Hello friends, Moving over to our first Prius. I came across two options and wanted to get your thoughts: 2016, Prius 3. Advanced Tech Package. ~14k miles for $21,000. Dealers fleet car. 2017, Prius 3. Advanced Tech Package. ~14k miles for $21,000. The main difference is that the 2016 comes Toyota Certified, which means I have 7yrs/100k miles warranty on engine/transmission. However, the 2017 is being sold by a Lexus dealership and I get the standard warranty. A few questions: It's basically a tradeoff between Toyota Certified and a newer year. Which one is the better route? Should I concerned of 2016's since it's the first year of the new gen? How does the pricing match up to what you folks have seen? I checked out KBB and these seem like good deals. Thank you!
They are both the same car. There aren't any real differences between model years from what I understand. I may be wrong. I think what you need to do is determine if the difference between depreciation rates is worth the warm fuzzies of the seven year warranty. If I were making this decision I'd be thinking how long I'm going to own this car. If you are going to drive it until the wheels fall off, I'd go for the 2016 model. BUT, I'd also check to make sure that Toyota won't honor the full warrantee, even if it is a used vehicle. After all, Lexus IS Toyota.
I would go with the 2017- newer is always better and the fleet car would give me some concern. Good luck!
There was a time not long ago that I could detail exactly what each option package include for each year. Now, not so much. I would still suggest that you not assume all features are 100% identical, just because they have the same package, however. You might find one year has the Blind Spot Monitor (something hint I could not live without) and the other does not, for example. Or not. I am ex spurt. Ther is so much tech, that I sincerely believe even the most motivated could miss something with out a check list in hand at the dealership. Just my .02 As for working with a Lexus dealer vs Toyota that hardy matters (apart from the longer Certified warrantee) since ther is zero reason why one should get their car serviced where they purchased it.
Thanks, @MichelleStone. @stephensprius -- You think the newer compensates for the extended warranty on the 16? @ATHiker -- Thanks for the thoughts. Looking through the online listing -- both look identical, but I do get your point. Assuming the two cars are identical, would you sacrifice a year for the warranty?
I’d go with the ‘17 just because any bugs were worked out. You also have the remainder of the 3/36,000 bumper to bumper as well as the 5/60,000 Powertrain and 8/100,000 mile battery warranty (10/150,000 states with California emissions) What I noticed with the latter half of 2017 production, they started coming with Safety Plus Package (~$1000.00) that was included for free. – Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)37 and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)38 – Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS)35 with Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)36 Not sure if that one has it but I would want it if I had a choice next time!
I have the 2016 with the Advanced Tech Package. If I could get a new car now, I'd love a Prime or a 2018. In your situation, I'd go for the 2017. It's newer, has the complete TSS-P, which the 2016 doesn't, and you don't have to worry about the 2016's teething pains. Toyota's got those worked out. I haven't seen any recalls for 2017s here on Prius Chat. There were a number of issues on early builds of the 2016s.
