Is there a vast difference in sound between base and advanced?

I have an ADV model. I have had cars in my earlier years that won audio shows where I dumped a ton of dough into the sound system of the car. Separate amps, crossovers and custom sub enclosure. My home has hi-end type equipment. I was planning on adding a sub and a separate amp in the PIP and I have to say, adjusted correctly the stock ADV sounds pretty gosh darn good. Good enough that I scrapped the idea of upgrading the system. I CAN'T speak to the lower animal model, but there is a bunch of other stuff besides audio on ADV. Take your favorite CD into the dealer and A B test both cars.

 

lower animal ? pff lol...
I tested both cars, there is CLEAR difference.
Base is good enough for me, as I generally frequent more radio over music.

 

should be more than noticeable considering the advanced has 8 JBL green edge speakers vs. 6 base speakers:
GreenEdge Benefits

of course there are a bunch of other goodies added to adv besides sound system

 

I had the JBL system in my 2011 prius. My new PIP prius is Base. There is definitely a difference. I dont mind the Base model though. It suits my needs. In my car I listen to the radio loudly very rarely because I have a new born.

 

If the base sounds fine, then get the base. But do not go and listen to the Adv model. It is a world of difference. HD Radio alone is amazing, better than CD quality.

 

If you're solely basing it on audio then I'd say the base model. You can always upgrade the audio equipment on the base for a lot less than $7K.

 

Base has HD Radio too.. but ultimately, the Advanced still sounds better, no question

 

Short answer--Yes.
Just remember there is nothing more expensive than underbuying. If you don't really love something or wish you got a better whatever, you may buy twice or be dissatisfied. Save more, buy wisely, and get what you are willing to sacrifice for. By the same token, the less you owe on something , the more you will like it. Debt sours me real quick.

 

The cloth gets dirtier, but I think its more comfortable and "at home" feeling. I also like that it doesnt change temperature. I hate sitting on an icy or hot seat. I got a bamboo seat cover for when I leave the gym.

Drop some money on speakers if you really want it. I would like to get a nice 3-way 6x9 and make it a component set, with some nice 6 1/2s in the back. The base has decent bass if you adjust the EQ, but the mids and the rear speakers break up. I want to go 6x9 to keep that bass response. 2 6x9's in a prius is pretty decent.

 

supposed to be an eco friendly alternative to leather. feels a little softer than leather... (just try not to look at the NAV or turn on the headlights on the advanced )

 

You don't want to over buy either. If you don't need all the ADV features $7000 is a lot of money. You could make the base model sound system much better than the ADV for probally less then $400 or maybe ~700 with a sub.


I like the cloth seats and think they are more comfortable, the dark color of the PiP should not show much dirt either.

 

Many good thoughts. The leather feel is really nice. I like cloth but it defenately soils

 

Sorry I messed up the last post. Does the Base come with the eight way power seats? For me that is big. At 6'6' I did not fit in the series 3 with manual seats. Power seats go lower and further back. There are more features than mere eye candy. The radar cruise control is amazing--one of those things that once you have you never want to be without. Safer and works great. Some of the sales incentives give a greater discount to the Advanced lowering the differential. Still, it's real money for real value. Matter of choice and individual financial situation.

 

Base does not have the power but it can be raised and lowered and moves back the same amount. The lumbar is what is the biggest difference. I am 6 5 and fit in the pretty well. My biggest problem is that the steering wheel is too far forward with the seat all the way back. On the Highway I actually move the seat up a few inches so the reach is better.

 

You've got priorities. Don't let a car side-track them. The Base model will get you the same mileage, for a better price. So in essence, you're paying less per mile - saving more money. There are some cool things on the ADV model. And you pay for them, so they should be cool. Is the ADV worth it? Probably not in the strictest sense. $7000 just doesn't line item out. For $7K more, the ADV model should've come with a higher capacity battery - something like 6 kWh would've netted about 16-20 miles of EV range. But it would also mean re-engineering parts of the suspension and interior.

… it could very likely happen with the next iteration.

 

What about improved reception?..
Anyone have noticeable differences?

Galaxy Nexus ? 2