Need immediate help deciding between used 2009 and 2010 Prius

Overall, the Gen 3 (2010+) is a superior car. There were LOTS of change between Gen 2 and 3, some things are optional. See Prius versions | PriusChat and a bunch of posts that follow, including the video.

Yes, the stock Goodyear Integrity tires are crap. You'll be glad to get rid of them once they're worn out (or earlier).

Per EPA, Gen 3 Prius is 4 mpg combined better (Compare Side-by-Side). However, the Gen 2 figures are AFAIK via adjustment from the pre-model year 08 test results and not a retest w/the updated EPA test.

Most who owned Gen 2s and switched to Gen 3 say the latter gets superior FE.

ConsumerReports.org - Most fuel-efficient cars - Gen 2
Most fuel-efficient cars - Gen 3

CR on their tests gave both the same overall mileage but worse on Gen 3 on their harsh city test. (See last page of http://www.consumersunion.org/Oct_CR_Fuel_Economy.pdf for description of their tests vs. the old EPA test.)

 

The gen III (2011) has better technolgy than gen II (2009). Plus has a bigger engine 1.8 and really gets 50 MPG or more depending on how you drive it. I have a 2011 Prius IV, wich is the same as the 2010 and I love it. The interiors are better and honestly if you want a GPS nav system you can always add an aftermarket one like Ottonavi (around $500 - $600). Once you put it. you will not even tell that it is an aftermarket one. On the HID headlights, do not worry beacuse they will last almost forever or at least the years that you are planning to have the car. Leather seats? well this is a real plus but I personnaly would not buy the gen II (2009) just because of the leather seats. Again, you can add this later.
GET THE 2010. This is what I would do!!!! Good luck on it

 

No, they do not, at least not on the 06-09 Priuses w/D4R headlights. That's why there was Toyota Prius Class Action Lawsuit | Toyota Headlight Lawsuit | Girard Gibbs LLP.

The 04-05 Priuses that used D2R were longer lasting, it seems. See 04-05 (NOT 06-09) Prius owners w/HIDs - how long did they last? | PriusChat. As I posted there

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Be glad that the bulbs are only ~$50 to replace. Toyota used to charge $300 for bulb only + labor. Some of them would pull the front bumper and previously, they'd also unnecessarily replace the ballast/ECU too (more $).​

 

Another thing Toyota did better on the 2010 model is the headroom in the back seats. On 2010 there is more headroom for rear passengers. You will see this in every car review video for 2010 models.

 

Maybe because of the extras on the 2009 model. LOL

See this video to help you understand the difference.

 

could be there is something wrong with the 2010. that's why you test drive used cars. you should reset the avg mpg and go for a drive to see how it's doing. the 09 is a great car, and if that's the one you like, i would buy it.

 

I am a little confused about whether the OP drove a 2010 or 2011. Not that there's any difference between the model years, but it can play a role as to the price as a 2010 is older and (if mileage is the same) will have less warranty left (if any).

 

same here, he mentioned both several times. i do think the 11 eliminated some bugs in the 10. mostly creaks, squeaks and groans.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if some running improvements like that were made.

Oh yeah, the early '10s didn't have USB nor Safety Connect, but for '10s and '11s to have USB, you needed to have navigation anyway. I don't recall about Safety Connect.

 

i guessing a 10, it's in the title.

 

BTW, Toyota Vehicles : Toyota Announces Prices for 2010 Prius / Toyota and 2G Prius (2004-2009) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat may help.

Back to the HIDs and all. HIDs no longer became a choice w/Gen 3. The only two headlights choices became halogens or LEDs.

As for headroom in the Gen 2 vs. 3, most (all?) Gen 3s have a height adjustable driver's seat. Gen 2 never got a height adjust. Maybe that's what you're seeing in terms of headroom?

BTW, what state are you in?

 

In the case, you should look for one that was bought, registered and operated in CA or other CARB states so that you get the 10 year/150K mile HV battery warranty and other benefits like 15 year/150K mile emissions warranty. You can get the warranty book for the Priuses in question at Toyota Online Owners Manuals and Technical Manuals by selecting the car in the upper right.

The long warranty also applies to Gen 2.

 

The video below by Toyota is the best Gen-II vs Gen-III comparison I have seen.
It will probably convince you to go Gen-III (2011).
However, it does not capture the subjective: per one Prius Chat member, the Gen-II fits like a second skin, the Gen-III feels like a car you are driving.
But wait, if you go to say MA, NY, NJ, VA, MD by Nov. 5 you could possibly be talking new PiP for $22.5 after CA state and Fed rebates.

 

This is really the best comparison video between Gen II and III.

 

Dont let the seats alone be the factor that makes you walk away from any potential deal - seats can be easily and affordably modified with added cushion AND added lumbar adjustment!