New Vehicle Shopping, Considering Prius V

Point37 · Sep 20, 2024

hi all...i'm located in MA and am in the market for a new car...my current car is a '13 subaru legacy with 243k miles and it's drinking oil like a college kid at a keg party...i would like my next car to be a wagon to have more cargo space than i currently have but still have decent gas mileage...i'm considering a prius v but i have never owned a hybrid and am worried about additional electrical issues vs an ice vehicle...in looking at some videos the battery doesn't seem to hard to replace as a diy...i have read about head gasket issues but are there any particular years that are not affected by this?...are there other issues with this model...are some years more reliable than others?...it seems like it would work good for my purposes as i commute about 84 miles per work day...below is my list of needs/wants...i don't think these have carplay or memory seats but i'm ok with that...any input is appreciated...thanks

needs:
-reliability
-60/40 folding second row
-pleather/leather or seat covers (because dogs)
-be able to fit in the garage have about 18’ of space would like to have 2’-3’ of that to walk around the front or back
-awd or fwd
-not a cvt transmission if i can avoid it (toyota's planetary style cvt is fine though)
-timing chain, not belt
-would like 30+ mpg
-smaller wheels with more tire
-splash guards
-all weather floor mats and trunk tray
-no lights in bumpers
-aux input
-more cargo space than my legacy (more cargo floor area, not necessarily height, hence the want for a wagon)
-no engine autostop without a button control with memory

wants:
-dual driver memory settings
-dual bluetooth phone connections
-window rain guards
-CarPlay
-2nd row seat back protection (rubberized)
-heated seats
-cooled seats
-backup camera

rjparker · Sep 20, 2024

No, all Prius v’s are gen3s and have expensive head gasket, egr, brake booster and even complete engine failures. Hybrids auto stop all the time even when you are driving. Maybe fifty times per commute. Between that, low power electric motors, regen and a highly synchronized transaxle, you define what a hybrid is and does.

You won’t get most of your Wants except a marginal backup camera in a v.

If you are budget constrained and can’t get a far better equivalent from a size and mpg standpoint, a low mile 2016 or 17 v would be my only gen3 Prius choice. Primarily because they are newer, have better rings and have improved their crash ratings over the 2012-14 v’s. However the 2016-17 years were low production because everyone was moving to the better Rav4 hybrids without the problems.

The real winners are the 2019-2025 Rav4 hybrids with bigger engines, awd, standard advanced safety features and about the same mpg as a v. In the 2022 Rav4 a mid cycle refresh occurred with slightly better styling and a better mfd.

A 2020-2024 Toyota Venza is a sleeper with the advanced Rav4 hybrid powertrain in a form factor almost the same as a v. It is more of a luxury small suv with superior ride and sound deadening. Some think it was a Lexus with a Toyota badge. It is now replaced by…

It has been replaced for 2025 with the Toyota Crown Signia, a true luxury cruiser in a medium size format using the same Rav4 hybrid powertrain beefed up by 30 hp.

2025 Toyota Crown Signia | Toyota.com

We went with a 2022 Rav4 XSE.

Point37 · Sep 21, 2024

Thanks for your detailed response…you’ve effectively talked me out of a Prius v…the rav4 is on my list…the new venza is nice but it has less cargo space than a rav4 so I really haven’t considered it…the signia I would love but it’s too expensive for what I need…currently we are paying on a ‘22 telluride and won’t be done for another 2 years and I was going to try to get out of the payments with my legacy before I buy but it’s not going to happen…so I’m looking for something less expensive and used to bridge the gap plus some maybe…ideally I would like a wagon but I don’t trust the Outback/forester engine with the oil consumption issues I have with my legacy

* = favorites

crossover suvs
-honda crv ex-l (for leather and seat memory) (2011-2015 no cvt, 2016-2022 cvt, 2023+ cvt)
-mazda cx-5 2.5s preferred (for leather and seat memory) (2017+ no cvt) (like preferred for 17" wheels)
-mazda cx-50 2.5s premium plus (for leather and seat memory) (2023+ no cvt) (has 20" wheels which i'd rather not, not great for taller people)
*-subaru outback limited (for leather and seat memory) (2020+ cvt) (on the list reluctantly)
-subaru forester touring (for leather and seat memory) (2018-2023 cvt, 2024+ cvt) (on the list reluctantly)
*-toyota rav 4 xle premium + weather package (for leather and seat memory) (2015-2017 no cvt, 2018+ no cvt)

older wagonish choices
*-acura tsx sportwagon (for leather and seat memory) (2011-2015 no cvt)
-toyota venza xle (for leather and seat memory) (2009-2015 no cvt) [gas mileage sucks]
-honda crosstour or honda accord crosstour ex-l (for leather and seat memory) (2010-2015 no cvt) [gas mileage sucks]
*-toyota prius v 4 or 5 (for leather, no seat memory) (2012-2017 cvt)
-buick regal tourx essence (for leather and seat memory) (2018-2020 no cvt)

sedans
-acura integra A spec with tech package (for leather and seat memory) (2023+ cvt)
-honda accord (2018-2022 cvt, 2023+ cvt) (NO leather NO memory seat unless hybrid ex-l)
-honda civic hatch ex-l or sedan touring (for leather NO seat memory) (2021+ cvt)
-mazda 3 preferred (for leather and seat memory) (2019+ no cvt)
-mazda 6 grand touring (for leather and seat memory) (2014-2021 no cvt)
-toyota avalon 6cyl limited (for leather and seat memory) (2018+ no cvt)
-toyota camry xle (for leather NO seat memory) (2017-2023 no cvt, 2024+ ecvt)

iPhone ?

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller · Sep 21, 2024

I can't really add much to what rjparker noted on the v itself.

As for your other candidates?

I think both of the Acuras listed need premium fuel, and they're thirsty.

We love our 2020 Mazda 6- we gave up on finding a useful wagon and I've been delighted by how well a medium sedan is doing the job.

I couldn't tell you if it is different for different model years, but sadly the 2020 6 grand touring does not include memory seats. You have to get the Reserve model for that, and even then it is driver's side only.

Good luck!

Point37 · Sep 21, 2024

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller said: ↑

I can't really add much to what rjparker noted on the v itself.

As for your other candidates?

I think both of the Acuras listed need premium fuel, and they're thirsty.

We love our 2020 Mazda 6- we gave up on finding a useful wagon and I've been delighted by how well a medium sedan is doing the job.

I couldn't tell you if it is different for different model years, but sadly the 2020 6 grand touring does not include memory seats. You have to get the Reserve model for that, and even then it is driver's side only.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks…I would run regular fuel in the acuras…premium fuel is recommended but not required…higher octanes are for higher compression engines…octane # is just a resistance to detonate rating…the higher the octane the harder to detonate it is…if a car doesn’t knock on 87 then 93 is just a waste of money

I previously owned a ‘05 Mazda 6 and drove that to 220k before selling and the car got to 240k-ish before the new owners junked it…if I go back to a sedan it will probably be a 6, Camry or accord

iPhone ?

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller · Sep 21, 2024

Point37 said: ↑

Thanks…I would run regular fuel in the acuras…premium fuel is recommended but not required…higher octanes are for higher compression engines…octane # is just a resistance to detonate rating…the higher the octane the harder to detonate it is…if a car doesn’t knock on 87 then 93 is just a waste of money

I previously owned a ‘05 Mazda 6 and drove that to 220k before selling and the car got to 240k-ish before the new owners junked it…if I go back to a sedan it will probably be a 6, Camry or accord

iPhone ?
Click to expand...

Yep, different engines have different sensitivities.

My old turbocharged Subaru would not tolerate regular gas; had to have premium or it would ping like crazy. Our Mazda is also turbocharged, but it tolerates regular gas just fine. We get less performance, but it saves money and isn't hurting the car.

Other notes on the Mazda: Ugh 19" wheels and tires. They look pretty but the handling is no better than the Sport trim with 17". When we first got the car there was only one tire available to fit it. Now there are a few more, but they're expensive and not commonly stocked. I really wish we could've got it with the 17" package.

The use of acoustic glass in the front side windows is wonderful. It is noticeably quieter than a lot of other similar cars.

The Camry is also an excellent choice. (I travel for a living and I rent cars all the time, so I actually get a chance to try a lot of cars)

Lately I've really enjoyed the Chevrolet Malibu. Feels weird to type that because I generally dislike GM cars, but they actually got it all right with that one. The cabin feels a bit roomier than that of the 6 or the Camry, but it's no harder to park or maneuver in traffic.

Mind you, I don't trust the CVT in there, would dump it around 3 years/50k miles... but that's still a useful span of time to own a car. They were discontinued late last year, so there will still be some good low-miles ones around.

Anyway good luck with your search!

MAX2 · Sep 23, 2024

Still, take a look at the Prius V.
Huge interior with transformable trunk volume, a great choice for traveling.

Our Setup: How We Live in a Prius V - Prius for Two

Point37 · Sep 23, 2024

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller said: ↑

Yep, different engines have different sensitivities.

My old turbocharged Subaru would not tolerate regular gas; had to have premium or it would ping like crazy. Our Mazda is also turbocharged, but it tolerates regular gas just fine. We get less performance, but it saves money and isn't hurting the car.

Other notes on the Mazda: Ugh 19" wheels and tires. They look pretty but the handling is no better than the Sport trim with 17". When we first got the car there was only one tire available to fit it. Now there are a few more, but they're expensive and not commonly stocked. I really wish we could've got it with the 17" package.

The use of acoustic glass in the front side windows is wonderful. It is noticeably quieter than a lot of other similar cars.

The Camry is also an excellent choice. (I travel for a living and I rent cars all the time, so I actually get a chance to try a lot of cars)

Lately I've really enjoyed the Chevrolet Malibu. Feels weird to type that because I generally dislike GM cars, but they actually got it all right with that one. The cabin feels a bit roomier than that of the 6 or the Camry, but it's no harder to park or maneuver in traffic.

Mind you, I don't trust the CVT in there, would dump it around 3 years/50k miles... but that's still a useful span of time to own a car. They were discontinued late last year, so there will still be some good low-miles ones around.

Anyway good luck with your search!
Click to expand...

thanks...yea i try to run all my cars into high mileage so i try to buy as reliable as i can...i try to stay away from low profile tires due to the harsher ride and more potential for flats if you hit something more substantial or a big pothole like we get around here...the more i look at it the more i think i'll either be getting another sedan or an outback cause i can't find a more reliable wagon

MAX2 said: ↑

Still, take a look at the Prius V.
Huge interior with transformable trunk volume, a great choice for traveling.

Click to expand...

that's impressive being able to sleep in it...not sure i want to deal with the potential common issues the model has as i would have to get one used plus deal with an older hybrid battery that will cost somewhere in the range of $1500-$2500 to replace right off the bat more than likely

MPGS-LOL · Sep 23, 2024

Echoing what RJparker stated, if you get into the Prius V's in 2024, they are kinda to be treated as a beater around the $10-15k range.
Run the Dr Prius paid tests for battery longevity for some peace of mind.

Personally went with a 2013 with a JDM engine swapped in.

Overseas' engines for these are pretty cheap to acquire these days.
We ferry our kids/other kids and beat it up accordingly. Nothing in the "beater" price range comes close for 'good MPG + reliable + space'

Point37 · Sep 23, 2024

MPGS-LOL said: ↑

Echoing what RJparker stated, if you get into the Prius V's in 2024, they are kinda to be treated as a beater around the $10-15k range.
Run the Dr Prius paid tests for battery longevity for some peace of mind.

Personally went with a 2013 with a JDM engine swapped in.

Overseas' engines for these are pretty cheap to acquire these days.
We ferry our kids/other kids and beat it up accordingly. Nothing in the "beater" price range comes close for 'good MPG + reliable + space'
Click to expand...

thanks...this would be my daily driver...i do have an eye on a clean 2015 five with 84k miles but owner is asking almost $18k...worth more like $13k...for that asking price and age plus a hybrid battery that is now almost 10 years, i may as well throw in $10k more and get a vehicle from the 2020s with less mileage since i do drive a substantial amount...i also really want awd...my subaru is so good in the snow

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller · Sep 23, 2024

Point37 said: ↑

my subaru is so good in the snow
Click to expand...

The Prius is no softie. The traction control system is nothing short of amazing, mostly because of the fineness of electric motor control.

The downside is that it is a bit boring: you put the pedal down halfway and wait. That's it. That's about all you get to do. The car will start to accelerate, slip, and then the computer will kick in and modulate the power faster than any human could. It does a great job of figuring it out. The end limit is snow accumulation depth; the lower clearance of the Prius will hang it up before the Outback.

As with any car, quality tires multiply the benefits.

So after about 150k across two Outbacks I can say that our Prius has been a very solid return to the FWD world. Jump in, the water's fine!

Point37 · Sep 23, 2024

good to hear about the traction control...boring isn't a huge deal for me...i need a reliable point a to point b vehicle...i do like the pickup of my subaru...all my previous cars were fwd ('87 honda civic manual, '99 honda civic manual, '05 mazda 6 auto & '13 subaru legacy)...this will be my 5th vehicle at almost 44

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller · Sep 23, 2024

Point37 said: ↑

i need a reliable point a to point b vehicle
Click to expand...

The fundamental thing to understand about a Prius is freshness.

For the first 10-12 years of the average Prius' lifespan, they are insanely dependable, requiring little maintenance beyond oil changes, wipers and tires, and hardly ever needing repair apart from crashes. That combined with a decent safety report = cheap insurance for most drivers. Extremely cheap to run overall.

And then they turn into were-pumpkins. 20+ ECUs, lots of exciting new technology™ that may or may not have been for the best when it came out. A large and expensive hybrid battery. A very sophisticated braking system. A somewhat complicated HVAC system. Lots of mechanics don't want to touch them, and the ones who are obligated (Toyota dealers) are not cheap.

Bottom line, they are best enjoyed young, and if you can't afford to catch one in its prime you probably won't enjoy the overall experience.

rjparker · Sep 24, 2024

Point37 said: ↑

if a car doesn’t knock on 87 then 93 is just a waste of money
Click to expand...

True in the old days of fixed timing and no knock sensors. Today many cars have more performance on high octane but can run on low octane with slightly less power. Even a Prius can benefit on mpg but the increased cost of high octane negates the mpg economics.

Some premiums like Shell have better anti-wear additives which can be useful in engines with poor piston ring design. Fuel causes oil dilution in the piston ring groves and adjacent cylinder walls This can accelerate oil consumption on a permanent basis. 10,000 mile oil changes sound good except they can increase wear as well especially if neglected to 15k once or twice.

Low viscosity oils increase mpg but create more wear. Less money on gen 3 cats meant adding a sloppy egr design.

Particularly when management wanted more efficiency with lower development and production costs in their new 1.8L hybrid engine. By 2016 they were past the beta stage on the 1.8L and it benefited from significant reengineering.

Point37 · Sep 24, 2024

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller said: ↑

The fundamental thing to understand about a Prius is freshness.

For the first 10-12 years of the average Prius' lifespan, they are insanely dependable, requiring little maintenance beyond oil changes, wipers and tires, and hardly ever needing repair apart from crashes. That combined with a decent safety report = cheap insurance for most drivers. Extremely cheap to run overall.

And then they turn into were-pumpkins. 20+ ECUs, lots of exciting new technology™ that may or may not have been for the best when it came out. A large and expensive hybrid battery. A very sophisticated braking system. A somewhat complicated HVAC system. Lots of mechanics don't want to touch them, and the ones who are obligated (Toyota dealers) are not cheap.

Bottom line, they are best enjoyed young, and if you can't afford to catch one in its prime you probably won't enjoy the overall experience.
Click to expand...

good info...thanks...i would be better off in a newer prius and unloading it once the battery warranty runs out...probably end up passing for another non-hybrid for the long haul...less electrical to deal with and no hybrid battery...the sensible thing to do would be to buy a rav4 but they are so expensive due to them being so popular

rjparker said: ↑

True in the old days of fixed timing and no knock sensors. Today many cars have more performance on high octane but can run on low octane with slightly less power. Even a Prius can benefit on mpg but the increased cost of high octane negates the mpg economics.

Some premiums like Shell have better anti-wear additives which can be useful in engines with poor piston ring design. Fuel causes oil dilution in the piston ring groves and adjacent cylinder walls This can accelerate oil consumption on a permanent basis. 10,000 mile oil changes sound good except they can increase wear as well especially if neglected to 15k once or twice.

Low viscosity oils increase mpg but create more wear. Less money on gen 3 cats meant adding a sloppy egr design.

Particularly when management wanted more efficiency with lower development and production costs in their new 1.8L hybrid engine. By 2016 they were past the beta stage on the 1.8L and it benefited from significant reengineering.
Click to expand...

i've been consuming oil in my subaru at a rate of 600mi/qt...so i have been running whatever weight oil i want in it to help slow the consumption...manual states 0w-20 with 7500mi oil/filter changes...i have run up to 10w-40...the car needs a new engine or a rebuild and it's not worth it at this point as there are other issues (negative camber in the rear tires due to worn bushings, abs module causing squishy brake pedal, recurring p0420 code due to clogged cat from either the oil consumption or running rich)...it's time to dump this car and move on...wife gets out of her telluride payment in fall of 2026 so i'm not sure if i want something that is more permanent or something that's more temporary...i want to try to avoid overlapping payments which is why i wanted to stretch my car until then so i could get something newer

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller · Sep 24, 2024

Point37 said: ↑

good info...thanks...i would be better off in a newer prius and unloading it once the battery warranty runs out...probably end up passing for another non-hybrid for the long haul...less electrical to deal with and no hybrid battery...the sensible thing to do would be to buy a rav4 but they are so expensive due to them being so popular
Click to expand...

Yep, lots of the Priuseses you see for sale today are exactly that: somebody used up the good days and they're hoping the next buyer doesn't notice.

Running a new/newer one is one good strategy, but you can still do okay even if you own one a long time and wind up paying for a replacement battery- the catch is you have to drive it a lot for that to really make financial sense. The main way a Prius saves you money is by saving gas. If you don't drive much, you'll never get the savings.

Back when gas prices were high this was a slam dunk. At today's prices it's not as good of a deal.

Don't forget the Koreans: late model Sonatas and Optimas are pretty good too.

Point37 · Sep 24, 2024

Leadfoot J. McCoalroller said: ↑

Yep, lots of the Priuseses you see for sale today are exactly that: somebody used up the good days and they're hoping the next buyer doesn't notice.

Running a new/newer one is one good strategy, but you can still do okay even if you own one a long time and wind up paying for a replacement battery- the catch is you have to drive it a lot for that to really make financial sense. The main way a Prius saves you money is by saving gas. If you don't drive much, you'll never get the savings.

Back when gas prices were high this was a slam dunk. At today's prices it's not as good of a deal.

Don't forget the Koreans: late model Sonatas and Optimas are pretty good too.
Click to expand...

at the moment i commute 84 miles 3 days a week minimum (2 days i can work from home but sometimes i go to the office anyway)...used car prices are still stupid around here...def not touching hyundai/kia...we have 1...def not looking to add another with what i have dealt with at the dealer...they give you a warranty cause they know you are going to need it and they will try to screw you out of using it every chance they get by inconveniencing you, telling you you aren't maintaining your vehicle properly, etc...parts are junk...gdi engines suck...this is the last korean car for us i hope

MPGS-LOL · Sep 25, 2024

Point37 said: ↑

thanks...this would be my daily driver...i do have an eye on a clean 2015 five with 84k miles but owner is asking almost $18k...worth more like $13k...for that asking price and age plus a hybrid battery that is now almost 10 years, i may as well throw in $10k more and get a vehicle from the 2020s with less mileage since i do drive a substantial amount...i also really want awd...my subaru is so good in the snow
Click to expand...

In my uneducated opinion, it's better to have more miles than a hybrid battery that sits and waits in the corner most of the month.
Taxis get incredible reliability from the prius battery due to constant use.

I'm actually kinda in the same boat--hate the Prius V but love the space/MPG/reliability. All things that have ONLY recently been surpassed by the hybrid Rav4 and more coming.

I opted to use the extra $10k (way less actually) and bought a winter beater, a 4runner and gained a confidence-inspiring winter/tow vehicle. Hoping the following years will reveal a suitable alternative. The rav4 prime certainly will be a prime candidate once prices for them become reasonable.

Mendel Leisk · Sep 25, 2024

MPGS-LOL said: ↑

The rav4 prime certainly will be a prime candidate once prices for them become reasonable.
Click to expand...

Might be a long wait.

Point37 · Sep 25, 2024

MPGS-LOL said: ↑

In my uneducated opinion, it's better to have more miles than a hybrid battery that sits and waits in the corner most of the month.
Taxis get incredible reliability from the prius battery due to constant use.

I'm actually kinda in the same boat--hate the Prius V but love the space/MPG/reliability. All things that have ONLY recently been surpassed by the hybrid Rav4 and more coming.

I opted to use the extra $10k (way less actually) and bought a winter beater, a 4runner and gained a confidence-inspiring winter/tow vehicle. Hoping the following years will reveal a suitable alternative. The rav4 prime certainly will be a prime candidate once prices for them become reasonable.
Click to expand...

i think a rav4 will be a better choice for what i need...more cargo room...probably won't go hybrid since it will allow me to work on it myself more...finding one at a reasonable price used is going to be the issue since they are so popular as seen on this map off the most popular suv sales on edmunds...

Best SUVs of 2024 and 2025 - Expert Reviews and Rankings | Edmunds

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