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Why 'did' you chose 'the' Premium over the Plus?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by primecandidate, Mar 25, 2017.

  1. primecandidate

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    I'm planning to buy the Plus. But maybe I'm missing something. Let me list what an extra $1700 gets you with my "objections" in parentheses. Please tell me what I'm not seeing here.

    A much larger computer screen (that invites thieves to "steal this car")
    SofTex fabric (whatever)
    8-way seat with lumbar support (Yes, I have a bad back but I've done fine with wood-bead seat covers all these years)
    Qi-wireless charging (but I don't own any "devices" anyway)
    Predictive Efficient Drive (whatever)
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  2. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    Well I skipped both of those and went up to the Advanced. I have absolutely no regrets. Look at the list of things that come with it, including rear cross traffic and pedestrian alerts, blind spot monitoring, heads up display, of course, that big screen is a give or take, the JBL speakers, and the nicer interior. I'm probably missing some of the other toys in this thing. All I know is that it's a great value and a great car and a lot of fun. I grocery shop almost every day with this thing, and the higher floor in the trunk doesn't bother me any more than two winks from a cockroach! I haul my guitar and my amp, as well as PCs for my clients and storage space has never been a problem.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  3. 'LectroFuel

    'LectroFuel Senior Member

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    Premium adds:

    Automatic headlights on and off
    Softex is synthetic leather not fabric
    Smart key on three doors, not just driver's door
    Smart charging cable lock
    And the huge screen

    Thieves are much more likely to steal the small screen because it's easier to steal. Still, the screens aren't like an aftermarket job. They are hard to take apart

    Getting at least a Premium is a no brainer. It's the best value by far, but I'd still get an Advanced.
     
    #3 'LectroFuel, Mar 25, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2017
  4. Kramah313

    Kramah313 Active Member

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    I feel like there are two schools of thought on this (maybe more). If money is what matters, or if you only plan to keep the car for a few years, you will take a major depreciation hit on options. Something that you have to pay an extra $3000 for might be only worth a $500 premium just a few years later. Even less after many years. By getting the base trim of a car, you can change often without taking as big of a financial hit. If you are happy with the base package, then you should get it.

    That being said, for some people who like to keep their cars a long time, what you don't want is some nagging thing that you didn't get bothering you for that long. I have become like this - I wanted that power seat for my four and a backup camera because I have always hated the process of moving manual seats (hard to be precise) and I tend to hit things when I back up in a car without a backup camera (let's just say I am not the world's best backwards driver. But I am yet to hit anything backing up when driving a camera equipped car). So not getting those options meant I would be wanting a new car sooner, and you pretty much always come out behind when you change vehicles. To defray some of that cost, I chose to get a 3 year old used car instead of a new one, allowing someone else to take the hit on those options as mentioned above.

    It's just my opinion and has formed slowly over time, but that's how I do it. Personally I think it sounds like you would prefer a base trim. But don't talk yourself out of options you are really going to want because that's the only way you can afford the car. Chances are instead of learning to deal without them you'll be back at the dealership before you know it. Better to just save up and wait in that case. Good luck!
     
  5. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    I got the Advanced, because of the safety options (rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor), the Homelink mirror (my current Prius has it and I don't want to feel as though I downgraded), and the HUD which can also be considered a safety device and which I absolutely LOVED on my test drives. I'm not even sure if I'm going to bother to sign up for Entune or Safety Connect which is what's needed to control the charging and pre-conditioning from a smart phone.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's really a personal decision. i would probably get the plus, but i would miss 3 door sks and would love a power seat.
     
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  7. Primetoronto

    Primetoronto Junior Member

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    Ahh I was thinking getting the Plus when vehicle is available in Canada..God knows when? Look like I will TRY to get the Premium simply for the charging cable lock. Can you imagine someone steal your cable .

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    priuscatprimeguy likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    depends on where you live i suppose. they aren't as valuable as they used to be, but some thieves may not know that.
     
  9. Primetoronto

    Primetoronto Junior Member

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    I live in a low income neighborhood with no garage..but a driveway.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  10. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    I bought this when I had my 2012 PIP



    and this to connect the EVSE cable to the "python"



    I still use them even though I have the Prime Advanced
     
  11. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    One and half Walmart grocery good to be exact.....more than enough for family...
    Without dropping back seat

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.












    Merged, start using multi quote







    I would let them steal ...rather than damaging lock .....If they decide to steal they will do this locked or not

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #11 Samprocat, Mar 25, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 25, 2017
    priuscatprimeguy likes this.
  12. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    that's why my option is a better choice, if they choose to steal mine they will have to cut the cable which makes it useless to sell
     
    Data Daedalus likes this.
  13. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    Want to bet me a thousands dollars I can put more than that in the back of a Prime, without dropping the seats?








    Merged, use multi quote










    If I were a criminal, and actually interested in your cable, I could remove those two items without damaging the cable, in less than 3 seconds each.
     
    #13 Lee Jay, Mar 25, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 25, 2017
    Samprocat likes this.
  14. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    Well, that's true, but it's been 5 years and counting and I still have my EVSE:D
     
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  15. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    I have Argentina Pit Bull military training....i will pay anyone to if they can touch my car if I tell him guard my car.....They are fearless and extremely smart....and they don't respond on English command.....That is how military are trained

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  16. primecandidate

    Joined:
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    I was going to mention those other things you mentioned but they seemed so insignificant, I didn't bother.
    However, one thing I forgot to mention the Plus having, that Premium doesn't, is the CD player (which I like)!
     
    Kramah313 likes this.
  17. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    Here is my
    Whatever it make you happy....we need more Prime owners.....you will not regret decision especially if you had prius before this one is "The Best Prius Toyota have so far"....it feels like trust me, I always looking for some excuses to go driving

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

    1490486034918.jpg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  18. Prius from Dad

    Prius from Dad Senior Member

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    So true. I hyper-miled a 99 Solara for 6 years then got a 2012 v (still a lowercase v for the Prius v wagon because only 2010 Prius used uppercase roman numerals for model designation), when my dad passed, for 4.5 years. Big difference. Now my Prime Premium is definitely, as you said " The Best Prius Toyota have so far". Bigger difference. If they were more available, in retrospect, I would have gone with the advanced. No regrets though.
     
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  19. vern748

    vern748 Member

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    So I went with the Plus and not the Premium. For me it was pretty easy. Using your data;

    • A much larger computer screen (that invites thieves to "steal this car")
      • If the Toyota interface worked well, then this would be a +, but its currently pretty useless and comparable with the smaller 9in. screen
    • SofTex fabric (whatever)
      • I went with custom REAL leather seats
    • 8-way seat with lumbar support (Yes, I have a bad back but I've done fine with wood-bead seat covers all these years)
      • I sat in the seats for a REALLY long time. I drive 100+ miles a day so seats were very important to me. The seats in the Plus were great without the extra adjustments.
    • Qi-wireless charging (but I don't own any "devices" anyway)
      • Does not work with my Android Pixel phone
    • Predictive Efficient Drive (whatever)
      • ?? Who cares
    Other Doodads
    • safety options (rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor)
      • Bla Bla
    • Homelink mirror
      • Doesn't work with my garage door or gate opener
    • HUD
      • Bla Bla
    • Charger cable lock
      • :sleep:
    The ONLY thing I do miss is the door opener - SKS. The front door is the only door that opens when you get close. Since I use my hatch 4-5 time a day, its a drag to have to go to the front driver's door to get the rear hatch to automatically work.

    Please don't take my comments the wrong way. Its all an opinion and mine may not agree with yours.
     
  20. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    Like they say, "different strokes for different folks!"
    That's why they make so many cars with so many styles and options. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.