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2017 Gen 4 vs 2015 Gen 3

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Bbonez, May 28, 2022.

  1. Bbonez

    Bbonez Member

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    I'm looking at purchasing another prius and don't know much about the Gen 4s. I currently have a 2011 Gen 3 with 173k miles.

    I have 2 used cars I'm looking at. 2017 w/ 155k miles or a 2015 w/ 125k miles. If I buy the 15 I know what to do. I'll clean the EGR & intake. Replace plugs & fluids.

    Is there anything I should be concerned about on a Gen 4 with 155k?

    Both cars are the same price, what's the better purchase?
     
    #1 Bbonez, May 28, 2022
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It really comes down to how much you like the Gen 4 styling and the equipment in both cars. Gen 4 might be slightly better mechanically but 2015 isn't a bad year
     
    #2 JC91006, May 28, 2022
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The heat recirc in the exhaust has been problematic: prone to leak coolant. Toyota seems to be on top of it, anyway: authorizing repair with with revised parts.

    I'd go for the 3rd gen, for looks alone, lol. And 2015 will for sure have revised piston rings, earlier are prone to pass oil. At 125K you may dodge the bullet, getting on the EGR right away.

    The higher miles on a younger car, sounds like Uber or similar.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, May 28, 2022
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  4. Bbonez

    Bbonez Member

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    They both are 1 owner vehicles. The 2017 belongs to a pharmaceutical sales rep. The 2015 was a lease the original leasee purchased it at the end. The 2015 was first registered at the end of October in 2015 so I'm thinking it was one of the last gen 3s built. The 15 is a well equipped three, with fake leather (power and heat for driver) & backup cam. Still don't have all the details on the 2017 as I've been playing phone tag with her.
     
    #4 Bbonez, May 28, 2022
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  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The Gen 4, hands down. I've had both (plus Gen 2) The Gen 4 is WAY more reliable than gen 3 and far more comfortable than any previous Prius. You'll also be impressed by the fuel economy. It crushes every previous model except in storage capacity. Not quite as roomy, but close.

    The coolant leak in the exhaust is a new thing that just started showing up, but is way less common than the blown head gaskets in the Gen 3.
     
    #5 jerrymildred, May 28, 2022
    Last edited: May 28, 2022
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i guess i would want to drive a gen 4 to see how i liked it.
     
    #6 bisco, May 28, 2022
  7. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    When I chanced test drives…
    The Gen 4 really does drive like a real car with acceptable handling
    The Gen 3 is sort of a lumbering vehicle that handles like a worn out Chevy Cobalt.

    Personally besides the appearance, spare and dimensional (space) gotchas the Gen IV really is better in every way.

    The seats were different if memory serves and it’s a personal preference so only way to know is seat time in both.
     
    #7 Rmay635703, May 28, 2022
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  8. Bbonez

    Bbonez Member

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    I assumed it was better but is a Gen 4 with 30k more miles better than the Gen 3 with less miles?
     
    #8 Bbonez, May 28, 2022
  9. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Age is usually more important than miles on a Prius

    Older low mile PRII can actually have issues from lack of use. Neither of your examples fall into that category but the Gen 3 is nearing the time you might need to deal with EGR issues and a potential head gasket

    use it or loose it

    A better question is how does each car ride?

    If the ride is off it should be evident
     
    #9 Rmay635703, May 29, 2022
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I agree with @Rmay635703. That 30k mile difference is pretty insignificant. The newer battery will last longer and you won't have to worry about the head gasket. Since you didn't mention the trim of the 2017, it may or may not have a spare tire, but even if it doesn't, you can always get one if you want to.
     
    #10 jerrymildred, May 29, 2022
  11. Bbonez

    Bbonez Member

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    Well here comes the curve ball. Yesterday morning someone listed a 2019 Hyundai Ioniq with 79k miles for $2k more than the prii I was considering. I bought the Hyundai, hope it turns out to be as reliable as my prius. Drove it 200 miles home from the sellers house and I averaged 57MPG over hills at about 75mph. So far so good. Time will tell...
     
    #11 Bbonez, May 30, 2022
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  12. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    It’s close, but long term is anyones guess

    Different strokes for different folks
     
    #12 Rmay635703, May 30, 2022
  13. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Congratulations on the new Ioniq. I hear and read they are excellent vehicles, and have not heard of any problems with them. I've owned 4 Chevy Volts, so I've "crossed the line", a few times myself, so to speak. lol
     
    #13 PriusGuy32, Jun 3, 2022
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