Should we swap our beloved Gen3 for a 2017 Prime? (also posted in G3 Forum)

We have a 2011 Gen 3 and a 2017 Prime.

As an elderly homesteader I use the Gen 3 mostly for hauling stuff [livestock feed, building supplies, and sometimes pigs]. But honestly I would be far better served by getting a pickup truck.

As for your issue though, I would encourage the swap.

 

Is a rear wiper or a spare tire important? The Prime has neither. The space behind the rear seats is quite a bit less than your Gen3. The Telematics system tends to drain the 12v battery if you leave it unused for a while.

 

The GPS can be updated, just plug in a new micro-sd card under the dash. It works well enough, and I've owned multiple GPS models by megellin, Garmin, Toyota, Cadillac, and Jaguar. In 75,000 miles of driving a 2017 model I've been blinded by the sun reflecting off my wife's cell phone screen more often than I've have problems with reflections off the big screen.

I have not used the i-phone with the 2017 model, but it should act like any other bluetooth connected music player. And from that viewpoint, we often play the Android (Galaxy S22) over the built in sound system. We also used the Sirrus-XM music player while on long trips, and that works well too.

Note that I'm not a soundophile.

 

Gen3 engines have some serious design flaws that lead to blown head gaskets and early failure of piston rings. It's the only Prius that doesn't consistently make it to 500K Kilometers with only basic maintenance. All the problems were fixed starting in 2016, so if you don't make the most of this opportunity, you'll regret one day when mechanic diagnosis comes in on your Gen3. As in your Gen3 is at its peak value and you'd be wise to sell.

As for the big screen, you might be able to get an aftermarket system eventually because Gen4 Prius have a screen glitch that sometimes comes up and there's no easy solution so far and somebody is likely going to figure that out soon and sell an aftermarket product to resolve it.

But best of all, based on your driving habits, you'll likely only have to fill up the tank at the gas station a couple of times a year!

 

The only down side I can think of is finding a dealer service dept. but as a current owner you should already know about those possible issues.
If you're really interested in doing right by your good friend and you have any time to spare while thinking about the major drawbacks the car might present you as it's possible new owner just make a list and learn to search this and other Prius forums, there are solutions to most if not all minor annoyance issues. Unfortunately, many minor annoyances are turned into major annoyances, kinda like this one I'm writing. haha!
Shop around, if you haven't already. See what a comparable car is selling for on the open market, if you can find one or two still out there sporting those kinds of Kms/(Miles). Than see if you can find one a dealer is selling, I'll bet they are in short supply both in the lower 48 and up north.
I could be wrong about the supply of aging used Primes, plus in a few years from now, markets might turn up for grabs but last time I looked around used Gen 4 Primes were still selling at near there release date MSRP's . Hell, your Gen 3 might still be selling for a pretty penny.
Is the infotainment system, the dark interior color (up north?) and lack of an OEM spare donut even entering into your decision making process? a hatch wiper, REALLY?
Someone please STOP me
And I digress, sure, a prime is not a right fit for everyone and I'm guessing your good friend is one of those people.