After buying a 2017 Prius recently, I'm looking to get a used Gen III Prius in order to replace another old car on a slightly lower budget of 12-15k. I've done the basic scan of used car listings, but I'm having trouble figuring out which cars are ideal because it's difficult to assess what is actually different about certain trims and certain model years within the generation. I've searched the internet (and here, of course) for information, so I gathered that 2012 and later models are preferable to 2010/2011 models because of the refresh and that 2014/2015 models are better in small offset (though only slightly). I'm assuming that there is more to know though, and while I don't expect anyone to create a chart comparing the various trims in each year, I was wondering if there was a certain set of "institutional knowledge" about which model years and trims were ideal in Gen III. I'm leaning, I suppose, toward a 2012 One/Two simply because they're generally the cheapest 2012+ option available, but is there any reason I should consider spending a bit more for a newer model year or higher trim? Thanks in advance for the help!
I found this link. Scroll down and it has links to PDF pricing, options, and build sheets for years 2010-2016. Toyota Prius’s confusing Trim levels I, II, III, IV and V | Diminished Value Car Appraisal I imagine folks will be long soon with personal perspectives. If it's me, I get the newest I can afford; on average, the battery will last longer.
It all depends on what you want. The Advanced Technology package available only on the V (2010) or Five (2011-) will be most comparable to your 2017. If you want a sunroof then you'll need to find a car with the Solar package. The backup camera was bundled with the NAV option package.
