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How to identify trim level?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by jobrien929, Mar 15, 2015.

  1. jobrien929

    jobrien929 New Member

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    I've never owned a Prius and I'm in the market for a used one. I've been looking at a 2011 Prius Four. At least, the dealer is telling me it's a Four. Is there any way to tell for certain what trim level a car is? This one seems to be missing a few features (like Bluetooth) that I thought were standard on a Four. It would not surprise me at all to learn that I am wrong, but I'd like to know for sure before I spend the money.

    Is there an official source for information on what features are included in what trim levels in a given year that I can take with me to the dealership? They explained away my question about the Bluetooth by saying this particular car just didn't get that option. That may be, but I would like a way to determine for myself what the trim level is?

    Tried to post a link to a pic of the interior, but since this is my first post the site wouldn't let me.


    Thanks.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what i always do, is tell the dealer it's only a Two and then let them prove it. sometimes, it's so much trouble, they reduce the asking price.
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 15, 2015
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  3. jobrien929

    jobrien929 New Member

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    The problem I have Is that I don't know what would constitute proof and the dealer is in possession of more information than I am. That's why I'm here.
     
  4. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    When I bought my 2013, I found a summary of the model year with all the trim levels specified. Have you tried looking up reviews/evaluations of the 2011 model year? Internet search, I mean. Another source might be the Toyota Owners Portal, as long as you have a VIN to enter.
     
  5. rtotheichard

    rtotheichard Junior Member

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  6. jobrien929

    jobrien929 New Member

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    Thanks, but I have found several lists of standard features. The problem is, none of them seem to agree. Unfortunately, I can't show examples since the forum won't let me post links yet. I have been trying to find an official list from Toyota but I've not been having any luck yet.

    Is this a common problem - confusion about the trim level of a Prius up for sale?
     
  7. Tandem Rider

    Tandem Rider Junior Member

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    I have an '11 Prius 3. I was told the 2 and 3 are the same except the 3 has Bluetooth and an upgrade on radio.
     
  8. jobrien929

    jobrien929 New Member

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    After a lot of searching around on the WaybackMachine, I finally found a 2011 Prius product info pdf published by Toyota. I would upload it here but, in a continuing theme, the site won't let me. Here's the relevant bit:

    All of which means, the car that I'm looking at, that the dealership is saying is a Four, is actually a Two.

    Used car salesmen saying something that isn't true. I'm shocked.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    me as well.:p
     
  10. My590L

    My590L Junior Member

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    One way to figure what trim level you have is to decipher the katashiki code on the cert. label inside the drivers side door. Its the 12-character sequence that is separated with a dash between the first 6 and last 6 characters. Its to the right of the paint, interior, and transmission codes; right above the 'Made in Japan' line. The only folks I know who can decipher this would be the Production Control group that forecasts and builds the various trim levels based on demand from Toyota Motor Sales. If someone from TMS is on here, perhaps they can help if you provide this code.
     
  11. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    I was about to say that the VIN number would set what model it is, but you'd need to decode it.

    If it has power seats, it's a Four. If it has solar roof but no power seats, it's a Three. If it has neither, it's a Two.

    That's some easy ways to tell them apart. Most Threes come with solar roofs pre-installed at the factory...even though they should just be an option.
     
  12. amati5

    amati5 Junior Member

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    Memories from Edmunds and KBB, mainly:
    Two: Bluetooth
    Three: Add upgraded Audio System
    Four: Add Leather and pwr lumbar support (none offers pwr seat)
    Five: Add 17" wheel

    I think Nav or moonroof are separated options.
    There is a website that can decode your vin # but not reliable, at least on mine.
     
  13. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Here's how my mind works with car salesmen.

    When you walk on the lot?

    They are all smiling helpful "dolphins"- like flipper.

    When you get closer to an actual sale...Que the theme from JAWS.

    They've been a shark all along.

    Good catch by the OP.
     
  14. erikjc

    erikjc New Member

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    I just bought a used Prius and had the same question. If you go on the Toyota Owners website, setup an account, and put in your VIN number, it will tell you the trim level. Turns out mine is a Four even though the dealer listed it as a Three!
     
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  15. Bay Stater

    Bay Stater Senior Member

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    Interesting topic. For fun, I try to identify the model trim levels on Priuses that I encounter in parking lots, etc. Exterior wise, the model two, three, and four are identical except the model two does not have the passenger door handle keyless entry, nor the backup camera module above the rear license plate. To tell the models apart, you need to inspect their interior features. The model two does not have a navigation display/backup camera system (no large center display), nor that it has the solar sunroof pkg. The model three does have the navigation display/backup camera system and it may have the solar sunroof pkg. Both the model two and model three have the cloth seats. The model four interior is easier to spot. It has either the leather or softtex leather heated seats. It also has a power driver's seat. The model four does have the navigation display/backup camera system and it may have the solar sunroof pkg. The other two models, the Persona and model five, have the 17 inch wheels, so they are easy to spot.;)
     
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