Newb Introduction

welcome!

get the best gen4 you can for your money. 2016 and newer. see the sticky table in the gen4 forum for package details.

all the best!

 

I would consider looking at late 3rd gens, as well. There are still a few low mile examples that pop up for very reasonable prices here and there. I just purchased a white 2014 IV that was babied and garaged. Excellent shape, like new inside and out. Might save you some bucks, plus are extremely reliable.

 

Welcome

any thoughts on design which one you like more, features etc.

Gen3 and Gen4 are different inside and out.
Currently I prefer the Gen3 still over the Gen4 but both are beauty's

Gen3 would be much cheaper window price.
But you could whipp up a great deal if you search smart enough.
Good luck!

 

Greetings!

Welcome Aboard.

For 16-17K I'd recommend either a used G4 (2016 - ) or a 2013-2015 Prius Plug-in.

The reason I'd go with the plug-in myself is the fact that even though it has an even worse battery range than the Prime (about 10 miles) they're cheaper than the G4s which would allow you to pop for a creme puff 2013,14,15 rather than an "average" 2016,17,18 etc.

Plus.....some states have special parking for Plug-in hybrids and some even allow you to flout HOV lane restrictions with them.
G4s are running to $20,000 in good shape than your stated price point and you always want to leave a little wiggle room in the budget for unexpected repairs with a 4-5 year old car.
The G3 Priuses (2010-2015) are starting to develop a rep for being oil burners and head gasket blowers - BUT - these are principally the non-plug-in varieties with well over 100,000 miles on the clock.

Despite their very polarizing looks, the G4's are proving to be more reliable so far....and they're also supposedly more comfy on the inside and have something close to normal road handling characteristics G3s handle like pigs on roller-skates and are about as comfortable as talking about politics at a Super Bowl party (Go Chiefs!)

LOTS of data on this site!

Good Luck!

 

How do I post a question on here? I can only reply to a thread

 

There actually is no solid proof that the issue has been fixed.
In 2014 toyota changed the pistons, and in 2015 they also added new rings.
There is also an intake manifold update I think latter half of 2010 or 11?
I don't think anyone could say whether these changes were specific or whether they actually helped.
There are plenty of 2010-2013 that dont have any oil burning issues, but at high mileage for any engine,
there is chance that it will burn oil. Not a given, not a absolute, but higher chances.

Many on the chat have taken into their own hands of cleaning out the egr and all those connections
along with some installing oil catch cans.

Unless I get bored, my 2015 probably wont see a OCC, but at some point will give the intake/egr a looksee...
...however it would be a LONG time, as only at 30k and putting on ~5k a year.

There are some good threads on roof racks, you can use the search or others can add to this thread
but many options for any year prius, as popular for campers, and outdoors adventurers etc.

 

You may need to have a post or two, until you can start your own thread.
But it also will need to be mod approved, which may take an hour or few?

You can try by clicking the subforum of your choice and at top should say "post new thread"

 

You may want to look at a 2015 or newer Prius v. They could be considered a tall "station wagon".
My son uses his 2015 Prius v to transport his small dogs to dog shows.

For 2015 they strengthened the frame to improve front offset crash tests

 

I am trying to figure this out as well.

 

When in a forum, look in the upper right.

 

Yes but you need to be looking at the forum itself (index list of messages) and NOT looking at the individual messages themselves.
You can't start a new thread when looking at a "new posts" list, for instance.