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Used 2016 Prius V vs Used 2017 Prius

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by suomynona, Feb 28, 2020.

  1. suomynona

    suomynona New Member

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    my Toyota Rav4 recently got totaled by a deer, so I'm now looking at cars to replace it. I have never owned a Prius, but the fuel economy is enticing since I drive 80 miles (40 miles each way) multiple times a week and often go on cross-country trips. I'm trying to keep my budget limited to what the insurance will give me, so while the new Rav4 Prime sounds like a dream, it's definitely out of my budget.

    The 2016 Prius V is enticing since I like the additional cargo space, doesn't have the spoiler that limits rear-view visibility, a more comfortable rear-seat, and keeps the spare tire. But the one I'm looking at has about 100,000 miles and based on reading the forums here, it seems like the Prius Vs are less reliable than the regular Prius lines (head gasket, brake, egr issues).

    The 2017 Prius is Gen4 and doesn't seem to have the reliability issues like the Prius V (please correct me if I'm wrong). But I worry I would feel limited by the cargo area (one of the reasons I'm not looking at Corollas) and the lack of spare tire makes me a little anxious (even though I've never needed to change a tire in all my years of driving). The one I'm looking at also has a lip when the rear seats are folded down, so it would not allow long items as easy.

    They're both listed at around $16,000 but I think both are willing to negotiate on price.

    Anyway, since I have no experience with hybrid cars, I was hoping I could get the opinions of people more experienced with them than me. Thanks in advance for any input you can offer!
     
  2. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    I'm not sure where you got the idea the V wagon was less reliable than the hatchback. They have the same drive train, with the exception of the final drive gearing being slightly higher on the V.

    2016 is the first year of Gen-4, so both the cars you're looking at are Gen-4. As such, they'll have the improved pistons/rings, and the improved EGR system -- both of which are problem areas on Gen-3 cars.
    As you indicated, the V gives you significantly more cargo area. But that comes at the expense of fuel economy -- particularly on the highway. The V is also slightly wider and has more headroom. It feels almost like a small mini-van.

    If you need the additional space, the V is a great choice. If you don't need the extra space, the better economy offered by the hatchback is nice.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if the v has an egr circuit, the jury is still out
     
  4. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    The V has the same drive train as the hatch. So yes, it has the Gen-4 updated EGR system that draws post-cat.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's great, i did not know that.(y)
     
  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Both cars are among the most reliable cars ever made. I think your biggest issue is whether you need the additional space of the v. You'd be surprised how much will fit into a regular Prius. The regular one will get a LOT better gas mileage, not just a little. And it's newer.

    As for the spare, there is one trim level of the regular Prius that comes with a spare. I think it's the trim three and three touring. You'd have to check to be sure. But there are ways to put a spare in them. You can search out the many threads here about that.

    Edit to add: I should also mention that there is no Gen 4 version of the Prius v.
     
    #6 jerrymildred, Mar 5, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2020
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  7. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    TIP: It's "vee" lower case when referring to the "wagon". Uppercase V is a roman numeral trim level and pronounced "five". Thank you Toyota. :confused:

    Get the v if extra cargo space or more rear passenger legroom is needed. Negs: it's the least efficient and slowest Prius ever. It's the same drive drivetrain as the gen 3 prius but in a heavier and less aerodynamic platform.

    Gen4 is much better mpg's (city trips in the 60-70's mpg's) and is built on a more modern platform. The EV is also much stronger and gives a more ev-like experience than the older generation v based on the gen 3. Some trims have spare like my 2018 level II. Depending on trim/options, the 2016 also has more features available; especially in the safety area. Styling is in the eye of the beholder. ;)

    Speaking of safety.....folks with long commutes/highway drives should also look into commai OpenPilot (aka comma 2). It's a game changer. Only works on 2016+ TSS-(x) equipped vehicles.
     
    #7 fotomoto, Mar 5, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2020
  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    My son has enjoyed his 2015 Prius v for years with no issues. They strengthened the front for 2015 to score better on the front overlap collision test.
     
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    A lot of confusing info above, can anyone definitively state that 2016 v does or does not have gen 4 egr circuit?
     
  10. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    The Prius v is Gen 3 so I would not expect the Gen 4 circuit.
    @Tideland Prius is our resident expert that has the photographic memory tough. :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::oops:
     
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  11. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    I just looked this up to confirm. I stand corrected:

    The V wagon apparently never got the Gen-4 updated EGR system.

    2017 V Wagon EGR System

    2017 Prius Hatchback EGR System
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Yeah, that’s what I thought until post #4.
    Hopefully, tide knows
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Okay, thanks!
     
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Unfortunately, I know nothing about the EGR circuit. Perhaps try @Mendel Leisk or @Raytheeagle
     
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  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You keep track of the generations though. I suspect the later Prius v still had the Gen 3 engine.
     
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Easiest way to tell is to pop the hood:).

    The gen3 circuit will not have the 12 volt battery up front with it;).

    But I agree that it is the gen3 circuit in the later Prius v's(y).
     
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Ohh that. Yes. The Prius v uses the 2ZR-FXE engine.

    (technically the Gen 4 also uses the 2ZR-FXE but it's been improved.)
     
  18. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    The links I provided above show that the Gen-4 and 2017 V Wagon have different EGR systems. Even in the final year of the V, it still has the Gen-3 system.
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  20. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'm sure they knew they were about to discontinue it so they weren't going to invest in upgrades at that point.