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PIP Shopping...what do I look for?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Ev1lTw1n, Apr 15, 2016.

  1. Ev1lTw1n

    Ev1lTw1n Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    OK, so I've made up my mind on the next Prius I will be buying. I've had my 2007 Touring for 5+ years now. My daughter will be inheriting that as I am looking to purchase a low miles, used PIP Advanced. I've test drove a few gen 3 Prius' already. I ended up really liking the PIP.

    The first PIP I drove was a blue 2014 Base PIP with 20k miles. Got to take it home overnight, charge it up and drive to work on EV this morning. I really liked all that but I was missing things like leather, homelink and the JBL stereo, all things I currently enjoy in my Gen 2. Turns out I really liked the color, despite the ribbing I got from the guys in the office.

    After taking that back to the dealer I headed over to the local Carmax. I had them bring up a white 2012 Advanced with 69k mikes from another Carmax and it was ready today. The moment I sat in the leather I was hooked and glad I waited to see an Advanced. I also loved all of the upgraded everything, the HUD, the stereo/NAV. I really loved the car. I wasn't crazy about the high mileage and white to me is just blah. But I'm sold on the advanced trim. They didn't have a charger for it and wouldn't let me take it home overnight, even if they did.

    Tomorrow, the wife and I plan to take a bit of a drive to go see three Advanced 2012's, all with 35k'ish miles. I will probably leave with one if one of them checks out. It's a bit of a drive to get to them, but it's a toyota dealer so that helps me as they are all certified.

    So my question to all you PIP owners out there: What are things that I really need to check? I'm talking the little things that might not be so obvious. Things that after you had your car for a while you think "I wish someone told me THAT". Just the little nuances that I might want to be sure to check. I have techstream on a laptop along with my mini-vci cable so that I can check the car's systems out. Anything else?

    Thanks.
     
    N.J.PRIUS likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i can't think of anything, even the base is perfect. these cars are built like tanks. all the best!(y)
     
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  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Firstly know the 3 things you are missing with any PiP:
    1. No Spare Tire
    2. Smaller under-the-floor space
    3. about 1-gal smaller gaso tank

    ...after that I do not know but most anything would tend to be true for Gen3. We talked about CARB.

    PS- At some year (2015?), Toyota may have updated front a little for the newer small overlap crash test, but again this is all Gen3
     
    #3 wjtracy, Apr 15, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2016
  4. Ev1lTw1n

    Ev1lTw1n Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Well, thanks for the assistance. I got my PIP today. I'll post more info later.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    congrats!(y) can't wait to hear all about it.:)
     
  6. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Congratulations on your new PiP. I would use extreme caution however. It's really a gateway electric car. You'll end up wanting more.


    iPad ? HD
     
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  7. Ev1lTw1n

    Ev1lTw1n Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Well, this one is an upgrade from my 2007 as my daughter is inheriting that one. In a few years when my son is ready to start driving electrics will be even further along. I'm just riding the wave for the moment.

    BTW, I settled on a 2012 Clearwater Blue PIP Advanced with 34K miles on it. I got to become very familiar with it on the 150 mile drive home from the dealer. EV had zero charge when I left there. I still averaged 55mpg for the trip. I even had a point where EV was good for about a mile.

    Been a long day.
     
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  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Tysons Corner as planned? just got back from the LEGO store at the Mall
     
  9. Ev1lTw1n

    Ev1lTw1n Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Yes. They still had three PIP advanced to look at, which was a good thing. I test drove two blues before I popped the hoods. Strangely, one had a lot of corrosion under there. Mostly the aluminum head, inverter box with the orange cables. Even rusted bolt heads and hose clamps. The car was from Mass., originally. I ended up taking the other one. Few thousand less miles. Little more expensive.

    For the ride home the most interesting experience would have to be what I'll call Radar Cruise Control Anxiety. It takes trusting the systems in your car to a whole new level. I love it now.
     
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  10. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Awesome color. Stands out in a parking lot full of greys, silver, white, and black cars.
     
  11. Ev1lTw1n

    Ev1lTw1n Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Yes! This. Soooo much this. Can't tell you how tired I get of looking at the same old shades of black and white. I really did end up liking the blue more than I thought. And it is unique to the PIP which is nice. My first car was an '81 Mercury Lynx with a very similar color. My other current car is '06 Brazen Orange Metallic Pontiac GTO. Can't miss that in a parking lot.
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    mine is blue, i had to pick a color sight unseen. i've been happy with it for four years.:)
     
  13. N.J.PRIUS

    N.J.PRIUS Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Congratulations on your new PIP Advanced. While reading your story, it was a lot like mine.

    I was not planning on getting a new Prius for at least another year. My 2013 PIP Advanced came along with 26,100 miles at the right price! $16,500. Silver, a color I have always wanted. Clean car fax and vehicle was like new inside and out.

    I too also love all the features on the advanced model. Going to work every day I also use the radar cruise control exclusively and love it! Heads up display is good and the JBL sound system with synthetic leather beats cloth any day!

    I would not have purchased if the numbers were not so good. I was in no rush to obtain a new vehicle, however as my 2005 was running like a top with 129,900 in miles. In the back of my mind was the fact that I had a 10 year old vehicle with the original battery, somewhat of a worry.

    Good luck with your new Prius Plug In Advanced! Many happy miles!
     
    bisco likes this.
  14. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    N/A
    I did not share my song with you, but now I will (to the tune, My Favorite Things). This was for PiP2 (Prime) planning request/prediction- how'd I do? do not know thinking I like PiP1 now.

    My Favorite PiP:whistle:

    PiPs in White blizzard and clearwater Blue ones,
    Bright LED lights and warm heated Softex,
    Lithium batt'ries for hundreds of miles,
    These are a few of my favorite things.

    CarPlay and 'lectrically defrosted windows,
    Solar re-charging then keep the darn ICE off!
    Widely available, all 50 states,
    Just a few more of my favorite things.

    When the batt dies; and rear tire flats, guys,
    When I'm feeling sad,
    I simply remember my favorite things, and make a new post, right here
     
    #14 wjtracy, Apr 21, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2016
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