1st Prius 1st Hybrid purchase 2011 or 2012 ?

Depends on what your after. There are several differences between an 11 and the upcoming 12. I would suggest test driving an 11 and see the difference between the 08 you already drove. As the Gen 3 model started in 2010.

Do some research, and read some of the forums here, they are great guide.

 

Welcome to the forum! I'd say good price. I just purchased an '11 with leather and tints a month ago and paid $28K.

 

$22,900 for a used 2011 III is a pretty good deal if you ask me as long as the car is fairly low mileage, and is in excellent condition otherwise. We have a 2011 II model, and have enjoyed it immensely. Like us though you will be stuck with the drive door keyless entry only unless you buy a IV or V model, but you can configure it to unlock all the doors when you grab the driver handle so it is not an inconvenience really.

2011's are totally different from the 2008 you tried. They have overall better efficiency, and the interiors are completely different. You can also cruise for short bursts at 45mph once up to speed with the gas engine off, as opposed to the 08's limit of 35mph or so. I really like our 11', and with 10,900 miles on the odometer it hasn't given us an ounce of trouble. As far as the 12's go I am unsure. Have not seen one in person, but I imagine it is just a mid-model refresh. Depending on the price of the 08' you drove if you liked that car, and the price is right I would get that. The money you would save getting a second gen Prius beats out the fractional gain in efficiency you would get paying 20k+ for a third gen. The only downside to buying the 08 would be if it is high mile (100,000 or more) you will need to consider the possibility of replacing the traction battery at your expense. Which a quick search of this forum turns up anywhere from 2500-4500 for that depending on the route you take. Good luck in your ventures, and hopefully you make the choice that is right for you.

 

Toyota's parts and labor price for a hybrid battery is about $3500, but don't worry about that. YOur in CA, so it's warranted for 10 yrs/ 150k miles.

3rd Gen Prius does EV at very low speeds much better than 2nd gen. I had a 2011 sitting for 2 hours after long trip. Left the house and did all electric for 1.3 miles at bit over 20 MPH. ...

2nd gen Prius would not do the above. I had one for 2 years. The engine would kick on much earlier.

3rd gen is a little more robust overall, comfort a little better, but for me at 6' 2", not good enough yet. Many still like the open area in front of center console on 2nd gen. I think it was a biff to put in floating bridge console on 3rd gen. Crowds knees.

 

A LOT is different between the 3rd gen (2010+) and the 2nd gen that ended with model year 2009. See http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/88583-prius-versions.html#post1242903 and many of the posts that follow it.