Prius got wrecked, what should I get next for carcamping?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by gboss, Aug 21, 2025 at 10:14 PM.

Tags:
  1. gboss

    gboss Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2021
    171
    62
    2
    Location:
    Mountain Town in CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I have another thread on this, but my Gen3 got totaled in an accident (I was not at fault). I've traveled most of the country in this thing and kept it in mint condition thinking it was going to hit 300k miles...200k at least. I don't trust buying another used Gen3 at this point in my local market. Very bummed out as the vehicle really took me places and enable travel that would have broken the bank many times over.

    I've done some pretty extensive car camping to travel long distances frugally - both for business and pleasure. I fell in love with the freedom car camping gave me and was grateful for the MPG and heating/AC the gen3 provides in ready mode, although I rarely found myself using the HVAC. In the winter, I crack a window and bring a zero degree rated sleeping bag. In the summer, the nights are generally livable when it gets dark...sometimes I would use AC. I always use tightly fitted 'child sun protector' screens over the windows to keep bugs out, they work great.

    Anyway, I'm not sure the new Prius is that good for car camping given the space reduction. Gen4 is butt ugly. I'm open to anything honestly and figured I would ask the community here for suggestions. Rav4, CRV, some sedan, older Lexus...doesn't matter, think outside the box if you like. Not a Subaru fan, but I know the crosstrek is popular.

    What should I get?
     
    #1 gboss, Aug 21, 2025 at 10:14 PM
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    4,600
    2,463
    33
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Toyota Sienna?
     
    #2 frodoz737, Aug 21, 2025 at 10:32 PM
    Grit likes this.
  3. gboss

    gboss Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2021
    171
    62
    2
    Location:
    Mountain Town in CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Haha, yeah people love that for this purpose. I personally don't want to cruise in a mini van. It's not a bad suggestion though.
     
    #3 gboss, Aug 21, 2025 at 10:46 PM
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    4,600
    2,463
    33
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Understand. I too drive a GEN 3 Prius...which is not most peoples 1st choice to "cruise" in either...but it works for what I need it for. That said...having napped is few cars over the decades, the only one that even approached comfort was a van. Good luck with whatever you decide/buy.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Aug 21, 2025 at 11:42 PM
  5. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,508
    4,211
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    You created a new thread for a thread that already exist? Shocked that this thread haven’t been merged with the existing thread!
     
    #5 Grit, Aug 22, 2025 at 12:04 AM
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,508
    4,211
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Your asking on a turd gen sub forum?! Hilarious!
     
    #6 Grit, Aug 22, 2025 at 12:08 AM
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    12,201
    4,956
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Find a mint condition 2009 Prius and replace the center console between the two front seats with a pillow and get sunshades for all the windows and when you recline the front seats and slide them all the way forward with head rests off you'll have enough room for a bed of pillows, or near entire futon mattress if you remove back seat and you won't lose much storage in the far back of the car. Gen2 Prius are way more reliable than Gen3 will ever be. They're also way cheaper to repair than Gen3 too.
     
    #7 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2025 at 2:45 AM
  8. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    4,600
    2,463
    33
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Respects, but considering the OP's implied heavy use/mileage...a 26 year old used Prius might not be up to this task.
     
    #8 frodoz737, Aug 22, 2025 at 7:26 AM
    ASRDogman likes this.
  9. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2024
    274
    151
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    So he should be good to go until 2035?
     
    #9 Hayslayer, Aug 22, 2025 at 8:13 AM
  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    4,600
    2,463
    33
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    :ROFLMAO: A 36 year old high mileage GEN II? Even I'm not that dedicated...and I turn a wrench for a living. I'm confident gboss will make a wise decision based on his needs and wants. ;)
     
    #10 frodoz737, Aug 22, 2025 at 8:22 AM
    ASRDogman likes this.
  11. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,631
    3,804
    1
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Sienna hybrid FTW. It's not even a contest at this point except the price.......

    Room for two or one with living space, fridge, etc.

    IMG_2160.JPG IMG_2166.JPG

    Gen4 for one works OK, too. The Prime has a significant 4-5 inch rise in the back for the HV battery but that's not impossible to overcome.

    IMG_3118.JPG
     
    #11 fotomoto, Aug 22, 2025 at 9:52 AM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)