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Potential new owner, did research, still a couple of questions

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Johnny Cakes, Dec 30, 2016.

  1. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    What a great forum as I have done a great deal of research which has helped me narrow down the purchasing process. I have settled on a 2012-2014 model year, based on the threads that I have read. However, I still have a few questions and I hope someone will be willing to help a newb.

    1. The one feature I must have is the ADAPTIVE cruise control. Is it correct that I must find a Package 5 for that AND that not all package 5 cars have it, its only if it has the "Advanced Technology Package?"

    2. What other things are part of the "Advanced Technology Package?" The reason I ask is for when I am searching online listings for cars and trying to determine cars that have it from cars that don't, when the owner just lists features without saying "Advanced Technology Package."

    3. What year did the adaptive cruise control begin supporting "stop and go?" Some early threads I read seemed to indicate that the early adaptive cruise would not operate under 25MPH.

    4. I will probably be doing some "Prius camping." Are all model years basically the same for that?

    Many thanks!
     
    #1 Johnny Cakes, Dec 30, 2016
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    FWIW, adaptive cruise control is standard on all 2017, even the Trim Two I have.
    Also, the Gen 4 Prius (2016 & 2017) have better fuel economy than the Gen 3.
     
    #2 Prodigyplace, Dec 30, 2016
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  3. PriusNeckBeard

    PriusNeckBeard Active Member

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    The mid - generation refresh was 2013. It includes a fix to the drivers floor mat safety recall.

    The extra cost for the new car smell is larger outpaced gas savings due to the slightly better fuel economy vs Gen 3. . 2013 FTW on that issue. (or any, 2010-2015)

    I.E. you'll pay more for 'new' than you'd ever save in gas. Gen3 is cheaper total cost of ownership
     
    #3 PriusNeckBeard, Dec 31, 2016
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  4. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    My earlier research indicated a 2012 mid-cycle refresh? Wikipedia is no help. Is it for sure 2013?
     
    #4 Johnny Cakes, Dec 31, 2016
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  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    A couple of postings in this thread indicates a 2012 refresh. 3G Prius Features Explained | PriusChat
     
    #5 Prodigyplace, Dec 31, 2016
  6. PriusNeckBeard

    PriusNeckBeard Active Member

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    Oops, I think I did get that wrong.
     
    #6 PriusNeckBeard, Dec 31, 2016
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Welcome to PriusChat!

    1. Correct. You have to find a Prius Five with the Advanced Technology Package


    2. AT package: Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision System, Premium HDD-Based Navigation System with Entune App Suite, 7" LCD Touchscreen w/ Splitscreen Capability, JBL Audio System w/ 8-Speakers, Head-Up Display, Safety Connect

    Find more information here: 3G Prius (2010-2015) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat

    Scroll down to 2012, 2013. 2014 and 2015 are in the Excel spreadsheet (as well as all the other information).

    3. The 4th generation Prius starting with the 2016 model year. The 3rd Generation (2010-2015) DRCC works in the same speed range as regular cruise control - that is down to 25mph

    4. Yes. All years that you're looking at have the same rear folding seats and cargo capacity.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Dec 31, 2016
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  8. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

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    I have a gen III 5 w/o adaptive CC ... you need the AT package only available on that model for the adaptive CC. They did not make many 5's ... I wanted a 5 to get the LED headlights and the wheels/tires. You can't get a sunroof on the 5 .. and the fog lights are worthless.

    The 5 w/o the TP was great for me -- gave me what I wanted w/o having to pay for the 2k sunroof. All of the higher equipped 4's had the sunroof
     
    #8 yeldogt, Jan 1, 2017
  9. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Thanks for this confirmation. Unfortunately, most listings just say "cruise" without specifying "adaptive cruise." But almost all listings have photographs of the interior and dashboard area. Can you please tell me what to look for to determine whether or not the vehicle has the ATP?
     
    #9 Johnny Cakes, Jan 9, 2017
  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I think there's a little symbol on the steering wheel on the right side. Here's a low res picture from the place where I buy my cars. It's under the buttons for the trip meter and temperature controls on the silver part of the wheel. Lutz FL - 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Advanced Leather Navigation HUD Camera 53k Miles - Car for Sale - Tampa Hybrids Inc.
    334691230_max.jpg
     
    #10 jerrymildred, Jan 9, 2017
  11. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I'd say as far as camping, Gen2 or Gen3 (up to 2015) are proven for camping.
    The newer Gen4 2016+ is OK for camping too, but you'd need to study the back floor options a little more carefully to see which model (with or without spare) you want.

    PS- I think you get a sales tax exclusion in DC for cars over 40 MPG EPA CITY, but I am not sure if used Prii qualify or not.
     
    #11 wjtracy, Jan 9, 2017
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    jerrymildred's got it. Look at the photos for one with the steering wheel. Those with the AT package will have the DRCC distance setting and LKA on/off switch on the right side of the steering wheel in the silver area (so they're silver buttons). Those without ATP will have blanks in those areas. The picture above is a PiP so it has no LKA but it does have DRCC so it has a blank right bottom silver button and a silver DRCC distance setting button.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Jan 9, 2017
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  13. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    This has been a great thread -- thanks to Tideland Prius for the info that I needed a Prius Five and JerryMildred's photo is spot on. Even dealers in listings say "cruise control" but often don't specify "Adaptive Cruise Control." Private owners even worse. But almost everyone had a photo of the dash and so I could just look at the steering wheel.

    Seemed like I looked at hundreds of steering wheels and only found a handful of cars with the ATP. But found a great 2015 model and as of yesterday, am now part of the Prius family.

    Thanks again for the help!
     
    #13 Johnny Cakes, Jan 18, 2017
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  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Congratulations!! I hope you get lots and lots of miles and smiles from the new ride.
     
    #14 jerrymildred, Jan 18, 2017
  15. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    Congratulations. Did you get a '14 or '15. Your profile says 2014.
     
    #15 DonDNH, Jan 18, 2017
  16. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Congrats & welcome!
     
    #16 Prodigyplace, Jan 18, 2017
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