Help, Need Advice on Prius Plug-In

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Crankykentucky, Jul 18, 2013.

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  1. Crankykentucky

    Crankykentucky Junior Member

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    My dealer thinks I should consider a 2013 Prius Plug-In as my lease expires on the 2010 Prius III.

    What do you guys think of such a trade up? I would pay considerably less due to some incentives my dealer has right now.

    Presently, my Prius is a Plain Jane with only the JBL Stereo option, which I love. Is the standard stereo that is bundled in with navigation on the Plug-In a good sounding system or will I be tempted to upgrade it later?

    Has anyone else made this jump from the 2010 Prius III to the Plug In?

    I was looking at the Camry Hybrid, but I really like my Prius and its hatchback.

    Any advice is appreciated.

    Fred
     
    #1 Crankykentucky, Jul 18, 2013
  2. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I went from a 2012 Prius Five w/the JBL system to a 2012 PIP with standard stereo.
    The JBL was better- but the std stereo is decent enough that it doesn't really need upgrading unless you're really into music.

    As far as the rest of the deal- what's your daily commute like?
    Can you recharge at work?
    Assume you'll get 10-14 EV miles out of a charge.
     
    #2 ny_rob, Jul 18, 2013
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds like a good move. even if you never plug in, you're getting more car, better mpg's for less money. it's a win-win!;)
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 18, 2013
  4. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    I have both. I would get another plugin.

    Mike
     
    #4 3PriusMike, Jul 18, 2013
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  5. Bonefish Blues

    Bonefish Blues Member

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    I think the Plug In's the more complete car, but do the math(s) as to whether the PiP will actually save you $ based on the differential between a regular Prius lease and the PiP's after reviewing the many posts & threads on here as to what you could reasonably expect to achieve.

    There are many posters achieving huge numbers, but equally there are some (like myself - I'm in the UK where the PiP is silly money vs the standard, and where I couldn't justify a PiP if I were buying it privately) where it's not so clear cut, I suspect.

    As said by another poster I think the standard Prius stereo is a good system and whilst we have the JBL on all Euro spec PiPs I don't think it's such a big step forward, tbh.
     
    #5 Bonefish Blues, Jul 19, 2013
  6. Crankykentucky

    Crankykentucky Junior Member

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    Thanks, for the advice. The only other cars that are tempting me now are the Ford C-Max and the Chevy Cruze LZT with the turbo and Pioneer stereo option. But, I like the Prius.

    Until I move, I will have to plug in a PiP at another location. But, my dealer says he has three people who don't have external outlets at home for their PiP's and rely on shopping, work, or other outlets.

    Also, if I can work the deal, the PiP would be cheaper per month than what I was paying on the 2010. Toyota is still running incentives on the PiP that are nothing short of miraculous. Plus, don't you still get a Fed tax credit?
    I really see the JBL shine when you have an AUX or iPod plugged in. But, then I have a tendency to crank the music too much! :) Maybe someone will develop a nice plug-in booster for the Prius?
    I was fascinated by one of the threads on the forum that dealt with a stereo upgrade. I don't know if I would ever try it.
    Thanks again!
     
    #6 Crankykentucky, Jul 19, 2013
  7. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :)Another YES vote for anyone considering a PIP. Key word is considering. Lease on a PIP might be best due to improving technology. I wouldn't recommend one for anyone without at least the ability to charge at home or work. One or the other. Can't imagine anyone who has the time or patience to rely on charging elsewhere. You'll be limited to what mods you can do on a leased vehicle. Good luck.
     
    #7 -1-, Jul 19, 2013
  8. Dan Cathy

    Dan Cathy Junior Member

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    If they are going to charge you less for the PiP, it's a no brainer. Of course unless the stereo is that important to you, then you may want to test it first. Even if you could only charge the PiP once a day, you'll be saving money since gas is more expensive than electricity per mile. Be careful not to overpay when you're at a public charging station, according to my calculation, I wouldn't pay more than a dollar an hour. If they charge more than that, you mind as well run on gas.
     
    #8 Dan Cathy, Jul 19, 2013
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  9. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    I would buy a Toyota before I ever thought of getting a hybrid from Ford or GM, not proven and you don't get the MPG as the window sticker who know 5 or 10 years from no what problems these will have
     
    #9 MPGnutcase, Jul 19, 2013
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  10. Crankykentucky

    Crankykentucky Junior Member

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    Does the PiP have a bigger electric motor than my Prius lll
     
    #10 Crankykentucky, Jul 19, 2013
  11. rockerdan

    rockerdan PiP Rocks!

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    You also get the wheels and heated seats on PiP.

    If you lease like I did, you will get the "rebate" right off the top of the lease. So there is no Tax credit as Toyota is the "owner"

    I leased my 2012 PiP for only $3 dollars more per month then the liftback was gonna lease for, so it was a no brainer just to get the heated seats and wheels, even if i had never plugged in.(MPG is slightly higher without plugging due to larger battery)

    I am currently getting 102mpg "lifetime" miles (6500miles so far) and I only plug once/day at home. I could not be happier.

    I would stay away from other brands, toyota has this tech perfected and others still need some proving time IMO

    Dan
     
    #11 rockerdan, Jul 19, 2013
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  12. Crankykentucky

    Crankykentucky Junior Member

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    Thanks! So, no tax credits on a lease?
     
    #12 Crankykentucky, Jul 19, 2013
  13. rockerdan

    rockerdan PiP Rocks!

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    Not for me in NY....because TOY is the "owner" and they choose to take the credit and give it back to us off the top of cars cost.

    I think now its somewhere around 5600 dollars off the cost!!(depends which state you are in) Better then buying IMO due to no waiting for tax return and "wondering" if you will qualify for the "full" tax credit.(depends on how much tax you pay)

    Dan
     
    #13 rockerdan, Jul 19, 2013
  14. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    Yes it does.... and larger battery too.
    The PIP can go up to 62-64mph on pure EV!
     
    #14 ny_rob, Jul 19, 2013
  15. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    nice feature for sure
     
    #15 MPGnutcase, Jul 19, 2013
  16. Bonefish Blues

    Bonefish Blues Member

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    Edited to protect European sensitivities :(
     
    #16 Bonefish Blues, Jul 19, 2013
  17. Crankykentucky

    Crankykentucky Junior Member

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    Update: I had a chance to drive a new PIP and was impressed. Does anyone know whether Toyota added some sound proofing material to the newer models? I was surprised at how well the EV worked and how long I was able to drive without the gas engine kicking in. Also, maybe it is just the added weight of the PIP equipment, but the car seemed to be smoother than my 2010. I see where the critics are coming from when they question Toyota's decision to limit the range of the car on a full charge, but this car is built for commuting.
    What I find interesting is how one Toyota dealer didn't even tell me about the incentives on the PIP lease, while another dealer told me that is the only way to go at this time. He can get me into a PIP for a better lease than a Corolla or Camry at this time. I guess the Camry Hybrid promotion is over, right?
    Still not sure where I am going after my lease is up, but I don't think buying I will be buying it.
    Fred
     
    #17 Crankykentucky, Jul 27, 2013
  18. lensovet

    lensovet former BP Brigade 207

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    i suggest looking long and hard at lease vs. buy; generally buying will be a better deal.
    the added weight of the "equipment" is under 150 lbs, so like an extra (fit) person, doubtful it will affect handling much…probably just the car being new and not worn out
    regarding incentives…dealers are sneaky…always triple-check their work. you can find official info on toyota incentives at buyatoyota.com.
    good luck making your decision!
     
    #18 lensovet, Jul 28, 2013
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  19. Crankykentucky

    Crankykentucky Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info. The preference would be to buy, but at this time the lease payments are looking very good. I need to make a decision soon. But, the dealer that owned up to the PIP incentives blew me away with the comparisons between leasing and buying. Literally, you can't touch a Corolla for what they are leasing the PIP's for. Plus, you can negotiate less or zero down in front. So, there is a lot to consider.
     
    #19 Crankykentucky, Jul 30, 2013
  20. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Of course the lease payments will look good compared to buying. But there is much more to the equation than just how much you are paying every month.
     
    #20 markabele, Jul 30, 2013
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