New '09 or '10? In a buying dilemma

[cycledrum]

I struggled with the 09 / 10 dilemma for a while, but figured this -

The 2010 is not here, don't know exactly what it will be. There can be some quirks with a first year model. The 2004 had a number of multi-function display failiures after several years and over 40k miles. Not many problems overall though.

The 2010 is a new generation Prius with nearly same battery technology. Apparently in year 2010, there'll be a new, new Prius with Li-Ion (I suppose) and maybe plug-in capability. Would you feel bad getting a 2010 if the 2011 was much better?

It's a great thing Honda is coming out with the Prius copy (hehe), the Insight. Competition is good.

The longer you can comfortably wait to get a new car, the better.

[catsbox]

From what I hear, the 2009 is much like the 2008. If you want the next generation, hold out for the 2010 or 2011.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by catsbox

From what I hear, the 2009 is much like the 2008. If you want the next generation, hold out for the 2010 or 2011.

The 2009 appears to be identical to the 2008. I suspect the 2010/2011 lineup depends as much on the competition as anything else. IMO: 2010 MY starts with new body, same batteries. MY 2010 1/2 upgrades the batteries. Timing depends on availability and performance of competing models most probably from Honda. If the current generation Prius continues to be the most fuel efficient mass produced car in the US Toyota doesn't have much incentive to introduce the next model.

[cycledrum]

One more thing, see what 09 Prius' are selling for in about January or February.. Wintertime, less driving due to bad weather, dealers maybe a bit overstocked, you get the picture. I wouldn't be surprised if the 09 prices drop a bit when the 2010 model is unveiled in January.

[dominicsavio]

This all makes sense. BTW, regarding direct competition from the Insight next year, is it true that the Insight will NOT have the capability of folding the rear seats (because the battery and IMA is below the cargo area - just like the Civic hybrid where I dont think you can fold the rear seats)...

If true, this would of course make the current Prius cargo space unrivalled. Unless the 2010 Prius changes this so you cannot fold the seats (there was some talk that in this Prius, the batteries were going to be below the cargo area)....?

[Ct. Ken V]

Hey, dominic,

In the old 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid (the only Honda hybrid I'm familiar with from comparison shop'g before order'g my '05 Prius) the battery pack was in the trunk (it was a sedan remember) up against the rear seatbacks. So maybe you could fold down the rear seats (as you could in the non-hybrid version of the Civic), but even if you could, you would achieve no benefit in trying to carry oversize articles because the battery pack was still in the way. The IMA (Integrated Motor Assist---the electric motor) should be under the hood, not below the cargo area.

Q : In the current Prius, where do you think the batteries are now? (ANS : Below the cargo area.) So why would that change whether or not the rear seats would fold down or not? (Just wonder'g out loud.)

Ken (in Bolton,Ct)

[Ogo]

Well, current Honda Civic Hybrid does not have foldable rear seats as battery placement forbids it. But Prius has foldable rear seats, event though has very similar placement of its battery. Few inches of difference in placement of the battery can change many things.
And lack of foldable rear seats in current Civic brought many customers to Prius.

[dominicsavio]

So after much thinking, I've decided to skip the '09 model and wait it out through the next few months into '09. Whether my decision is good or bad only time will tell but at least I'll have a choice of '09 OR '10....

[edgar]

I had the same question, but needed a second car right away for a new job with a commute. Otherwise I would have waited.

[WWJD08]

other hybrids like the chevy volt are going to cost$40K and I would not buy the first year they come out. Honda prius look alike $??K
I really Like the 2008 package 5 we bought, when its paid for it will of cost me $38K It was nice I paid $15.00 to fill up yesterday at a shell gas station.
Toyota needs to upgarade those cheap Japan made Goodyear tires, Put a TOM TOM navigation system in it. The Carpet is very low grade looking and the seat cloth upholstery needs a few move upgrades and the cheesy seat adjusting mechanism is all manual.