Hello! COnsidering a new or used Prius 2 or 3

There are back up cameras after market that many establishments can install. I find I use mine but also turn my neck and look behind me also

 

BU camera comes in handy when parking in tight spots or when backing into the garage. As mentioned, there are aftermarket kits that do just as well.

 

was interested in buying a three for the same reasons but ended up buying the four to couple with a bigger screen.
yes there are aftermarket shops and a smartphone user, but didn't want any issues down the road!

 

Go with a 3 or higher if you can squeeze some more dough.
Higher resale/trade in value vs a base.

As for the back up camera, once you get into a car with one, it's hard to drive without it.
I still do the head over my shoulder when backing up, but seeing the space between the bumper and the wall/ gutter is added info.

Toyota/Lexus Back up camera is a little behind from the competition. Our 2013 honda Civic has a better back up camera than the Prius, or even our RX350.
The guidelines (linear yellow lines that change as you turn the steeering wheel) is absent in a toyota/lexus system.

So that's one thing to consider.

 

You won't get leather in any trim. It's called Softex ( immitation leather).
And Softex is available with a 4 and 5 only.

We have a Golden Retriver, that sheds every year so coth seats were never an option.
Leather/ leather like, It's easier to clean, as you know already.

We have the light beige interior which goes well with a dark exterior ( metallic blue)
Compared to our other cars with an all black leather interior, i find it that the lighter shade hides dirt well vs a dark one. ( specifically a woman's cosmetic)

But if you clean it right away, vacuum at least once a month, then you won't have problem.

 

Don't buy any car with a Salvage title.
You will have problems with your insurance Co., you might pay a higher premium vs the same car that is not salvaged.

The Softex is standard with 4 and 5 trims.
Don't worry about the miles, you're buying a Toyota.
Our 2011 have 128,000 already.

Aside from the scheduled oil changes every 10,000miles, and some filters ( cabin air filter and engine filter) the only major part we changed was the Tires.
Brakes are still original and good at 6/10.
Everything else with the electronics work as if the car was purchased yesterday.
The navigation map needs updating, but that's about it.

Good luck with your car shopping.

 

For me, the main reason to buy the Prius is the mileage and reliability. I do have a backup camera on my Gen II 2007 with 130,000 miles. I mainly use camera for backing out of parking spots to see people, into parking spots to see exactly where a curb or line is backing up. If you want more parallel parking assist, you probably want the Gen III with the backup and parking assist. Gen II has been very reliable.

 

This advice is for way down the road, but if you have dogs that shed in your car you should plan on having the battery blower cleaned at about 60,000 miles. There is no scheduled maintenance for it. The intake (Gen II) is on the passenger side rear seat and the fan getting clogged can cause the hybrid battery to overheat and fail.

 

Open the right rear door and voila: gen 3 hybrid battery cooling fan dust buildup | PriusChat

 

Also want to make sure you never cover that intake with anything stacked in the back seat, on any Prius.

 

The softex seats are very comfortable, I highly recommend them. The iPod/iPhone integration became standard in all 2012 MY flavors. It's not as nice as the iPod itself, but works reasonably well. Displays album artwork, allows browsing of songs/albums/podcasts, etc. I don't think any factory iPod/iPhone integration was available before 2012. Backup camera meh; I use it occasionally, but there's no depth perception.