Looking to join the Prius family

I believe there was a generation refresh in 2012 I believe.
This link may help.

3G Prius (2010-2015) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat

If you have the VIN you can register it on the Toyota Owners site and see the trim level and dealer maintenance. Some people also check Carfax.

 

That 2015 doesn't have particularly low miles. Sounds nice if you're happy with the trim package and it checks out mechanically.

Besides the refresh in 2012, there seem to be more 2010s having head gasket issues than in other years. At least that's what it looks like to me from what I'm reading here.

 

The 2015 has some advantages in theory some fixes were made re: inverter and crash worthiness for the newer frontal overlap crash tests. Also longer warranty.

 

I just checked and the overlap crash test improved for the 2015 Prius v not the Prius Liftback. Of course, the 2016 Liftback is much improved, being a new vehicle design.

 

This the 2012 Prius V IIHS small-overlap crash test. Literally terrifying. I remember seeing this in 2013 and realizing safety ratings are realllllly important.

 

They updated the car for the 2015 Prius v. the OP is looking at the Liftback.

 

Here is the 2015 Prius v. Notice the drivers door is relatively intact.

 

I am rusty on the details, buy my recollection is the 2015MY Liftback has a little higher body weight reflecting a "quick fix" of course the Gen4 would be intentionally designed to meet the test.

 

As was the 2015 Prius v. See crash test videos in posts 26 & 28.

 

I don't know how much a used 2012 PiP costs but I assume it is close to 15k. I assume you work and pay federal tax, why not look for at a Prime Plus? In our county, which county provides $1000 and PG&E provides $500, net cost of a Prim Plus could be as low as $16k before tax.

 

$15K in this area would get you a 2013 Advanced PiP with 113k miles. Lower miles would cost more.
Listings - Tampa Hybrids Inc.

 

Seattle area, 2012 base with 42K priced at $16.5K

 

This makes no sense at all. Unless I am not paying (enough) Federal tax and cannot get the tax credit, I would definitely get the Prius Prime Plus for the SAME price with (almost) 0 miles on it. My net in northern California is less than $17k before TTL and after all rebates/incentives.

 

You are in California. The person looking at cars is not in a state that has the same huge incentives.

 

IIRC, the OP is also in California. But, as Roy said, he may not pay enough in federal taxes to benefit very much from the tax credit.

 

@Yea Right said Seattle area so I assumed Washington state. There is no state in the Profile (yet again!)
How did you determine California?

 

Are we talking about the same person?

 

Nope.

 

This is what OP said in 1st post: "I also live in SoCal and will be using this car to commute to work 60-80 miles round trip. "