Hi. This is my first post. I've enjoyed perusing the forum. Seems like a great resource populated by good folk. I'm shopping for a used hybrid. Pretty much ruled out the C-Max, and the Prius c and Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon). So that brings me to Gen III, and a simple (I hope) question: any significant differences between the '12 and '13 model years? Looking forward to a test drive! Thanks! David
No, no major/noticeable (I would say none, but maybe there was something that wasn't publicized or noticeable) changes between '12-'15. 3rd gen refresh happened with model year '12, so the '10-'11s look different from the '12-'15s.
There's little to no difference. I have a Prius Two, 2013 the entry level trim to the standard Prius line. No Navigation. IMO compared to other vehicles, it's very well equipped. Smart Key (Drivers Door Sensor Only)-Push Button Start, Cruise Control. I believe starting the very NEXT year in 2014 Toyota started making the back-up camera standard across the line. Unfortunately, I got one of the last "Entry Level" Prius that did NOT include a back-up Camera. And that is maybe my only regret. So 2012-13,14, even 15...pick em... But of course as with any vehicle IF there are bells and whistles you want, make sure it has them. For me, the thing to look for is the back-up Camera. I didn't want the Navigation, and all the other Bells and Whistles I easily felt I could live without.
Greetings and Welcome Aboard!! Good Luck with the hunt! Let us know when you have one in your cross-hairs.
Agree with the electric me here - backup camera is important to me. I think for both 2012 and 13 it is on the three and above. When was the inverter recall issue fixed? I think my 2012 might should have been eligible but toyota's website said no outstanding recalls on it. Was that fix built into the 2013s?
Thanks for the welcome and the information. I take it the rear-view camera is a worthwhile feature to consider, so I'll keep that in mind. In terms of cross-hairs, I'm looking at a few CPO Gen IIIs at a local dealer with a good reputation. I'll keep all y'all updated.
I find the back up camera SO wide angle I rarely pay any attention to it: very hard to appreciate how far you are from objects. I relegate it to the same status as the (largely token) fog lights. On ours the back up camera image is in rear view mirror, that might be a factor.
Yeah I would think it would be near worthless in the rear view mirror. But that is in 2010 and 2011 only I think.
For me, the lack of gridlines on the backup camera was an issue, but the camera is still useful to insure nothing is behind you. Without the gridlines, I can still use the mirrors to back straight, etc., and then use the camera to see when I'm close to whatever is behind me, be it another car, sidewalk or those concrete barriers. I've never had a camera before, much less one with gridlines, so I have nothing to compare with. Of course, we all managed to back up without cameras for many years, so I don't know that it would be a deal-breaker if you find a car you want otherwise. In my case, the heated power Softex driver's seat was a much more desirable option, so we opted for a 2014 model Four. Trouble is that model upgrades usually include options you may not need/want and a premium price.
Oh no I wouldn't say that. It's close to your eye, and you're looking in the mirror anyway. Ours doesn't have the Nav screen, I prefer it that way. My only beef is the crazy wide angle.
Backup camera comes in very handy, even without marker grid. Have never had a problem establishing where Prius is going when backing up. Extremely useful in a city environment when parallel parking is required. The directional grid is nice to have, but not a deal breaker when not there. Wish I had a backup camera on the Insight. Same basic visibility out the back. May add one.
Is your backup camera OEM, Mendel? Our 2012 was trim level 3, which has the review camera with a fairly large display on the central console. Both DW and I find the backup camera to be very useful, even essential, in backing up the Prius safely. However, although I think the backup camera is important, I think the OP could also purchase a model without the camera and retrofit it. I purchased two of the Yada backup camera kits sold at COSTCO for $100 (on sale), and installed them on a Tundra pickup and Rav4 --- both installations function perfectly. (installation 2 hours for truck, 3 hours for Rav4). That said, having the display on the same screen as the GPS map saves dashboard space and is less cluttered than when another screen is added to the interior. Good luck on the Prius hunt!
Ours is original, 2010. I've heard mention they've revised the field-of-view, more recently. There ARE advantages to extreme wide angle, but they're sorta negated by the extreme distance distortion. Maybe I could replace just the lens. Probably won't tho, leave it stock.
Another, somewhat related, question. I know this is highly subjective, but I'm curious, better A or B: A: '12, 18k miles, $16k B: '13, 22k miles, $17k Asked another way, all things being roughly equal, would you give your preference to year or miles? I know one year newer is one year fewer of wear and tear, but if the miles are more or less the same, how much more wear and tear does a car get just sitting around not accumulating miles? Closing in on a couple (in case you couldn't tell), and hope to test drive this weekend. Thanks! David
You really should post what levels these are. Assuming you're in the 'States (something else worth clarifying), the level's are 2 through 5. Lot of differences. Besides that stats, there's also the condition of the cars: hands-down number one: you need to see both, sit in them, look them over. Lots of clues as to their history, with a bit of a look 'round.
Well, that's where the "all things being equal" disclaimer comes in -- assuming same level of trim/features/etc. These both happen to be 2s, so, apples to apples.
