Growing/Going Cheap Or Not?

Like I suggested to someone else recently - do a PRO/CON list.

Include in it the "heart" issues (colour included) fiscal reasons - my estimate with our high fuel prices are that a Gen 4 will only be $1000 cheaper over 50,000 MILES than a Gen 3. But, if you've got an ideal situation with a PLUG-IN (easy to charge, free electricity at work better still), note that too. Then flip a coin.

1) why do I need a plug-in? ... Only if you've got easy charging situation, and drive a pattern where you'd make good use of the cheap running a long Electric Mode would give you. Don't forget that PRIUS PRIME only has 4 seats.
2) why do I need a HUD? ... I really love the HUD. You're coming from a PRIUS so are used to glancing to the middle for speed etc, but I'm used to a conventional dashboard. So I use the HUD all the time rather than glance across to the middle. It may not affect you at all.
3) why put up with a moonroof? ... I live in the semi-tropics and it would kill the deal if they forced one on me.
4) why a Navigation package and not just use Google Maps with the cell phone? ... personally, I steered AWAY from built in Navigation. Not sure about PRIUS, but some brands of cars were verrrrrrry expensive to upgrade maps, and in some cases, the maps on Navigation were always well out of date - unlike your Garmin/TomTom. I bought a new TomTom equivalent - cheap one and replace it when the free maps expire.
5) why a Smart Key System. ... convenience. But, buttons on a FOB still work fine, and if you're happy to put a key in the ignition, that's fine too. In the scheme of things, it's relatively petty.

 

i would do the most economical thing, and wait until my finances improved.

 

If you're happy with a Gen 3's centre dashboard - the HUD only duplicates that is there - you and go without it. I reckon if you haven't had it, you won't miss it.

 

Will you be leasing again or purchasing P2? Most of people tell leasing cost more than purchasing, but if you compare leasing a new vehicle every 3 years to purchasing a new car every 3 years, there aren't much difference in outlays. If your aim is to drive reliable new(er) car with up to date features, leasing makes sense. Of course that is if your driving miles are within leasing limit. Most dealers are willing to work with an end of lease customer to make a deal on a new car lease so that her/his monthly payment do not change and make term without a big up-front payment. More flexible you are on the choice of vehicle, more likely negotiation will work in better financial term. Hove you considered any other vehicle other than Prius?

 

What is the cost of keeping that car? A bird in the hand?

 

If it's not best of financial times for you, why take on higher debit? The Gen 3 to refinance as a purchase will save you in the long run, you have already paid 3 years into your Gen 3.

 

I find myself in much the same financial situation. I hate debt and I hate to take on new debt. If I were to make a choice, I'd finance the three year old car. Now, keep in mind that I got a model 4 with all the options. I didn't want the moon roof either but I wanted everything else. I do hope to wear out the roads with this car. It could very well be my last car.

 

Same here, with our 2010. With our low usage, garage stored, 12 volt battery on a charger half the time, it wouldn't be much of a stretch.

 

The 2018 Prius Two has the smart key on the driver's door.

The '3 door' smart key is what it lacks. (driver, front passenger, hatch)

My Gen 2 Prius had 3 door and I missed it moving to my 2012 Prius v Three which only had 1 door smart key. I used it as a cargo hauler and wished I could just open the hatch. If you drive alone and use your car as a person hauler, you may not miss it as much as I did. If you always have a passenger or cargo, it is very nice to have the 3 door version.

You can customize quite a lot of door lock features.

 

Ahh - that's what mine is. As a solo person - I don't let the dogs open doors - one door smart key is fine. Occasionally the boot/hatch, but I've got the fob.

 

2021-2 would be my guess going on previous model cycles? There could be a mid-life-crisis change - ok mid-model - for 2019, it's been talked about, changing some of the styling to make it plainer.

 

Gen 1 1997 - 2003 7 years US did not get it until 2001
Gen 2 2004 - 2009 5 years
Gen 3 2010 - 2015 6 years
Gen 4 2016 - 20?? ? years

I would be surprised before 2021 or after 2022

 

Actually Gen 2 was also produced for six years. Aka "The best generation"

 

I think I read somewhere that a face lift gen 4 is out next year, with Prime style headlights but retaining the Gen 4 grille, taller daytime running lights and shorter rear lights.

 

Your guess is as good as ours. You could write to TOYOTA and complain about their model mix. Their product planners, I'm sure, flip a coin to come up with what they offer in various packages.

But the ivory interior is much superior to the gloss black from a practicality point. The black shows dust within minutes of being dusted and always looks dusty, fingerprints etc, the white not at all, still as fresh as 2 years ago with the occasional wipe-over or vacuum.

 

The Prius Two has a matte black console. There is still white on the steering wheel and around the shifter. An applique can cover around the shifter. There are some third party covers for the steering wheel but they are gloss black and I would prefer matte.