Pros/cons 2010 redesign vs. 2009?

in any new product, its possible that growing pains maybe present. so its up to you as to the risk you want to take but i get the impression that if you do get one that say needs "adjustments" you would be unhappy? i guess i would if the adjustments did not fix the problem.

but to be honest with ya, that occurs in nearly EVERY product that has any level of complication or software involved. i guess you could be like people who waited until the 3G i-phone got all its fixes in place and then buy. but to not buy new and automatically accept something older is something completely different and not understandable to me at all.

now, if money is an issue, i m sure a 2009 will probably be a better price, but a better car??? no way

 

We tested our first 2010 Prius III today. We think it has much potential for the average USA family. We liked the auto up & down on all windows, the larger side windows, smart key on all models, and the price ($22k for the base).

 

For starters, who told you to buy 2009 instead of a 2010?

If it was a dealer, it only means that (s)he has more 2009s than 2010s to sell right now. Standard sales FUD tactic.

If it was a Toyota owner or independent mechanic, I give it more weight. But in this forum, there seems to be many folks who bought the previous Prius redesign in its first year, without regret. Whatever teething problems it had did not outweigh the improvements.

Decades ago, new American-label models frequently had major problems, so those who waited usually got better cars. But that is less true now, and even less true of Japanese-label models, including those built in America. I'm using this new Prius to replace an 1986 Honda, which was also the first year of a major redesign, and which I have absolutely no regrets buying. Toyota fans of that era were just as happy with their cars as we Honda fans were of ours.

While it is always possible for nasty first-year problems to crop up, recent experience suggests that the risk is so low that it shouldn't be a determining factor.

 

The engine is not new, been in use for a couple of years in Japan and Europe. Only thing new is the change to the Atkinson cycle, nothing to worry about, and the use of cooled EGR. Don't let the engine sway your decision.

Wayne

 

The 2010 was designed to address many of the issues raised with the earlier models. It's bigger, faster, and gets better mileage. It probably handles better, too. And the gadgets are even cooler. I don't see it as being inferior in any way.

And no, darn it, I'm not being paid to say this. Not even with a good offer on a new one.

 

Hello GP:

Don't second guess yourself.....your new 2009 is a fine car. I know because I also bought a 2009 just a couple of months ago, and I love it.

There are many threads here already on the forums, where people asked that and other question before laying down their cash for a new Prius. I would encourage you to look at the many threads in the 2010 Prius forum to see what's already been written in this regard.

I had many reasons for buying a 2009 instead of waiting for the 2010s. Not to take anything away from the 2010, because it is certainly is an incredible vehicle. But there were things that I liked better about getting the 2009 at this time. And even some features of the 2009 that I prefer over the 2010.

I know that I won't getting quite the fuel efficiency that the 2010 is capable of. But I'm still getting good enough mileage to be able to keep me thankful when gasoline eventually makes it back to $4 a gallon.

Best wishes,

 

You should be able to get an excellent price on an in-stock 2009. But if you're happy with the price I'm confident that you'll like either one.

 

My problem with the 2009 was the seats and ergonomics between myself, and the windshield view. I'm 6ft tall. Plus I was a little nervous about the gas bladder, I live in Oregon so am not allowed to pump my own gas. So I decided to wait on the 2010, adjustable and reportedly more comfortable seats and no gas bladder. Plus the many other improvements.

Given the great deals on the proven 2009 model, I would of bought one in an instant if I had felt more comfortable in the seat and with the whole ergonomics of the front drivers position. Infact I was very disappointed that the generation 2 just didn't work for me.

Is there risk in adopting a 1st year with significant redesign? Sure. For me, I just have to try it out. I'm going to wait a while, I don't feel I need to be on the cresting wave of "I'm Firsters" but neither can I afford to wait a year or two just to see how the redesign does. I'm relatively confident given that The Prius has become such an Icon to Toyota that they were probably pretty careful with the redesign. I'll be as patient as I can and keep my ears and eyes open. It's a little different situation for me, as I just decided that regrettably the 2nd generation just wasn't for me, unless I wanted to commit to significant aftermarket change. Really though, I love the 2nd Generation Prius no problem with that vehicle for most people.

 

I'm waiting for the 2011. There will be a lot of experience by then with the new Prius. Plus, my 2005 will be paid off!