I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommended?

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

OK, I'm biting on this one. 112 views and NO comments. Have you read your question??? You really need to research before asking such an open question. The Prius is sold in different levels. You won't be adding option "a la carte" like a GM car. You can learn a lot here, but to know what's available and the pricing, Toyota has a great site where you can build "your" car like you want it.

Not real sure why you'd want one though if you don't like its looks.

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

It's better that you research about the different trims first and ask questions if you have...

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

Just make it easy. The "recommended" options are Prius IV with Solar and Prius V with ATP. Adjust down from there based on your bank account.

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

If you give some more information about how you will use the new car, people will have more "targeted" suggestions. For example, the answer(s) depend on how long do you drive each day, what kind of traffic you have in your area, whether or not you like to drive for fun, etc.

I bought mine simply for the gas mileage, that's it. I knew I had at least 20 different brand/options to choose with the money I paid($33+tax).

Also, what car do you have now (or did you have before)? Why do you need to replace it?

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

I bought the base Canadian model, the cheapest 2010 I could find...love it and wouldn't change a thing...only option I bought was the rear hatch protector and winter rims and tires.....it already comes with everything I wanted!!

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

i agree. i live just down the road from you and i got the pkg 4 with sunroof. its very nice to have the extra light on those gray sky days.

now, the 4 is expensive but comes with a few items i very much wanted.

3 door SKS means never having to take your keys out of your pockets. my SO wrecked the SPM (see sig) and had to drive a mazda forenza for 6 days. she originally told me that i was wasting my money... after having to manually lock and unlock the car for a week, she has changed her tune

car seat adjustments. height and lumbar especially makes all the difference in the world. after getting SPM back, first thing i did is take a drive (in fact we went to Old Country Buffet in Lakewood) to see how it drove since there was front end suspension parts replaced. i cannot believe the MAJOR difference in the seats. the seat never bothered me before the 2010, but i found it extremely hard to get used to it...

seat heaters...i am not a big fan of them, but they are nice and SO loves them

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

Tina
I'd recommend to look at trim level II and above. They all have all the most essential safety features - ABS, EBD, VSC, TRAC, TPMS, seat belts, active headrest on front seats, etc. If you are on a budget, go with the II - you won't go wrong. For considerably more cost (~ 8000 - 10000 more) you can get the top of the line V with ATP. The ATP gets you additional safety features - PCS, DRCC, LDW/LKA.

Hope this summary helps.

Mihir

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

I got a package II on order, the cheapest 2010 model, so I have nothing to recommend for you. I mean, I recommend you get nothing and keep the car as an economic model which is in keeping with the mpg. Then you don't have to worry about extended warranties. Frankly, if I had a top of the line model, with all the electronics, I'll buy the extended warranty. That will be another $1000. Tax will be lower. Insurance will be lower. Not having the stuff also mean that there is less to break.

Priuses are hot, so it will be easy to sell.

In a few years, if you want to trade up to a plug in, or all electric, you have less depreciation.

The accessories add up. It could be $6000 or more. $6000 is what I plan to spend on gas for the life of the car (100,000 miles) before I trade it in. $6000 can buy you a giant TV and surrounding sound, and you can still have $1000 left over. Or you can buy the piano you always wanted. (just an example, don't know what you like). Or as I stated above, free gas for 100,000 miles. A new, close to the top of line laptop every two years for 6 years.

Headlights, bigger wheels, auto dimming mirrors, fog lights, bluetooth all very nice but I've never thought about them when I don't have them.

Of course, the people with accessory have good reasons too and I do not mean to put them down. You asked for advice and I offered it.

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

Tina, if you are looking for a fuel efficient car with good interior space in the back seats (for your Mom), the Prius may be your best choice, but the price tag is high relative to many other cars of similar size, even the basic model of Prius. Are you looking to justify your choice financially, in other words, would you be willing to pay more for the Prius only if your savings on gas costs compensate the extra price tag of the car compared to a non-hybrid (to break even)? If your answer is yes and you don't drive considerably above average, I'm afraid you would be better off buying a different car, just a regular non-hybrid. If you are just somewhat concerned about justifying it financially and need a reliable fuel efficient car, then I would stick to the basic Prius model as it has the exactly same technology as the top of the line as far as the hybrid system and fuel efficiency and same safety features. The high end of the Prius models is very expensive and comparable to luxury cars.

 

Re: I plan to buy a Prius, which options are recommend?

Tina,

Considering a Prius to this bunch of Prius fanatics will not likely be disputed.

Your budget is very important however and will allow us to comment accordingly.

So, what is your budget?

Lastly, at least I agree the car is not a beauty queen... until you get your gas bill. Then she's the most beautiful car you've ever owned.

The more I drive it, the more the Prius get’s prettier. Go ahead. Try a walk on the Prius side; you’ll be happy you did.

 

Since I replace a car so infrequently, I wanted all the goodies and gizmos. You have different goals. Go to a dealer and get the 2010 Prius brochure. Toyota.com has a "Build My Prius" feature to help you price your choices--expect to pay MSRP. Then use the Glossary thread under the Gen III Main Forum to decipher all the acronyms on PriusChat--this is a learning curve, everyone uses acronyms as if all readers are experts.

 

If I had to do it all over again, I would probably try to find a IV with no nav. Love the heated leather with adjustable lumbar and the other things that come with a IV, but would've been better off putting an aftermarket nav & BU camera in or using a portable.