Should get a 2009 or 2010?

[technoratic]

Hello all,

Being a newbie to the hybrid world, I have a question, are the differences (base model comparision here no packages) between the 2009 and the 2010 great enough for me to get the 2010 over the 2009? I mean, how much better is the highway ride and handling over the 2009? is the ev mode and eco mode buttons worth it?

I'm asking because where I am, I think I get the dealer to agree to some hefty discounts on the 2009 given that most people where I live drive around in SUVs and the like.

Thanks in advance!

[sluday]

Originally Posted by technoratic

Hello all,

Being a newbie to the hybrid world, I have a question, are the differences (base model comparision here no packages) between the 2009 and the 2010 great enough for me to get the 2010 over the 2009? I mean, how much better is the highway ride and handling over the 2009? is the ev mode and eco mode buttons worth it?

I'm asking because where I am, I think I get the dealer to agree to some hefty discounts on the 2009 given that most people where I live drive around in SUVs and the like.

Thanks in advance!

If you can get a 2009 Prius package 5 or 6 for invoice then get the 2009. If not wait a month and get the 2010. If you stay away from the options you will pay about the same for a better car with the 2010. The 2010 Prius 2 for under $23k is probably the best car value in the market right now. If you want a loaded 2010, look to spend over $30k. Figure out want you want to spend. Then choose the options you want or need. Then place the 2009 and 2010 on paper next to each other and see if there is really enough saving to sway you one way or the other. Remember if you go with the 2009, you are buying a car that is 1 year old on paper and you will take a hit with resale value. If you plan to lease then this does not matter.

[cycledrum]

I'm sure the 2010 is an all around better car, although in the PriusII you give up the 3 door smart key and backup camera.

If looking to buy, I would take the better seats, more power and rear headroom any day.

But, you could save a few thousand getting an 09.

[winebuff]

DEFINITELY THE 10. Ditto from above. Be informed and check out all the links on the site and you will see why. Better car.

[mlibanio]

Wait for the 2010. For the small price jump on top of the current Prius, its a vastly superior car dynamically and in terms of interior spaciousness. It now virtually equals the first gen Prius in terms of headroom, and blows away the current Prius which has terrible headroom in the rear especially. The handling is far superior to anything I think Toyota has put out to date. I would stick with the base model radio, as the higher level audio systems are just a few points better than the base, but still terrible. Much better to save that money and upgrade the stereo which is not possible on the current Prius as it is all integrated. Or use the money to upgrade to the solar panel roof. The ride is firmer than the current Prius too, I would say about 30% stiffer, but its still quite comfortable. Also the Visibility is better at all angles compared to the current Prius, though no match for the gigantic glass area of the Generation 1 Prius!

Overall, wait for it, it will be worth it, and you will be much happier with your purchase. I have said it all along after my test drive of the 2010. If you are a current Prius owner, the only reason you would buy the 2010 is simply because you want to have the latest and greatest. Otherwise fuel economy, though better, is not enough to justify the additional cost, if you look at it in those terms. However if you are a non-hybrid owner, then it makes absolute and total sense waiting for the 2010, as it is in fact a superior car and a definite step up from whatever you are currently driving. Hope this helped!

[technoratic]

Thank you all for your options especially mlibanio who test drove the 2010. I think I will wait a few months until the initial hype has died down a bit then I'll look at purchasing. I might as well wait and get something that I'd be satisfied with rather than trying to save a few bucks. After all I usually keep my cars at least 10 years. It won't stop me from test driving a 2010 this summer though!

I'm looking forward to that! Cheers all!

[technoratic]

BTW, for a non-hybrid owner...3.8L/100km worst case looks very attractive when compared to 6.9L/100km best case with my 00 accord 2.3L totally awesome!

[Tideland Prius]

I wouldn't say 3.8L/100km is the worst case lol. I'd say 6.9L/100km is the worst case for a Prius! (most cause I haven't been able to achieve that.. I might've gotten up to 6 before in the middle of winter but I don't remember).

[technoratic]

I guess...but I was referring to the 2010 combined estimate fuel econ. But I guess the worst case would be higher if you're doing jack-rabbit starts and punching it on the highways. Right now, I'm only doing 6.9L/100km by quasi-hypermiling with a 2.3L 4cyl which is pretty good given the engine size and what other people with their accords, but its horrid when compared to a hybrid!

[sl7vk]

Originally Posted by mlibanio

Wait for the 2010. For the small price jump on top of the current Prius, its a vastly superior car dynamically and in terms of interior spaciousness. It now virtually equals the first gen Prius in terms of headroom, and blows away the current Prius which has terrible headroom in the rear especially. The handling is far superior to anything I think Toyota has put out to date. I would stick with the base model radio, as the higher level audio systems are just a few points better than the base, but still terrible. Much better to save that money and upgrade the stereo which is not possible on the current Prius as it is all integrated. Or use the money to upgrade to the solar panel roof. The ride is firmer than the current Prius too, I would say about 30% stiffer, but its still quite comfortable. Also the Visibility is better at all angles compared to the current Prius, though no match for the gigantic glass area of the Generation 1 Prius!

Overall, wait for it, it will be worth it, and you will be much happier with your purchase. I have said it all along after my test drive of the 2010. If you are a current Prius owner, the only reason you would buy the 2010 is simply because you want to have the latest and greatest. Otherwise fuel economy, though better, is not enough to justify the additional cost, if you look at it in those terms. However if you are a non-hybrid owner, then it makes absolute and total sense waiting for the 2010, as it is in fact a superior car and a definite step up from whatever you are currently driving. Hope this helped!

Wow. You really think highly of the Gen I versus II.

I couldn't stand the Gen I when I drove it. I felt like I was driving a cramped Echo.
Better headroom in the Gen I?!? We must have been driving different cars.