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Debating 2013 Prius c3 vs. 2010 Prius IV

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by goalblue, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. goalblue

    goalblue Junior Member

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    finally unloading my beloved but gas guzzling Pathfinder for a Prius.

    Trying to decide whether to buy a new Prius c 3 or spend about the same money to get a used 2010 IV.

    My biggest concern is I've read reviews that the c gives a harsh and bumpy ride. When I test drove one, the dealer wasn't located near any off roads that would test this. I realize it's an economy car and not supposed to feel like floating on air, but how does the ride of the smaller c compare to the bigger liftback?

    Also, I live in Buffalo NY, where you may have heard we get some fun snowstorms. Which of these 2 cars runs better in wintry road conditions?

    Thanks so much, and sorry if I was supposed to find this in search. I did look.
     
    #1 goalblue, Jul 13, 2013
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    For winter driving: bigger, longer and heavier always wins.
     
    #2 rdgrimes, Jul 13, 2013
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! with a good set of snows, the hatchback is fine. what kind of off roading are you talking about? these cars have fairly low clearance. all the best!(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 13, 2013
  4. goalblue

    goalblue Junior Member

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    Thanks for the reply.

    No major off-roading, but I do live out in the country and just the fact that winters in Buffalo rip up some of the roads and they aren't all as smooth up here. (Sorry, "side streets" may have been a better choice of words than "off roads" in my op.)
     
    #4 goalblue, Jul 13, 2013
  5. jhinsc

    jhinsc Senior Member

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    Have you driven both back to back? That's big jump in size from the Pathfinder to a C.
     
    #5 jhinsc, Jul 13, 2013
  6. goalblue

    goalblue Junior Member

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    I have, but it was on a main highway which gave little testing to how it would handle with patched or bumpier roads. I'm just wondering how much smoother the liftback ride is compared to the c model.
     
    #6 goalblue, Jul 13, 2013
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    so, the interior volume, etc, doesn't matter, just the smoothness on rough roads?
     
    #7 bisco, Jul 13, 2013
  8. goalblue

    goalblue Junior Member

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    Not the only factor but a major one.
     
    #8 goalblue, Jul 14, 2013
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try posting in the c forums, you might get more bytes there. hatchback is pretty smooth, but it's no luxury car over potholes. no matter what anyone says, be prepared for disappointment if you can't experience it yourself before buying. big difference from pathfinder which is made for that kind of road.
     
    #9 bisco, Jul 14, 2013
  10. goalblue

    goalblue Junior Member

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    But how much worse, do you think, is it than the liftback?
     
    #10 goalblue, Jul 14, 2013
  11. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

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    You might want to see about renting each type of car for a weekend. May help you decide. Good luck.

    SCH-I535 ? 2
     
    #11 jgilliam1955, Jul 14, 2013
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i've never driven one, that's why i recommend the c section. some former and current hatch owners now drive c's and might be over there more often.
     
    #12 bisco, Jul 14, 2013
  13. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    I got a used 2010 Prius IV and it is not really a smooth ride. I would guess the brand new c is a bit better because it is brand new. I put new struts on my Prius a week after purchase at 65k miles and it handles better, feels more like a brand new car. Nothing short of a big sedan will give you the floating on air feeling. I really want an Avalon hybrid but it is too expensive.
    My Cadillac would run over railroad tracks like it was flat road. The gas mileage was better than a lot of minivans too. It was just not the image I wanted to associate with.
     
    #13 Mr.Electric, Dec 8, 2013
  14. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    The OPs post looking at the car was back in July, Lol. He did end up buying the 2010 IV over the prius c in the end though.
     
    #14 Paradox, Dec 8, 2013
  15. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    Good choice. In my opinion. I weighed the same choice and got the used 2010 IV
     
    #15 Mr.Electric, Dec 8, 2013
  16. sosarahsays

    sosarahsays Member

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    I did the same thing when I bought my car last month. I was debating between leasing a 2013 Prius c 4 or buying a CPO 2010 Base IV (both with sunroofs). In the end, I decided on the 2010 2010 IV because it I thought it was a nicer looking car and a little more luxurious overall, especially when comparing the interiors. I was coming from an A4 convertible so "nice interior," sunroof, and a car that doesn't cost $600+ every time it's in the shop were high on my list of wants! ;)
     
    #16 sosarahsays, Dec 10, 2013
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