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Identifying Prius year on the road.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Big Steve, Jul 31, 2012.

  1. Big Steve

    Big Steve ramblin wreck

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    Fairly new to Prius (April of this year)

    When I am on the road and see another Prius, how do I identify the year? Any clues?

    I think I can id 2012s but it stops there.
     
    #1 Big Steve, Jul 31, 2012
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Compared to the 2012, the 2010-11 has --
    different taillights
    different wheel covers
    no black highlighting around front grill
    fog lights (or blank inserts) where the 2012 has DRLs.
     
    #2 fuzzy1, Jul 31, 2012
  3. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    If in your own state and you know the license plate numbers/letters for every year, look at that. Otherwise we should come up with a hand signal for each other as we pass by holding up our hand in a wave gesture which dictates what year our Prii is [​IMG]

    BTW, I still have 600 sumthin miles on my car :) I'm actually gonna drive it to dinner this evening [​IMG]

    Mike
     
    #3 WE0H, Jul 31, 2012
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

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    I already posted pics in this thread showing how to tell a liftback from a plug-in for 2012: PiP - 2012 tail light swap? | PriusChat

    Edit: put in pics of PiP ad Liftback anyway...

    2012 (and probably 2013+) Prius Plug-in:

    [​IMG]

    2012 (and probably 2013+) Prius liftback:

    [​IMG]

    2010/11 tail lights:
    [​IMG]

    2006-2009 (chrome on top):

    [​IMG]



    2004-2005 (black on top)

    [​IMG]
     
    #4 Paradox, Jul 31, 2012
    cwerdna and WE0H like this.
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

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    I only posted fastest way to tell from the rear of the car.

    2012 has LED DRLs in the front, 2010/11 did not. Can't really tell 2010/11 from the front or back, or sides even.

    Gen II, if it has Chrome in the front grill it's a 2006-2009,body colored bar instead of chrome it's a 2004-05.
     
    #5 Paradox, Jul 31, 2012
    WE0H likes this.
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Re: 04-05 vs. 06-09 Priuses, the 06-09 marked the beginning of Hybrid badges on the left and right side front fenders. If one sees a Gen 2 w/o them, it's an 04-05.
     
    #6 cwerdna, Jul 31, 2012
  7. Teacake

    Teacake OohShiny

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    I have to laugh because being obsessed with wanting a hybrid has given me this skill unconsciously - I can tell a Gen 3 from Gen 1 or 2 in less than a second. :D Gen 1s basically look like a regular small car. Gen 2s are very rounded - the hood is more circular and...puffy. Gen 3s are more angular and stream-lined for aerodynamics. The taillights are the biggest indicator, as others have demonstrated in pictures above. But if you find yourself facing one from the side, look at the hood - taller, more raised on a Gen 2. Any questions? :cool:
     
    #7 Teacake, Jul 31, 2012
  8. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Gen 3 spoiler trim is all black and not curved like prior Gen 1&2.
     
    #8 gliderman, Jul 31, 2012
  9. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Prius v gives me troubles spotting them from behind. Might be my eye prescription though :(

    Mike
     
    #9 WE0H, Jul 31, 2012
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