torn between two possibilities

A Gen4, from what I heard, has very good mpg and is supposedly nicer to drive. Maybe you should test drive them and see?
But for me a 3rd gen is also a very nice car so choose what you want.

 

If you check out some of Dianne Whitmire's threads here, I think she discusses Gen4 leasing. Do not quote me on this but I think she said Gen4 lease is more expensive but Gen3 (2015) is cheap. She is the only dealer discussing sales and lease on Prius Chat.

 

pip prices are excellent right now. if money and ev driving are a consideration, i would go with it. otherwise, i would test drive a gen 4 and get more lease info.

 

The early reports on 4th gen mpg are very good, Eco version or not. Consider that Eco omits spare and rear wiper, has uneven hatch floor (per all without spare) and has special LRR tires that may be a mixed blessing.

 

Need your help! Prius 4 tire information spreadsheet | PriusChat

...actually the special Dunlop tires for eco seem to be a no-show so far in the USA. Therefore one of the biggest mysteries on Prius Chat is how eco gets the better MPG. A few here are going to buy ecos just out of curiosity (excellent move by Toyota)

 

It could very well be different throttle programming, more agressive engine shutoff and so on.
I doubt it's just tires - the normal Prius has about as eco tires as you can get.
It could be similar to how the Prius V (or + depending on market) has actually quite a different feel to it than a standard Prius. My relative has one and we were amazed at how different they drive after testing them back to back - even if it's the same engine and transmission (or very similar)

 

But the comparison of hatchback to wagon involves vehicles of different weight, height, center of gravity, suspension, gearing, frontal area, etc. I'm not at all surprised or disappointed that I get 8 MPG less with the v wagon than my son gets with his hatchback.

The fourth and Eco are similar in many of those things. So the difference should be tighter. I'd bet the fuelly differences between the fourth and Eco will be more than the EPA differences due to the motivation of the Eco buyers to achieve bragging rights.

 

Ah like Professor Harry Hill the Music Man...the THINK system! Excellent

 

i thought the diff for Eco was more weight savings no?

As far as Gen3 or Gen4 - I guess it depends on what your emphasis is. MPG? Driving enjoyment? Financial? Since these only really came out the last few weeks, and your'e looking more towards spring - I'm going to guess leasing details will be much clearer by the time you are actually looking. So that part of the eq won't be as much a mystery by then.

As far as the Gen4 - the mpg from all the reviews and posts I"ve looked around is very much improved (I'm +60 easily - even in Power Mode... for a 12 gal tank i hit over 250 miles right about when i hit 1/4 tank of use. My first refuel the computer calculated my range at 828 miles. Put that all together and the 800+ miles on a tank - and the +60mpg is NOT an exaggeration). It's going to take a while until I actually get another refill to do a manual calculation

And, it's actually very fun to drive (especially in "Power Mode"). The car is very responsive in Power Mode (especially with the new emphasis on low-end torque) and steering feels like any normal car (it felt wishy washy on a previous Prius I test-drove that was enough for me to know I wouldn't enjoy a previous Prius). Passing power and ability to weave around traffic on the freeway is not a problem with this car (I live in California where highway speeds are pretty fast too).

So if it's mpg/driving experience - I think all the reviews I"ve heard are spot on - much improved.
If it's financial you're more emphasizing, yes --- used or older models seem to be going for VERY good prices now that Gen4 is here.