to buy what you want with the options/equipment already on the car. Some will say the value is diminished any time you add after market parts. A lot depends on the modifications and the buyer at that moment. I looked at the Two, Three, and Four when I bought the Three. The Two just did not cut it in my book. Everyone has their own budget and likes/dislikes. Best of luck to you and "Welcome to Prius Chat"
Just got a 2014 Two last week. The dealer also had a Three with more miles (and also for more $) - but I decided against it. The rearward visibility is actually pretty decent and the car is relatively small so the camera is not totally necessary. You'll get used it. As far as nav and fancy infotainment - EnTune (and frankly most manufacturer systems) are complete crap and not worth a bother unless they support Android Auto / Apple Carplay (which this system does not). Your phone will be 10x the nav device the built-in system will. The nicer speakers - that's up to you, but the base speakers are "ok" (and just "ok"). To be honest, the one feature of the Three that I wish I did have on the Two was the 3-door smartkey access. Specifically - the hatch. Got spoiled with my last car letting me open the trunk without keys. TL;DR - Shop on value for year/miles first. Don't worry about the trim level, that's secondary.
Hello there. I just purchased a '13 Four with upgraded nav and solar package. Definitely check out your options. Being a new owner and new to this forum I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post website suggestions but I used Cargurus. The website lets you see whether the car is a good value or if it's overpriced.
My last car was an Acura TSX and it came with navigation which I hardly ever used because the navigation on my phone was 10x better. I've never had a backup camera before and having a taste of it from friends and families cars I've driven, it's definitely something I want to have. Speakers will be upgraded without a doubt. The 3-door smart key access seems like a nice feature to have. I might have to consider that when purchasing. Like you said though, it really come down to value, years and miles.
Sounds like a good deal. I don't know what kbb value is. Leather seats is a good upgrade. I don't have rear camera on my 2013, but did put in a reverse sensor after market.. Welcome, and good luck!
That's how I felt! I wanted a Prius with a sunroof 1st, went from there and ended up with the same year and model you bought.
2015 two is the first and only year of the 3rd Gen "two" model that has the backup camera included. Also, 2015's and 2014's have safety improvements see spoiler for Vehicle details Spoiler Beginning with 2014 Prius and Prius Plug-in models, the front structure was modified and the side curtain airbags were lengthened to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. Then, starting with 2014 cars built after November 2013, the 15-inch alloy wheels standard on most models were sourced from a single supplier to provide a more controlled crush during the small overlap test. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.)
G3 Prius has a smaller HSD display in the instrument panel that mirrors the energy information on the MFD. In fact, lower trim 2010 and 2011 Prius didn't come with a touchscreen at all. I don't use the energy information because because the touchscreen is typically displaying my audio. I can get the same energy information on my HSD anyway. My recommendation to you is to buy whatever is cheapest. Price out the aftermarket cost for a backup camera and navigation. Then look at 2s and 3s. Keep in mind stock navigation will be outdated, expensive to update, and cannot be used while the car is in motion. Voice commands don't work well either. If you have a smartphone, I doubt you will use the stock navigation much. So, the way I see it, you're really asking how much extra you'd pay for a stock backup camera.
Ours (2010 Canadian Touring model) has the back up camera, displays as a small image in the left side of the rear view mirror, which is actually quite a good location. We don't have the big screen Multi Function Display (MFD), just use a Garmin. The dash on ours looks like this: I rarely pay any attention to the back up camera image. It's fine, but terrifically wide angle, to the point of being meaningless, if you're trying to judge distances with it. The one thing that is quite handy is the keyless access, just touching either of the front door handles (or hatch latch) to lock/unlock.
