Advanced vs Base model...

Quoting from Dianne Whitmire, a very respected salesperson on PriusChat: The Advanced dropped a lot in price but also was de-contented, losing some key technology features in favor of a smaller MSRP pricetag. (if you want the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision
System, LED Headlights and fog lights, there's a $2,610 package coming later)

There's no spare in the PIP.

 

there is, however, a jack, a compressor and a bottle of ooze.

 

The Advanced model was a real Loser in sales. Some dealerships still had *2012* models in stock and were trying to unload them this Summer. If you want a loaded one, try asking a few dealers if they can locate a 2013 Advanced. Choose dealers with many lots.

 

Not sure how the Advance model did in sales. For me, the Advance has a great list of options. The Pre-Collison System, Dynamic Cruise Control are great safety features to include the LED headlights. Power drivers seat is fantastic. HUD, 7" high resolution display, Ability to monitor and charge from a smart phone. My Prius PIP is my daily driver and these options are important to me. I got a good deal on a close out 2012. Take the suggestion above and try to locate a 2013 Prius Advance and negotiate your best deal if those options are worth the cost to you.

 

The reason the Advanced did so poorly was it wasn't included in the lease "deals". It's a good car that cost a heck of a lot more than the similar base model.

 

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is well-equipped (similar to a Prius Three), but adds these appealing features:

- Heated cloth front seats – a unique standard feature available only on Prius Plug-in
- Remote Climate – a feature that allows customers to activate their A/C remotely (standard on Prius Plug-in, available on Prius Three)
- Ability to drive extended distances in EV Mode, helping to increase fuel efficiency
Unique 10-spoke alloy wheels
- 1 additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare, for a total of 3 year

Pricing for the 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced model has also been adjusted to make the model more accessible to consumers with a $4,620 reduction in MSRP to $34,905 (excluding DPH). The Prius Plug-in Advanced will still offer popular features including:

- Premium HDD Navigation with Entune® App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL
- SofTex-trimmed heated front seats
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
- Head-Up Display
- Safety Connect

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced will offer DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, PCS (Pre-Collision System), LED headlights and fog lights as part of an optional Technology Package for customers seeking the highest level of technology.

Toyota | 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In to Start Under $30,000

 

I have a 2012 Advanced. Bought it just over a year ago in California when a local dealer had a total of $4,000 off with a combo of Toyota and dealer incentives. I wouldn't have bought the Advanced otherwise because it was too expensive. Later, California gave me $1,500, and the Fed $2,500. All these things took the sting off the price.

I love the Advance over the Base. I commute 40 miles each day and rely on the SoftTex seats and steering wheel, the nice stereo system and speakers, a pretty good navigation and information center. To my surprise I use the heads up display all the time. I often use the DRCC, and it's hard for me to switch to our other car with a normal cruise control! Finally, the PCS has saved me from accidents twice! No doubt. One time it warned me in time for me to apply the brakes. The other time it took over braking and stopped the car before the collision. The PCS pretty much paid for the Advanced package!

Good luck with your choice!

 

Any idea how much of a discount the 2012s could have nowadays? There is a dealer locally that still has a 2012 with ATP. Also is it bad for the battery to be sitting around so long without being used?

 

The lithium battery should be fine if it's just out of EV range, not low on HV range as well. They actually prefer to be stored at about 50% charge over more or less. As long as it's well above 20% it should be fine. Have them give you a definite state of charge (SOC) for it.

 

Alright thanks, I guess I'll go check it out before I go look at the base 2014s. I'm pretty surprised dealerships still have 2012s on their lots when they're receiving 2014s already. I wonder if they'll actually discount it enough to be worth considering it over a 2014.

 

The only advantage to a 2012, other than a hopefully discounted price, is you'd get the features that are now optional on the 2014.

 

Liberty Toyota in Burlington, NJ has a 2012 PIP Advanced in Clearwater Blue. They had it when I was looking for one in SEP but I opted for a 2013. Never did find out what they wanted for it though.

 

Commuter, if you update your profile to show your general location, you might get a helpful tip on a nearby leftover.

 

Thanks for the advice!