Selecting my first hybrid car

2012 doesn't just bring the v and plug in - Toyota will still continue to make the standard Prius, which comes with a new front fascia, taillights, and a few other goodies. I would wait for sure.

 

2012 Prius Three will get 3 door Smart key which is reallly nice. But, apparently you lose the JBL audio if that matters. Pretty sure the new touchscreen audio will be good bit nicer in refresh.

Plus no more dark grey plastic patch where the fog lights would go.

 

Here is a link to a thread that discusses the differences in the 2012 versus the 2011.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...2012-prius-minor-refresh-press-materials.html

 

The CT200h is nice. I looked at that also. You give up some space, utility and about 10 mpg. You gain a bit of luxury and sportiness. Same power train in both. It is a matter of preference and priorities. It is good to have choices.

This article may be of value to you http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=2020

 

CT200h sits you quite low in front seats. Roof is pretty low at 56". It's like my Accord Coupe so you have to brace hand on door sill to hike up out of it. The ergos are sweet though. Sits you much more like a sports car than regular Prius.

Less room in CT and of course more cost. If you must have more 'driving experience', well, get CT. It's the darker side of green. Lexus puts in a ton before releasing a new model, so I seriously doubt you'd have problems with it as a first year model.

 

I like the solar roof cause it looks badass because 1) it beats wrapping your roof with vinyl or carbon fiber and 2) in the open position it looks like some kind of spoiler

But overall CT200h >> Prius w/ solar roof. I'd have gotten the CT200h if it was available in 2009 when I was car shopping.

 

Don't believe it. There are plenty of priuses all around dealerships. Make them bend over backwards and give you a better deal. What's the factory invoice? Try to get it at least below that.

 

I have a 2010 III with solar, jbl, and leather. I got it for just slightly under $27k a year ago in a down market. But comparing prices over the internet is really apples and oranges. I'm in a HUGE truck market and prius sales aren't big.

As for the solar, it's very cool (pun intended). In fact during the fall, both my daughter and I can sit in the bright sunshine with the windows up while the solar vent brings in the cool autumn air keeping us nice and comfortable. We do this because she doesn't want to watch her sibling's "boring soccer game" and would rather pass the time reading while I can sit and relax in my leather seat and sip hot coffee. All the while I'm thinking to myself, "What a freakin' awesome car this is!"

The venting has been characterized as akin to leaving your windows cracked but without the dust and security issues. Personally, I rate it as more effective than that.

 

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I just thought he had to buy 10 of them to get that price.