Thorough and interesting review, I appreciate it. Have long been a fan of the efficient engineering in my '06, but with over a quarter million miles I'm opting to fly out and pick up a low mileage gen. four next week. Haven't even driven one yet, so appreciated the detailed review. Am disappointed in the vanishing cabin storage (I liked that little drawer underneath!), but looking forward to the other advances.
Look for 2017 and later, especially late model 2017. 2017 added some safety features as standard and in mod 2017 they added BSM and some other features on most all trim levels. I have an early 2017 and am pleased but disappointed in missing the added safety features. For 2017 and later they also changed the headlights to reduce glare and improve their test ratings.
I really miss that drawer. My very early 2016 has all of the safety features. Just need to ensure that the car has the features you need/want.
Real early 2016's lacked the ability to switch from mph to kmh, or vice versa, depending on country they were built for. For example: US vehicles could not switch the speedometer to kilometers per hour.
The "Dislike" and "Discrimination" buttons are missing from that post. Perhaps @Tideland Prius can fix that.
That is why I waited and bought a 2017 Two. If I had waited a few months longer I could have got more features for the same price.
Well thanks for the 2017 recommendations, but the one I'm flying out to pick up is already a done deal - but a good one, one a 2016 four. Doesn't have the extra options, but nothing else I drive has them either.
We just bought a used 2016 with about 109k miles on the odometer. Silver. Looks like a spaceship. The previous owner had trashed the cloth Moonstone interior and the vehicle needs new tires, and we will probably get Katzkins upholstery done in a few months. This car will be my wife's daily driver and replaces her '06 Volvo XC70 as such. We'll keep the Volvo for its AWD and hauling capabilities. Dealer should deliver it today. Thank you for the detailed write up. Well done. Edit: I found the hidden drawer this morning on my hideously green '08 second generation Prius. I think I'm the fourth owner. Drawer was sticky with spilled soft drink probably years old. Cleaned it up and found that to open it, pull up on the handle. Fits my FNS 9 C
Just got my dads 2016 prius- appreciate the review! (only 23k miles) other than the harsh /blinding white headlights, it is a smooth ride. Still have my 2004 which will be hard to part with (only 155k miles) Gen 2 are reliable tanks. What i had to replace i was told were weak aspects on 2nd gens: brake actuator, wheel bearings, inverter pump
They changed the headlights in 2017 to reduce the glare in testing. Might be something to keep in mind if you come across a wrecked 2017 or newer.
I'm sorry to hear that. I have a 2016, that I got in Feb 2016 (relatively early I thought), and I have a tiny button that switches the display from MPH to KmH.