Gen 4 Prius worth nearly $10k more than gen 3?

What year is the Gen 3? (2010-2015). I do feel the Gen 4 is better in most every way. I’d drive both to see which fits you better. The 16 will get better mpgs and handle much better among many other things

 

agreed. plus a gen 3 with 75k is just on the verge of a blown head gasket

 

I have tried to buy a Prius since 2003. Every time I drove one, I walked away disappointed: it just didn't feel like a real car...non-linear throttle, wallowy handling. I wanted to like it, but couldn't.
We rented a 2016 (Gen IV) when it first came out, and I was totally sold on the new platform. I couldn't justify the rather high MSRP, so we waited, and waited...until 6 weeks ago.
We now own a 2018 Prius Two and a 2018 Prius Four Touring. We love both cars, getting 56-58 mpg without really trying.
Opinion, of course...except for the mileage

 

The difference between 30k and 75k miles is considerable, so the price difference would be difficult to compare. And one is the current model (minor updates since), the other is the previous model released 10 years ago (again with minor updates).

Gen 3 vs Gen 4. There is no comparison in the way they drive. When I bought my new 2016 Gen 4, I had the option on a new Gen 3 for about $6 cheaper. Driving them - I couldn't have lived with the Gen 3, knowing how much better Gen 4 was (particularly after my previous 2, quite sporty cars).

Take them both for a drive - you'll see what I mean.

 

I agree - I loved the concept of PRIUS when they first came here, I checked them out with early Gen 2, early Gen 3, update Gen 3 - but I couldn't have lived with them. Not compared with something like a FORD FOCUS which was a far better drive.

 

We test drove a 2010 CDN Tech level, then Touring. The latter felt much more planted, and linear throttle response, that's the term that comes to mind. The "touring" was like a stripped down US level 5, had the 17" rims, different steering setup, LED headlights, just not all the tech.

Still love it, bullet proof so far. Like the ergonomics of the dash, well better than 4th Gen, and the spare, Homelink mirror, JBL, and so on.

 

Ever the optimist

 

Funny thing: for the typical 3rd gen owner, in their dealership service fools-paradise, @bisco is not far wrong. Another 35~50K miles and the EGR carbon will be getting entrenched, engine temps climbing. But redemption is still an option at 75K, lol.

 

If you can DIY or find a specialist. Plus it's not a walking the park kinda thing either, unless one is pretty handy, has the time and buttons it back up without a hitch.
The plus part is all the armchair help one can find here on HowTo, still ---
I'll rein in the rest of my Capt. Obvious blather about what else happens after the fact to those special owners who let the warning signs go too long unnoticed, which the OP can read about or watch in youtube, if interested enough.

 

Having owned Gen 2, Gen 3 (two of them) and Gen 4, I can add that the Gen 4 ride, quietness and overall feel is vastly superior to the previous Gens. I can't wait to drive the Gen 5 with its more powerful ICE, longer wheelbase, wider track, lower CG and stiffer TNGA platform.

 

Yeah and that is sad; Toyota just wants 3rd gen owners to go away, or hey: buy a new one. Was it ever any different, with any of the manufacturers? Seems like they only do the right thing when the spotlight’s on them.

The right thing: acknowledge the issue, issue a practical TSB, educate the dealership mechanics, authorize a regular 50k mile gratis cleaning, one that’s complete and effective. No “parts cannon” involved.

But nope.

 

I agree tat that it's never been any diff. . and even with education there isn't much corporate can do about dealer services, markup, etc. That and many other things are too en grained in american societies normal well adjusted behavior.

 

I had the gen3 plugin aka pip and the gen 4 prime, the prime was a completely new game. hypermiler gauges up the wazzo - so many different drive modes to choose from, just don't ever have to pay out of pocket for repairs, it might get you thinking the markets bloodbath is a better option these days.

 

I’ve owned 5 or 6 Priuses and the gen4 is consideably nicer/better than the gen3 in all categories. Get 2017 or newer for all the better tech.

Also $18k for one with 30k seems like a steal, unless used prices have plummeted in the last 3 months.

 

thanks for the irrelevant information!

 

Agree - this Gen4 is my first Prius, and it really is like a regular car. I pass whomever I want to.

 

LOL you might pass another blue-hair in a gen3… the gen4 is still slow as molasses with a horrendous 0-60 to back that up. It’s only relative.

I own an 8500 lb former school bus that I use as a box truck. It’s the only thing I have driven that’s slower than a gen4 Prius, aside from a riding mower.

 

If it's really that slow, at least it's also pretty slow to the gas station for refueling, at least for me, anyways.
It goes fast enough for where I want to go with it, if I need to go faster from 0-whatever I get on my suzuki bandit.