1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

which would you get? Gen 3 cir 2010 or 2012 C?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by born_again, Oct 24, 2012.

  1. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Hi everyone. I am very new here and I am in love with my wife's Blizzard Pearl V. So I've decided to trade in my 9 mpg piece of junk for a Prius. I originally wanted the C, but after checking out pricing of some of the used 2010 Prius Gen 3, I am now starting to think the used Gen 3 is the way to go. on top of that, the Moonglow that the C offers, isn't quite the same as the BWP.

    But am I failing to see anything when comparing a brand new 2012 C vs a 2010 Gen 3? I think the clear winner is the Gen 3.

    I am hoping to find a nice BWP certified pre-owned 2010 Gen III. I'd love to see a V and a Gen 3 in pearly color. :)

    I'd appreciate any feedback or reason why I should go with the brand new C instead.
     
  2. Selzier

    Selzier Whee!

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2012
    148
    51
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    It's a tough choice but it really comes down to what you need the car more for. I listed some common pro's and cons to both vehicles, maybe it'll help you decide?

    Prius C Pro's
    Brand New
    "Sportier" Handling (isn't as floaty as the Gen3)
    Better city mileage
    Base model is budget friendly

    Prius C Con's
    Interior volume (it won't fit people as comfortably as the gen3, or hold as much cargo)
    Lower freeway economy (but still pretty good considering)
    With all the options, much more expensive than a used gen3 with all the options
    Rougher/louder ride than the Gen3

    Gen3 Prius Pro's
    Will be cheaper due to being used
    More interior cargo
    Fully loaded has some pretty nice features
    More "comfortable" ride

    Gen3 Prius Con's
    Used can sometimes be a nightmare (make sure you find a reputable dealer if you go this route)
    "Tripling" effect of bright lights (I'm unsure if this happens in the C, but search the forum and look at some people's pictures. Make sure if you go Gen 3 this is something you're okay with. Also make sure the C doesn't do it as well)

    Of course these are my opinions! In the end you should get the car YOU want and feel is best for you. If money is the biggest issue, the Gen3 might be your better choice. If you are hesitant about used cars, and don't need the extra room of the Gen3, the C might be better.

    Again it's based on what you need and what you want to/can afford. Either way, you'd be getting a Prius (and that makes you pretty darn cool)
     
  3. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for the pointers. I never thought about the ride quality. I'll have to go test drive a gen 3 first, and see if that takes me to the gen3 side.

    I guess I am kinda set on the Gen 3 over the C. I just love the idea of the pearly Prii in my driveway.
     
    Selzier likes this.
  4. Selzier

    Selzier Whee!

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2012
    148
    51
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    My girlfriend always tells me,

    How would you feel if you couldn't have x? How would you feel if you can't have y? Sometimes seeing what it would be like to NOT have what you want can help decide.

    So my advise is, how would you feel if a C was on your driveway instead of a gen3? How would you feel if a gen3 was on your driveway but not a C?

    And yes, ride can be a HUGE factor. A lot of people complain about the very boring feel of the Gen3 (but I believe it's more comfortable). Test driving the cars is always a must before you decide (as you spend way more time driving your car than looking at it).
     
  5. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I test drove the C, but didn't pay attention to ride quality. But I guess it felt choppier when compared to the V. Maybe I was busy trying to accept the tight room. LOL

    I'll go back to the dealer where we got the V and test drive the C and Gen 3. The sales staff there was great.

    Let's not forget that looking good is a key function of Blizzard Pearl.
     
  6. Jin

    Jin Blizzard PRIUS 2010, Nav+ solar roof

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2010
    174
    12
    0
    Location:
    West Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV

    Do we get a vote? Although I have Gen 3 and that pretty much says it all :) Blizzard pearl is a great color! If you manage to get the one with moonroof, make sure to tint your windows!
     
  7. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Sure, I'll count you as a vote for the Gen 3. :)

    If I go Blizzard, then I'll most likely tint the windows. Wife wants her V tinted ASAP. She thinks it gets too hot under the sun.
     
  8. priusincc

    priusincc Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2007
    332
    16
    0
    Location:
    NV
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I would vote for the Gen 3.
    The Pri C remindes me too much of a Yaris, although it is an efficient basic ride. Also, I generally stay away from first year design releases until the bugs are worked out.
     
  9. Vas25tl

    Vas25tl Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2012
    268
    77
    0
    Location:
    Milwaukee
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Hmm...the answers seem to be a bit biased...since it's in the gen III section.

    Anyway, I vote for the Gen III!
     
  10. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    You do have a point. I should post the same question in the C section. LOL
    nah, I think it'll just stir the pot.
     
  11. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    After much thinking and test driving, I must go with the C. now I just have to decide Moonglow or Black Sand Pearl. I know, total opposites. LOL
     
  12. Ricky B

    Ricky B New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I also had my heart set on the Prius C but once I got into the 2012 Prius my heart changed desires really quick. There is so much different between the two cars. The little extra money that I spent for the Prius Trim 3 was a better value over what I was adding to the Prius C to make me happy.

    I have only had my car for three days. It feels good!
     
  13. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2012
    1,388
    351
    0
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Gen III. I test drove a C before buying my 2012 Five. My take away was that while the ride, room was acceptable, it would get on my nerves sooner or later.

    FWIW, I am 6-3, the salesman 6-4, we were in the front seats. A friend of mine came along, he is 6-0, he was in tbe back seat. It was pretty tight, but we all fit in. Won't do a long road trip in that configuration though.
     
  14. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    So, I ended up going with the 2012 C. Sorry to disappoint you guys. :(
     
    Selzier likes this.
  15. Selzier

    Selzier Whee!

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2012
    148
    51
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I don't know if I can speak for everyone, but I'm not disappointed. Be proud! You got a Prius. Welcome to the family!
     
  16. wotcher

    wotcher Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2012
    403
    97
    16
    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    if ride quality is a big concern, then you need to test drive a fully modded gen 3. they're completely different cars than a stock one, esp one with springs, tires, front braces and rsb.
     
  17. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Between my wife's V and my C, so far the only real difference has been the space. Well, and the C feels a bit faster.
     
  18. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2012
    960
    441
    0
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    i-Tech
    Ha, only just noticed this thread. There's plenty of love for the c over in "our corner" of Priuschat. :cool:
     
  19. born_again

    born_again Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    103
    47
    0
    Location:
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    well, here it is, next to the V.
     

    Attached Files:

    JE Sukara likes this.
  20. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2007
    1,826
    515
    6
    Location:
    Pleasanton, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    You know what the really funny thing is going to be? How you are now going to look forward to GOING to the gas station to fill up! (and finding out what your "score" was in the MPG game).

    Now go join Fuelly.com!