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

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by gboss, Aug 21, 2025.

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  1. gboss

    gboss Member

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    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
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Toyota Sienna?
     
    #2 frodoz737, Aug 21, 2025
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  3. gboss

    gboss Member

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    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
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    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
  5. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    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
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Your asking on a turd gen sub forum?! Hilarious!
     
    #6 Grit, Aug 22, 2025
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    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
  8. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    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
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  9. Hayslayer

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    So he should be good to go until 2035?
     
    #9 Hayslayer, Aug 22, 2025
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  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    :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
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  11. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    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
  12. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    No one said they were recommending a 1999 Prius that was only available in Japan at the time.

    More to the point... Road salt regions excluded, the most reliable and most readily available parts cars when it comes to hybrids is the legendary 2004-2009 Prius. At its peak they were selling 25K of those per month. Toyota sht in their own bed when they redesigned Gen3. And most importantly for OP, the gen2 is way more compatible with car camping than the flying buttress console that tortures tall people who drive long distances.

    I'll be updating this particular thread this Fall with a step by step DIY dash redesign that looks professionally done: 3rd Gen 2010 - Removed flying buttress center console | PriusChat
     
    #12 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2025
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2025
  13. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    :oops: My bad...16 and 26. I'm confident the OP will figure out what he wants/needs. ;)
     
    #13 frodoz737, Aug 22, 2025
  14. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    They will definitely want a low mileage mint condition 2009!
     
    #14 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2025
  15. gboss

    gboss Member

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    Wow, that Sienna is a mansion on four wheels. Gen4 looks decent too. Hmm.

    Haha, I know those things are tanks and it would fit the bill perfectly. It's a little old for me at this point, but I'll keep an eye out.

    I loved my gen3, but I know too much now to gamble again (HG, booster, HV Bat, etc.). Rav4 hybrid would basically be the same as the Prius I'm thinking with a higher clearance. Really open to anything...older Lexus, Honda, whatever.
     
    #15 gboss, Aug 22, 2025
  16. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I know multiple Prius owners that have very much enjoyed switching to American Made Hybrids and EVs... You might want to see what's possible inside one of those?
     
    #16 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2025
  17. gboss

    gboss Member

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    As much as I want one, Rivian is way out of my budget :). What models did the folks you know switch to?

    / are you still camping in a gen2?
     
    #17 gboss, Aug 22, 2025
  18. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Since budget is not an issue here as its not being listed, go w/Tesla cyber truck. The camper kit is available so it can be convert Ed quickly.
     
    #18 Grit, Aug 23, 2025
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  19. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Member

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    2025 (current year) - 2009 (suggested car) =............16
     
    #19 Hayslayer, Aug 23, 2025
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2025
  20. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Corrected on post #13 Sir.
     
    #20 frodoz737, Aug 23, 2025
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