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2015 and 2014 Prius v both available, but 2014 more expensive. Why?

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by Eug, Feb 28, 2015.

  1. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    I need a new car, as my 2004 Prius is toast (accident). One potential option is the Prius v, but I noticed on the Canadian website that the 2015 with the Luxury package is actually slightly cheaper than the same on the 2014. Why? It seems you actually get less with the 2014 upgrade package.

    2015 Luxury upgrade package:
    • Integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio
    • 6 Speakers
    • 6.1 inch AVN Premium Display Audio
    • AVN Premium Navigation
    • Integrated Garage Door Opener
    • Front Passenger Door Handle Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock
    • Rear Hatch Handle Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock
    • Driver's Footwell Lamp
    • Passenger Footwell Lamp
    • Electrochromic Rear View Mirror
    • Synthetic Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
    • Synthetic Leather Seats
    • Heated Front Seats
    • 8-way Power Adjustable Drivers Seat

    2014 Luxury upgrade package:
    • Integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio
    • Display Audio with Navigation
    • Integrated Garage Door Opener
    • Front Passenger Door Handle Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock
    • Rear Hatch Handle Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock
    • Driver's Footwell Lamp
    • Passenger Footwell Lamp
    • Electrochromic Rear View Mirror
    • Synthetic Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
    • Synthetic Leather Seats
    • Heated Front Seats
    It seems the only benefit for going with the 2014 is the significantly lease rate, at 0.9%. The finance rate is 1.9% though. For the 2015 it is 3.99% for both. However, that's less of a consideration for me.

    Other cars I'm considering are anything in the RAV4 size, and in other brands, and maybe even a new or used Lexus RX 450h. (The NX 300h isn't much cheaper.)

    BTW, how much rear seat room is there in the 2015 Prius and 2015 Prius v compared to the 2004 Prius? I have two young kids in rear facing seats, and while they fit in my 2004 Prius, it's a little tight. Fine for me, but not so fine for 6-foot friends in the front passenger seat.
     
    #1 Eug, Feb 28, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2015
  2. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    This pricing gets strange when financing is considered due to manufacturer incentives to the dealers to move the older cars.

    I have 3 grandkids 9, 7 and 3. They all 3 fit in the back seat just fine in a car seat and 2 boosters all facing forward. I have the drivers seat all the way back and the 9 year old 5' all legs sits behind me. Never bumps my seat. I have kids 6'5" 325 and 6'6" 185 who fit fine. IIRC, the difference between the hatchback and v in legroom is 2" in the v's favor. I went from a CRV. I don't notice any downside and I like the fuel costs. I get US EPA figures with no tricks. Not as good as my son's hatchback with 109k miles but more room in the passenger areas and more utility in the trunk area.

    Take your kids and their seats with you, trial run getting them in and out.

    Try the navigation.

    Try the adjustable/power seats.
     
    #2 mikefocke, Feb 28, 2015
  3. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Thanks. That's very useful info. The only difference here is that my car seats are still rear facing, which does take up significantly more room. However, if the Prius v gains 2", then that's sufficient.

    The other option is a used Prius v. I may be able to save roughly CAD$5000-$10000 by getting a used 2012 Prius v with some Toyota Certified warranty.

    P.S. It sounds like you're telling me (as I suspected) that unless I need the lower lease rate, there is absolutely no reason to get a new 2014.
     
    #3 Eug, Feb 28, 2015
  4. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Depends on how much you value the 2015 differences. IIRC, the NAV, drivers seats, new gauge display. You guys would have had DRLs, right? So that wouldn't be a difference. I never did get clear if there were any safety improvements.

    Ask about the cost of NAV updates including labor so there are no surprises. If buying used, make them do the software and map updates as part of the deal.

    I like my '12 v Three which is the US middle option level. Buying today I'd probably go with the v Five, the US top end just for the added safety features.

    I was just reading where a guy traded in his '13 v Three 33k miles for a v Five with everything and the difference he paid (more than 50%) seemed quite high to me.
     
    #4 mikefocke, Feb 28, 2015
  5. flynz4

    flynz4 Member

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    If you are referencing post you just replied to... according to that post, he traded in a Five (not a Three).

    /Jim
     
    #5 flynz4, Feb 28, 2015
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