If money is an issue grab the demo 2009. Spring for the longest extended warranty you can get and you will have one great deal.
Taken from the library: http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html New Features for 2010 across the world EV/ECO/PWR Modes Rear Disc Brakes (NA models) Aerodynamic Wipers Active Front Headrests Telescopic Steering Wheel 1" Extra Track for Driver's Seat Driver's Knee Airbag One-Touch Power Windows Variable-Speed Power Windows Illuminated Power Window Switches Touch-Sensitive SKS Locking Function Automatic Door Locks (Drive-Away Function) Touch Tracer Peak of Roof moved back 3.9" (99mm) to increase headroom Front Seatback Sculpted further to increase kneeroom Nearly Flat Rear Centre Hump LED Taillights (reduce power cons. by 88%) Re-tuned Suspension Extended Underbody Strengthening Brace Underbody Fins for Airflow Management New Multi-Information Display with Consumption History Hybrid System Indicator Hill-Start Assist Heads-Up Display, HUD (Except NA) HDD Navigation (Europe) 10GB Hard Drive Music Box (Japan/Europe) Rear Seatbelt Display (Europe) XMNavTraffic on Navigation System (NA) Emergency Stop Brakelight Feature Technical highlights: Exhaust Heat Recirculation System (to warm up the coolant faster) Cooled Gas Recirculation (to help cool the engine in lieu of spraying fuel, thus reducing fuel consumption) Beltless 1.8 litre engine (everything now runs off an elec. motor of sorts) Battery output improved to 36hp (prev. 28hp) thanks to better cooling Improved cargo space thanks to new battery cooling ducts Smaller, more efficient Motor-Generators Smaller, more efficient inverter Separate inverter coolant system (I can't remember the benefits but basically it's no longer tied to the engine coolant system) Larger engine allows the car to cruise at a lower rpm (b/c of greater torque) Better handling due to chassis refinements and suspension tuning (I can attest to this from my 2,000+km round trip through the Rocky Mountains) More aerodynamic (Cd of 0.25 vs. 0.26 for the old Prius)
Based on the huge money difference, I too think this might be a good choice. Since it has miles on it, maybe they will let you have it for an extended drive so you can better decide.
Hi Downunder, Maybe i can help. I had my new 2010 Prius last june. It's replacing a 1999 CE Camry (that is actually for sale for 4000 CDN$). So here's the clue : The Prius is more fun to drive. It's handeling pretty much like a Honda Civic Si, the rear suspension is a bit dry, road noises are a bit more present. But gee that i like the car ! I feel younger since i'm driving it. Now if you do a lot of long distances the Camry is the ultimate cruiser (outside Lexus) Quieter, smoother, softer, we use to nickname our Camry "the plane" since it's devouring the road surface like if it was flying a few inches over the road !!! The Camry will be more like a livingroom the interior is larger, the Prius will be more like a german car -attached to the road. Still if your primary concern is fuel consumption, the Prius is 40% more economical. Your idea to wait next febuary is good and at that time you'll be abble to test drive both vehicules. And yes there is that deal on a 20K kilometers demo, yes it's big savings but, should you sell the car eventually, your resale value will be in accordance. Well if it's super clean... i do'nt know... listen to your heart
Of course, we are all Prius enthusiasts here. If you really want to save money, a used or new gasoline compact, like the Corolla, Yaris or Fit is probably your best bet. I am buying a Prius mostly for access to the high occupancy lane in the United States. I am also seduced by the technical features.
money is not everything when buying a car, but if that is your main concern, get yourself a late model corolla or civic, focus, etc. if that is not your only concern, get a Prius, its a bargain http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-time-justifying-2010-prius-7.html#post981268 check out my post, #123
I'm having a hard time believing that when the Hybrid Camry gets there, it will really be the same or cheaper than the Prius. Here in the US, the Hy Camry has always been about 10K more than the Prius. Is it possible that the currency conversion is incorrect? When they actually arrive, and are priced in Aussie currency, they might be more expensive. Just a thought.
