I'm buying my first Prius (used) and I've narrowed my selection to either a 2012 Prius v Five or a 2013 Prius Persona. All obvious differences aside (cargo space, mpg, use case), I'm wondering which is the better buy in terms of overall value? Both are in pristine condition, no scratches dents or accidents, paint and interiors look like new, only the Persona has a couple of scratches on 1 or 2 of the wheel rims and needs 4 new tires but it still has some factory warranty left while the Prius v's warranty expired. I'm leaning towards the Prius v but it would be fun to ask here! 2012 Prius v Five - 38,500mi - $19,500 2013 Prius Persona - 34,000mi - $18,500
run a car fax check on the vin numbers if either or both were lease or rental cars or imported from the main land walk away, odds are its a flood car exported, cleaned and resold
Haven't bought the Carfax since I'm told record reliability in Puerto Rico isn't good so I don't know if it's worth the $50 bucks but the owners' stories are: 2013 Persona - current owner is the only owner, bought it new at dealer. 2012 Prius v - current owner bought it from the dealer with 400 miles, was a dealer demo unit. Carfax says the Persona has 2 history records available and the Prius v has 5 history records available
These 2 are completely different cars. With the low miles and 1 owner car, I think both are good choices. Go with the Prius v 5 if you need the room. Persona if you don't need the extra room. The Persona will probably get you better mileage too
IMO the better deal here is whichever one you want most. Since you're not comparing Apples to exact Apples....I can't determine that. There both in my opinion, similar "value" vehicles in terms of the price you are paying. If the real heart of your question is which is better a "standard" Prius or a Prius v? Again that depends on what you value. The gas mileage should potentially be better with the Standard, you'll gain some room and cargo hauling possibility with the larger Prius v. I'd spend the money on the Carfax...Puerto Rico or otherwise. If either reveal something, it could easily become the deciding factor. If not? You spent $50 trying to check out a $18,500-$19,500 investment. If it reveals nothing, I'd still consider it good money spent.
Register the VINs at Toyota Owners Official Web Site to see the dealer service history. Both cars are still partially under warranty.
I currently own both the cars you are considering. I have a 2015 Persona, and my wife drives a 2014 v three. In short mpg aside (you might get 2-6 mpg more in the Persona depending how you drive, but doesn't the v five have 17's too?) it comes down to cargo capacity. Do you need the extra couple feet that the v provides if not the Persona is more than adequate. I can fit my road or mt bike in the persona with no issue with the rear seats folded down. With the v you can do the same and prob have some room for grocery shopping... Do you need a wagon? Nothing against the v's.... Heck I own one and drive it quite often and really like it but if style is your thing I personally believe the Persona just looks a little better... Granted I've always liked the gen3 lift backs.. But obviously style is relative and the next person can say the opposite... With all that said a v five is the top of the line trim model and might hold its value a little more... A Persona is a special edition in between a three and a four in trim level. So it's right in the middle for trim levels but it is a special edition so will probably do ok on resale too... With my Persona with 8.5k miles on it my displayed lifetime mpg is 45, and right around 43 calculated and I drive conservatively. My wife's v with 2.5k miles on it can't seem to get over 40 displayed I think due to her shorter commute and heavy ac use and she is def not a hyper miler. Lol.
The fastback will be restyled/re-engineered before the v so its depreciation may be accelerated for a time. Then the v will get its new look and mechanicals. If having and old style car matters.... The fastback has lower mileage and is ever so slightly cheaper once you refurbish the wheels and replace the tires. The v cost more than the hatch by a bunch when first sold. Drive a sample of each. Consider your needs and wants. Not a big difference.
