Can't decide between Prius SE vs Prius Four

SE?

 

The "problem" with the Solar Package on the Four is they package it with the higher end stereo system and HD Nav system. If you don't care about that and leather then the Three with Solar is a better option. You can always add leather later.

The SE or Persona is nice if you like that color because you get the leather and 17" wheels without the other premium options that comes with a model Five. The drawback compared to the Three and Four is a reduction in fuel economy. This becomes even more pronounced when you have to replace the OE 17" tires because most of the replacement tires are not as fuel efficient. S if you want better handling and bling go for the 17s. If you want better fuel economy and ride comfort stick with 15s.

*EDIT*

I forgot to add that the Three does indeed have NAV. It has the smaller 6.1" screen though.

 

With the Three it already comes with navigation with our without the solar roof. In the Four with solar roof it is packaged with the higher end nav among some other things. If you want the solar roof and don't need or want the stuff in the Four, just get the Three. Better value in my opinion. I would skip the SE.

 

Oh... ok. I'd never heard "SE" used w/Prius ever. I thought you were referring to traditional trim level designations like LE, CE, XLE, DX, GXE, GLE, SE, etc. which have never been used w/the Prius.

Persona Series is a little goofy as it's new for '13. It might even be unavailable in certain regions as Toyota doesn't bother listing it at The Toyota Prius Hybrid models and prices but I do see "Persona Series" as a choice if I select "Build Your Toyota" and put in the 95136 zip code.

 

Andrew, I thought maybe he was referring to the TSS Limited Edition Prius in the Gulf states or the Persona.

 

Only the 4 has power seats and lumbar support, that would point me to the 4 (which is the model I should have gotten in the first place).

 

Yes when I looked at the packages on the 2013, I definite wanted package 4 for three features: leather, the 8 position driver seat, rear Camara. I had high hopes for the electrical bells and whistles but they fell way below my expectation.
Never the less, my wifey has the 2012 package 2. She agrees the leather and power driver seat probably were worth the extra money. I don't need the solar panel and when I understood what it does, I thought nah. Too much $$$ for what I was investing in.

 

TheThree has the rear camera too.

 

Yes it is a very nice addition! I use it a lot. Works great! Still in the long run the power seat and leather might be something you will wish you had spent a little more now, remember you will get some back some day when you by your new Prius in 10 years

 

Sorry to advise but leather seat covers on Prius models were discontinued in 2012. "SofTex®-trimmed seats" = pleather (also known as vinyl).

This is a key reason that I bought a used 2011 in 2012, because I wanted seat covers that came off a cow's back rather than from a test tube. Nothing is more uncomfortable in hot weather than plastic seat covers IMO.

 

Yeah, I was aware of that. I really looked at that worrying it would be a problem since I live in Florida. I can tell you the seats are very comfortable. We use to own a 2008 Solara ex convertible . So I really know about cow leather, prior to that a 2000 Honda Accord EXL. So far the seats have been very nice, actually I don't think most people would have no Idea it wasn't real leather, seriously. We'll just have to see in the long run. I bet Toyota put a lot of testing and consideration into this new product.

 

I'm sure you're correct. The 'official' story was that leather was discontinued for weight reasons, however I'd opine that cost was a consideration as well.

 

Agreed! It really does feel good, about 30 years ago I owned a Ford Galaxy 500, red with red pleather seats, now talk about plastic, LOL! Well this is nothing like that let me just tell you, man hadn't thought about that in a long time, LOL

 

Well they actually pitched it as being "green" or "earth friendly" what ever, it feels good and if it holds up I'm good with that!