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Prospective buyer looking for insight from Prius & Prius v owners

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Hamlet, Nov 30, 2015.

  1. Hamlet

    Hamlet New Member

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    I have been considering buying a Prius for quite sometime now and am trying to decide between the Prius and the Prius v. I have a friend who owns on one of each in their family and they love them. I am leaning toward the Prius v (vs the Prius) because of the larger cargo area. I presently drive a Buick Enclave and I am spoiled with the size and being able to haul a lot of stuff. I am interested in the Prius/Prius v because of the gas mileage, of course, and then I will still have the ability to haul a lot of stuff. I drive 250 miles one way to check on an elderly parent about once a month and then 340 miles another way to visit a daughter once every few months, so the great gas mileage is a huge drawing card. I did read somewhere that the Prius does not have as good of a ride as the Prius v and that it isn't as quiet as the Prius v. I'd appreciate any thoughts on these particular issues I mentioned and/or any other thoughts you might have that would be helpful to a prospective buyer.

    Thanks so much.
     
    #1 Hamlet, Nov 30, 2015
    Burna J likes this.
  2. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I would actually just keep it simple.
    Obviously I think they are both good vehicles.

    I don't know the specifics of potential quietness or cabin noise, but you are quite correct in the Prius v has a larger cargo capacity. So if this is a priority? Go with your first gut instinct.

    The difference of course is the Prius v doesn't get quite as good gas mileage. So that's the major trade off.

    I can't really speak as to ride comfort for a Prius v vs. a regular Prius, as I have only owned and driven a regular Prius. It would NOT be a deal killer for me in either case.

    For me if the choice is Prius or Prius v? Then the primary comparatives become cargo space vs. MPG hit. If you want the cargo space, and can accept the MPG hit? Then Prius v is your choice.

    44 city, 40 highway Prius v.
    51 city, 48 highway Prius (Standard).
     
    #2 The Electric Me, Nov 30, 2015
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I would definitely test drive both to see which you prefer.

    Pros:
    Prius v
    • larger cargo area
    • more flexible cargo area (can slide the rear seat forward to gain length or simply fold down the rear seat)
    • Normal rear window (not a split view like the Prius Liftback)
    • Updated infotainment high resolution units (2014 version). The Prius liftback uses 2012 versions
    • Higher seating position (~1")
    • Longer wheelbase = more comfortable ride
    • Pitch & Bounce control = smoother highway ride on undulating highway roads or roads similar to CA highways)
    • Available power front seats (driver only for Prius Liftback)

    Prius
    • Lower MSRP
    • Possibly better deals because the 2016 redesign is coming out
    • Better mpg (50 combined vs. 42 combined for Prius v)
    • Smaller standard tires (cheaper replacements)

    Cons:
    Prius v
    • More expensive when similarly equipped as Prius
    • 6" longer than the Prius (if parking is an issue)
    • Lower mpg
    • Slightly slower 0-60mph due to extra weight
    • Moonroof does not open (it's a fixed panoramic roof)

    Prius
    • Could be a Pro but it's a 6 year old design
    • Outdated infotainment units
    • Outdated instrumentation (Prius v uses full colour. It's monochrome on the Prius)
    • Split rear window view


    I don't know if you're considering the new 2016 Prius or not.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Nov 30, 2015
    The Electric Me likes this.
  4. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ...that's a tough choice. I have a minivan for hauling so regular Prius. I have a roof box for the Prius, so when I need to carry a lot, I can. But all that is easy for me to say, as Toyota did not have the "v" when I was buying. If they did, I might have gone for it. I assume we are talking new 2015 models, which I believe have similar crash test ratings.
     
    #4 wjtracy, Nov 30, 2015
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    test drive. prius a little better mpg's, v more space. both great cars. either way, youre buying at the right time, dirt cheap. all the best!(y)
     
    #5 bisco, Nov 30, 2015
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I assumed OP was talking about currently available 2015 standard Prius and not the rapidly upcoming Gen 4 Prius.

    But if the OP want's to hold out, they might be a real candidate to enjoy the new Gen 4 Prius, which with double wishbone suspension, and improved sound deadening, reportedly offers more cargo space and a refined ride. Might fall right in the sweet spot between a current Prius v and and outgoing Prius.
     
    #6 The Electric Me, Nov 30, 2015
  7. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Be careful with the EPA cargo space numbers for 2016. I feel Gen4 about same as Gen3 except you can opt for no spare tire. Gen4 might be better space (no sub spaces to add in).

    I now feel EPA cargo space probably refers to putting the back seats down and looks like EPA allows counting space up to the front seat under the window line (ie; useless number).
     
    #7 wjtracy, Nov 30, 2015
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