Sad to report that our—dare I say—beloved 2010 trim V has been declared totaled. An accident entering the garage with other cars parked unusually nearby, resulting in damage to garage and Prius. This was my parent's car and it's been, frankly, a delight from day 1 (bought from the dealer's showcase podium on the lot) till now. With the larger wheels, it was also a more attractive Prius for its time. Immaculate, inside and out, at 113K mi. We were expecting to do repairs but apparently the situation in CA is that if a vehicle repair constitutes substantially more than half the value of the car (or something like this), it's considered 'totaled' in the eyes of insurance. The policy is indicating, at this time, that they're going to pay $11,000. This isn't unreasonable. A friend's similar model year was T-boned several years ago, higher mileage, and she received $7K, but the policies aren't likely comparable. My mother isn't tech savvy in the least, and though the 2024 Prius is compelling for many reasons, our concern is that the tech will overwhelm her. We may replace the car with another Gen 3 in excellent shape (but trim five seemed to comprise less than 15% of the Gen3, so hard). A difficult call. Safety features of the latest gen are critical, but her frustration with tech is very real. They were proud of themselves for adopting their first Prius in 2005, when I teasingly threatened not to return from the Middle East unless. At any rate, any tips on dealing with insurance, getting the most on our car from the adjuster, and views/comments on upgrading to a 2024 or replacing with another Gen 3, given our specific competing concerns, would be welcome. It's been a long road, and Prius Chat has been a part of this throughout.
If replacing with a used Gen3, do make very sure your mother is aware that the 'v' for other model years (2012-15, maybe 16 too) has no relation at all to the 'V' of her 2010. If looking for something equivalent in the other Gen3 years, 2011-15, she needs to look for 'Five' or '5', not 'V'. Toyota caused some significant confusion by using that letter for completely different purposes in different model years.
Yes, was considering that today as I returned to the forum. Toyota maligned any reasonable naming convention across models with that move. Hardly helps that they hoped to distinguish it by uppercase roman numeral V vs. lowercase letter v. Now I'm getting a sneaking feeling that the adjuster has also screwed up and misidentified the car as the v.
afaik, the gen 5 drives like any car, and the tech only becomes overwhelming if you want to use it. later gen 4's are great, and 2015 gen 3 only, due to improved pistons and rings.
Some 2014 gen 3's have the updated rings as well, changed at a certain VIN: Deleted, previous attached doc had incomplete VIN summary.
Was the pistons/rings issue a recall, or was it affecting only some cars and addressed as needed? Imagine most owners would have taken advantage of this while under warranty - is it still something to look out for on used gen 3s, the few owners who didn't address it? Gen 5 doesn't require, like a Tesla, constant interaction through the screen? She loathes using a smartphone or table - the touchscreen of their 2005 and 2010 Prii was her last, and most advanced, comfort zone adjustment. Maybe she could handle it, but it'll take time. Thanks for the recommendations.
There was no v wagon in 2010 but I would be surprised if they gave you $11k with used prices diving. Do yourself a favor and get a 2022 or newer Rav4 hybrid. Every model has better safety tech than a 2010 Prius trim 5. Plus a far better hybrid system and light years better engine.
It wasn't a v wagon, it's trim 5 of the normal Prius. Insurance has actually just gotten back to us now with a higher amount: $13,750. Yes, very keen on the safety tech. Hope we can persuade her.
not like a tesla. you still have manual turn signals, mirrors, glovebox and etc. but i would ask the question in the gen 5 forum for owners answers.
