convince me I'm not missing anything with a trim level 3

I don't know where you are located, but here in the US, the trim level 3 does have a spare tire. But the cargo space is larger than in the previous year's model. Also, there is no leather available in any trim level. The covering offered in higher trim levels is Softex, which is a fake leather. In trim level 4, the cargo space is lowered a bit more than 3 inches because there is no spare under the cover. The foam you may have seen there is meant to stay in place. It is held in place with some clips that are probably meant to self destruct when you remove them. That certainly discourages me from popping it out to see what's inside.

 

you're looking at the 3 or 3 touring? as michelle says, they both have a spare.

check out the 'visual tables' sticky in the gen 4 main forum.

 

If I was in the US Level 3 would be my sweet spot. I don't care much for the advanced tech stuff. So Either 3 or 3 Touring. Think I'd prefer 3, because the Touring rims styling is not appealing to me, and the 17" tires are a mixed blessing.

Level 4 is completely, immediately OUT for me, due to the lack of spare.

 

You're basically gaining two safety features (blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts) and an automatically dimming rear view mirror. I had the mirror on my gen 2 prius and it is nice to have. As to the other two, they seem like they'd be nice, or really useful, depending on the local traffic.

 

I don't regret the extra dollars to get my Four. I wanted the safest Prius I could get.

 

Level 3 was the baby bear porridge for me. You'll be happy with whatever trim level you decide upon.

The spare tire debate has become a hot topic here. I'm thinking of removing my spare and replacing it with an inflator mainly just to piss people off. I'll post some pics when I do, it'll be great.

 

You are from Western, NY, right?

Having grown up in Rochester, I think you might regret not having the heated seats of a 4.

A powers driver seat has its appeal also.

 

I am very surprised that I use the power seats. I never had much an opinion either way on them when deciding. I've usually just set the seat where I want it and left it in my other cars. But moving the seat back and forth helps me get in and out of the car in the Prius. This is one of the features I'm sure I would have cursed myself for not getting.