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Went to the dealership for a Prius four, fell in love with the Prime

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by juhjuhjuhjames, May 1, 2018.

  1. juhjuhjuhjames

    juhjuhjuhjames Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    seattle
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    I was pretty much set on a Prius three or four, depending on pricing and different options, then after seeing them sitting right next to the Prime Premium, I fell in love with the Prime.

    The biggest thing for me, to get the amenities/options I wanted on the Prius, I would have to go up to the four (heated seats, the black "leather" interior, 11in display, etc) and the four is actually MORE than the Prime Premium (which has those three things). Honestly, the plug-in feature is just an added bonus, not determining factor of the car.

    So for now, and after doing some research, it looks like Prime Premium is the way to go! Not to mention they look amazing in the dark grey.

    My question to you guys, besides the arbitrary aesthetics of the car, are there any downsides to going Prime? I live in Seattle, so I guess weather plays a factor if anyone can chime in on how they handle in rain or light snow.
    I also found a couple used CPO 2017 ADVANCED models with ~10k miles for less than a new Premium.

    Any thoughts or input would be MUCH appreciated! Looking forward to joining the Prime fam on here :)
     
  2. EyePrime

    EyePrime Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I don't think there are any downsides. Except for the heavier curb weight. And (I don't know for sure) lack of sunroof availability. Oh yeah and less trunk space.

    But the key looks so much more cool in my opinion. And has an AC function.
     
    juhjuhjuhjames likes this.
  3. Prime_Time

    Prime_Time Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    No 5th seat
     
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  4. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    Location:
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I live across the Sound from you and I would recommend the Advanced. Once you get used to those little things like the heads up display, the cross traffic monitor as you are backing out between two huge SUVs at Costco and the other safety features you will be happy you went for it. As far as weather, the car handles well in rain, but I never drove it in snow. In warm weather, like now, I get about 28+ miles on EV when I charge it at home. At the coldest part of winter that dropped down to 23+. I expect it to go up to about 29-30 in the summer.
     
  5. ElectricSpike

    ElectricSpike Member

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    Five
    I also recommend the Advanced - just picked mine up yesterday. Be aware: the 2017's are way too many in certain markets. In Massachusetts/New England, there is a $4,500 cash back from Toyota, and dealers are dealing to get them off their lots. Between the cash back and the dealer discount of almost $3,000, I saved a bundle. Also, there is a $4,500 Federal Tax Credit for plug ins, which you only receive if you are the original owner of the car. Your state may also have an incentive/rebate, once again, only if you are the original owner of the car.
     
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  6. Oniki

    Oniki Active Member

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    Location:
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    The biggest drawback of the Prime is the EV. Once you experience it the ICE mode is just not a great experience anymore.
     
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  7. juhjuhjuhjames

    juhjuhjuhjames Junior Member

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    Isn’t it funny how we consider this weather ‘warm?’ It’s 59 here and I’ve been in a t shirt all day. But that’s good to know! I heard they drive well in the rain/snow (maybe due to their weight?) I’ve driven a Subaru for the past 9 years and now that I’m in the market for a new car, I forgot that how it handles in the rain is a factor as well haha. The advanced is beautiful! Only issue is I’d have to buy used, which don’t qualify for the tax rebate (I think?)
     
  8. juhjuhjuhjames

    juhjuhjuhjames Junior Member

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    Can you elaborate a bit? I know they’re supposed to be a smoother ride in ev mode, is that what you’re referring to?
     
    #8 juhjuhjuhjames, May 1, 2018
    Last edited: May 1, 2018
  9. Oniki

    Oniki Active Member

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    Go for a ride -- you will see. Combustion driving is a poor experience; it is just what most people know.
     
  10. juhjuhjuhjames

    juhjuhjuhjames Junior Member

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    Oh trust me, I’m crying inside knowing I don’t live in the northeast right now. I think the specials in my area are $500 cash back or 0.9 apr for 60 months
     
  11. Oniki

    Oniki Active Member

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    Vehicle:
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    I bought my Prime from the East Coast and shipped it. Well worth it money wise, and a lot less hassle than walking into a dealership.
     
  12. EyePrime

    EyePrime Active Member

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    Location:
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus

    They added the big screen to the regular Prius. now
     
  13. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Compared to the standard Prius: losing the 5th seat, smaller cargo capacity, no spare, and much more expensive battery if you ever have to replace it out of warranty years down the road. If the first two aren't that important to you, Prime wins. As others said, once you go EV it's really hard going back to a regular car.
     
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  14. heiwa

    heiwa Active Member

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    Location:
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    I too recommend Advanced. I also understand what fotomoto and others mention about EV. But it is possible to go from an EV to a car like Prime. We recently tried to update 2013 Leaf to 2018 Leaf. But 10k more than Prime Advanced simply did not make sense when our commute range is within the Prime's capability. Nevertheless I miss driving my Leaf...

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  15. wb9tyj

    wb9tyj 2017 Prius Prime Advanced

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    driving the prime in the snow...um...been there ,done that...its good to about 4-5 inches...then we get into dragging the bottom issues...sort of hard on the underside... the traction lock works much much better than previous prii that ive owned...around here the low clearance is a pain...due to raccoons, possums, cats, and wild turkeys that like to come visit the front end while driving at night...
     
  16. CraftyCoder

    CraftyCoder Member

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    Prime Premium
    The EV mode is a spoiler. When ICE comes on I am stuck with that horrible 54 mpg gas mileage. My last car got 25 and I was perfectly happy. I did a longer trip recently and my average mpg is now 240. Long drop from 999.9. ;)
     
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  17. juhjuhjuhjames

    juhjuhjuhjames Junior Member

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    Haha wild turkeys?! And 4-5 inches is fine because that’s all we really get in Seattle. MAYBE one day with more than that. Doesn't sound too bad but everywhere you go, you have to climb a bunch of hills. I remember taking ubers when it snowed (all prius drivers) and they said it wasn't an issue at all. Maybe because of their weight?