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Prime SE vs XSE, and Colorado tax credits

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by stuyguy, Aug 12, 2023.

  1. stuyguy

    stuyguy Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2012
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    Location:
    Lakewood, CO
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    Colorado has a generous PHEV/EV tax credit; $5000 thru 2024; an additional $2500 starting in 2024 if MSRP is less than $35,000. Prime SE qualifies for both credits, whereas XSE qualifies for just the $5000. SE costs $3250 less than XSE. Are the XSE features (to name a few: softex; smart keys; heated front seats; power driver seat; 19" wheels; Homelink dimming mirror) worth $5750 (2500+3250)? I don't see it.

    This car would supplement our AWD Subaru Forester so wouldn't be used much during the winter. We're retired so no commuting considerations. Not interested in XSE Premium or an EV.

    Electric Vehicle Tax Credits | Colorado Energy Office

    https://tax.colorado.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/ITT_Innovative_Motor_Vehicle_Credit_Jun_2023.pdf
     
    tovli likes this.
  2. HacksawMark

    HacksawMark Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2023
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    Location:
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    Wow, that's nice! Here in Oregon, the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program was suspended effective May 1, 2023 due to lack of funding. The only savings we have is no sales tax and license tags are all fixed rate.
     
  3. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2005
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    Location:
    Montana & Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2018 Chevy Volt
    Model:
    Premium
    No rebates for our state we retired in .... heck - we still throw cathode ray tube TVs into the landfill.
    :(
     
  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

    Joined:
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    No experience with Softex.
    The SE comes with smart key. It just only works with the driver's door for unlocking, but you should be able to have all the doors unlock when that door is in the settings.
    Heated seats are nice, but can be added aftermarket if you really want them.
    The power seat is a question of personal comfort.
    The 19" wheels hurt efficiency and EV range.
    I don't see the autodimming mirror has a must. Homelink doesn't matter if you don't have a garage opener.

    I believe there are some other features. They are mostly of the nice/cool, but not a need type. I'd pass on the XSE.
     
    stuyguy likes this.
  5. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2021
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    Location:
    North Dakota - USA
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    Limited AWD-e
    To add on to Trollbait, an auto-dimming mirror is easy enough to add. You can find cheap ones under $200, but I prefer one at either $250(ADVGENFLCHLN) or $320(ADVGENFL85EXP).

    Both are frameless and from the same manufacturer Toyota uses. The $320 version includes a compass, but the $250 version uses the newer version of Homelink that connects to your phone and better supports home automation.


    Personally, I wouldn't trade the options in my Limited for anything, by my needs/wants aren't your needs/wants.
     
    stuyguy likes this.