2010 or 2007?

Yeah, well, we were here first.

And if there hadn't been so much discussion of the gen2, the gen3 wouldn't be as good as it is.

 

I know! Somehow they think they're better than us LOL. We all drive green cars for the environment, not our egos.

 

The 2010 also has the advantage of the sales tax deduction through December 2009.

 

I don't feel that way, but I pointed it out only to show that the OP won't get an unbiased answer either way. It's like going to a Mac forum and asking whether to get a mac or a PC.

 

Personally, I prefer:

1. Used car after 3/36000 warranty expires - you have negotiating room to drive a lower price. The initial warranty covers infantile problems and by now the tires are worn and the 12 VDC battery aged. My comfort range is actually 4-6 years and up to 60,000 miles
2. Last of model year - this tends to get all field technical updates done at the factory. In the case of the NHW20, I would include 2008-2009.
3. First year of a 3d generation - although in fact the 2010 Prius is actually the 4th generation, Toyota has had plenty of time to update and refine the technology. I would note the 2010 Prius is not included in the accelerator recall.
4. Fixer upper - you already have a car and want a project car to learn about hybrid technology or have an experiment ... 2003 Prius.

Ultimately you'll have to make the price-performance tradeoff. Regardless, you'll have an excellent ride. <grins>

Prius I would avoid:

1. NHW10 model - Japan only, first generation
2. 2001-02 models - product improvements were made by 2003
3. 2004-05 models - some weakness with new displays

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

I didn't mean you specifically mate. Just an observation based on a few different threads I've read.

 

How about an opinion from someone who ownes neither:

For 7k difference, you need to buy the 2010.

The logic:
Yes-you do pay more upfront, but keep this in mind; What you buy today, you will sell in the future. And when you do sell the 2010 you will make up the difference (7k) + a little - averaging you keep the car two to three years.

In 2013 the 2007 will be six years old and (using the average of 15,000 miles a year) would have (60,000+45,000=105,000) miles. What's it going to be worth? (17k - depreciation)= money you lose.

On the other hand, the 2010 would be only three years old, and have about 45,000. This one would be easier to sell plus, I don't believe you would take as big of hit (What you paid today) - (What you could sell it for in the future) = Less money lost than the 2007.

This is my opinion only. But - if it were my money, I'd own the 2010

 

Wrong. Your opinion it certainly is. Any car is a lost investment the second it is purchased. More so, there is no way you would even come close to breaking even with the extra $7000 you paid, if you were to sell it. Finally, how do you know what the 2010s depreciative value will be? We don't. Not yet, at least. You just can't play this numbers game. It'll drive you nuts thinking about stuff like this.


Buy whatever your heart desires.

 

Oh, the decision is simple, just buy both!

(lol)

I'd go for the 2010. I like them both, but it seems more fiscally responsible. I just wouldn't go for all the extra options. I did, and I love the car but I wouldn't get all the options if faced with the purchase again. hehe

 

Wouldn't that come down to the interest paying on that extra $7k vs. how much you could make by keeping that $7k invested or not paying or accruing anything if you didn't have it in the first place?

 

Predicting what a vehicle is going to be worth in two to three years with average mileage and in good condition is very easy, and the car industry does it all the time.

I agree a vehicle is a "lost investment", but my point is, you will lose "less" with the 2010.

*edit*
I have more to add to this:

When a change in body style happens, the older body style goes down in value. In 2013 the 2007 body style will be in less demand (making it worth even less) compaired to the 2010.

One more point of interest, studies show the package to buy is the 3. The price you pay vs. resale value vs. depreciation.

And if you finance. You will get the NEW car rate on the 2010, you will have to pay a higher % in financing going with a 2007 that has 60k miles on it.

 

This will make some people mad, but the 2010 Prius is better as a car. What do I mean?

In terms of handling, steering, much more normal interior and control buttons, comfort for driver and passengers, the 2010 is hands down better.

People will complain about the center console, and other trivial stuff, but those complaints pale in comparison to awkward driving position with no fix available and less than stellar handling.

Edmunds did a comparison a couple years ago between a Camry hybrid and a 2008 Prius. They said the Camry hybrid is a better car with much fewer compromises that happens to get good fuel economy. I agree.

The 2004 - 2009 Prius is a purpose built car, mainly for maximum fuel economy that comes with some compromises that can really bite, especially for tall people. I would never resell my car to anyone 6ft or taller.

The 2010 Prius has far fewer compromises as a car. I've driven one a couple hundred miles. It's not powerful per se, but it is a nice car to drive and it is comfortable. So far as I've measured, it's fuel economy is roughly 6 - 8 MPG's better than a 04 - 09 also.

 

As usual I will contrast your opinion and state that at 6'3" I have zero problems with comfort in my Prius and often wear my hat and still have zero clearance issues.

The 2010 does get better MPG on average but keep in mind that many people are showing results that indicate the displayed MPG is off from hand calculations by a higher percentage than the GenII.

 

I wouldn't say the 04 -09 and 2010 Prius are 'very' similar. I would say similar though.

The 2010 Prius is all-new. The chassis is more solid. If doesn't get jolted aournd as much as a 04 - 09 on a bumpy road.

The 2010 Prius has better indicators and controls. The hybrid system indicators have been moved up to the front display. You can still see them as you use the climate or audio control buttons.

The 04-09 Prius moved climate contols into the expensive to replace touchscreen. Say you're backing out of the driveway, looking at the rearview camera, it's cold, so you turn the heater on, the touchscreen will take away the rearview. It's not great in the Gen II. It's different, novel, but not great.

About the seats ...

With the 2010 Prius .. just about comparable to a Camry (i.e. very good)

04 -09 seats ... well built, but dimensions and adjustability comparable to a base model Yaris or Echo, or 03 - 08 Corolla without a height adjuster.

I test drove a 2008 Honda Civic 4-door LX yesterday. Very good driver's seat. Doesn't seem it would have been tough for Toyota to match that quality in the 04 - 09 Prius.

 

Except for me.

 

You seem like the biggest Gen 3 fan for a Gen 2 owner.

So when are you getting the 2010?

 

I'm a big fan of the 2010 too (actually anything green). But I'm not getting one.

I have the 2009 because it's more like a cult car to me. Maybe it'll even be a collector's item despite that everybody has one. But face it, the 04-09 car has geek appeal written all over it.

 

I'm going to attempt getting a height adjustable Corolla driver's seat with Prius foam/fabric and airbag in my 2009.

If it works, great. If it fails, I sell the 2009 by early Summer of 2010.

 

Definitely the 2010.

The 2004 is a mechanically reliable car, but the body and interior regidity over time has been very poor and the rattles are out of control for a japanese car with 50k miles. My old 15 year old Explorer with nearly 200,000 miles has fewer rattles.

From a comfort perspective, our 2004 is one of the most uncomfortable and awkward cars to drive I have ever driven. The 2010 is much more comfortable and more natural to sit in and drive due to the better steering and seat adjustments and the more natural angle to the steering column.

I would not buy an '04-'09 Prius again...at any price....but I would buy a 2010.