Hi everyone!! I noticed many and I mean many people have the advanced version of the prime (2017-2019) and so I was wondering if it was really a good investment to go for a base model 2018? The one I'm looking at has 70k miles on it for probably the most decent price in my area but I'm really not sure if this is the right choice to make considering it is only the base model. Funny enough, I'd be switching to this from my 2017 Hyundai Tucson AWD as I personally do a lot of small trips and as much as I like having a middle back seat and lots of trunk space... I value saving lots of money knowing the typical 10-15 miles trips I do every day. TL;DR is the base model worth getting rather than advanced?
The base model is always worth getting, if you can live without the advanced options. Are you sure a hybrid is going to save money at 10-15 miles a day?
100% considering I'll never have the need to pay for gas as long as I drive within those ranges with only the EV battery.
the engine will need some attention from time to time, and you will have to pay for electrons. what about a full ev?
The things most people complain about on older Primes is the lack of technology- no CarPlay, no Android, and Toyota's own app stuff apparently stopped working/was discontinued... but this is the base model so it probably never had much tech stuff anyway. People who try to do everything within the confines of the electric-only capability of the car are often surprised by the engine starting in cold weather- but there is no better way to get real cabin heat than to run the engine. So keep in mind that your "EV-only" performance is very seasonal. You'll see best results in spring and fall when you need neither heat nor A/C in the cabin. Hi tech cars like the Prime are not good investments over a long period of time, but I think it is pretty reasonable to expect the average 2018 model to do okay for another 5-8 years.
If you don’t drive on the freeway, the base model or mid-trim are OK. I wouldn’t get the base model or mid-trim but only the high trim (Advanced or Limited) myself because I drive mostly on the freeway and need the blind-spot monitor (BSM) as a result.
