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Feature Matrix? And on Skipping the Backup Cam

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by dfwJim, Feb 9, 2014.

  1. dfwJim

    dfwJim New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Is there a site that lists in one place the standard and optional features on the Gen III models (Two, Three, Four) for each model year? I've only found Toyota's new-model lists.

    My next car will be a used Gen III Prius, and now I'm deciding where my price points and feature desires are. Anecdotally the price difference between a Two and a Four seem much greater than differences due to model year and mileage, for example, so at the moment I'm leaning towards a 2010 Two and wondering about some of the features I might miss.

    My biggest question is whether or not I'd be ok without the backup cam as none of the Twos seem to have it. I don't have a backup cam now, but it seems like it might be almost necessary on a Prius.

    Bluetooth audio (to play to the stereo) and hands-free appear to be standard on all Gen III models I've seen. Is that correct? I would like this feature, but I'm not sure if I'm willing to pay a premium for it.

    I might consider paying a little more for one with sunroof, but they seem rare and expensive so far. Seat heaters I'd sort of like, but I'm not going to pay more just for them in my climate. Navigation I can do without--I have smart phones and a GPS unit--, but it looks like everything but the Two has navigation, anyway.

    I am doing most of my research and probably my buying via Carmax, and anecdotally it seems like the used Priuses are selling pretty briskly right now contrary to new-Prius sales reports. The one I test drove sold between the time I drove it and the time I got home, and the available inventory seems to churn almost daily.
     
    #1 dfwJim, Feb 9, 2014
  2. NMpics

    NMpics Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2013
    11
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I bought the Three trim because I wanted the backup camera and the built in navigation. For me, it is an extra safety feature because the view through the rear window is so much smaller. I still look around....don't rely on just the backup camera.
     
    #2 NMpics, Feb 12, 2014
  3. BluetoothEdsel

    BluetoothEdsel Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2013
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    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    You can dig up the old brochures from the Toyota Certified website, e.g. http://www.toyotacertified.com/ebrochures/11_prius.pdf - and just replace "11" with whatever year you want to look up.

    The Gen III features for a given trim level vary somewhat by year. A number of features changed in 2012: e.g. Display audio and Entune appeared, and Package Three got three-door smart-key (was only in Package Four and Five in 2010/11.) I think in general 2010 and 11 are the same feature-wise and 2012-14 are the same, but don't take my word for it. :) Best to download the brochures and check.

    Another thing to consider - if you get a Package Two with Display Audio (2012 or later), a Toyota dealer should be able to add a backup cam. You can call s ome local dealerships and ask the price - but it might be worthwhile to just buy a Package III and pick up the extra features. I guess with a 2010 you could get an aftermarket backup camera installed that would go in the rearview mirror, but I'm not sure how well that works in practice.
     
    #3 BluetoothEdsel, Feb 13, 2014
  4. dfwJim

    dfwJim New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Perfect! That's very helpful. Thanks.

    The feature matrix is a little more complicated than I originally thought. I was wrong in my statements about Bluetooth and navigation above. I'm debating within myself right now about whether to go cheap, spring for a Prius with a nav package (seems to add $2k or so to even a 2010) or buy newer (2012 and newer base models have Bluetooth phone and streaming).

    Does JBL audio make much of a difference?
     
    #4 dfwJim, Feb 14, 2014
  5. BluetoothEdsel

    BluetoothEdsel Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2013
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    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Interesting, looks like JBL does the opposite of 3-door-smartkey - you have to go to *higher* trim levels to get it in later years. Don't think I've heard it, but dug up this thread with some opinions: JBL vs Standard Audio | PriusChat
     
    #5 BluetoothEdsel, Feb 14, 2014
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