I have a grey 2018 Prius two with 53k miles on it. There aren't any issues with the car and my wife and I use it as our 'day trip' car. We frequently like to visit family (3 hours away) or go to Maine for a weekend (we live in Massachusetts). The car is paid off and there is an aftermarket wireless Apple car play head unit (I love car play, a hard deal breaker for me). My wife and I are expecting a baby in August, and I just received a promotion at work with a bonus. I put aside 50% of my paycheck into savings (after max 401k), so I do have extra cash. My wife and I talked about it and we definitely don't need a new car but I want a new car -- I like new tech. I have 12k set aside but I can go over it if needed. I have a $500 deposit at a local Toyota dealer for a Black or Blue 2023 Prius. I wanted to get on the list as soon as I can while I figured out what I want to do. Wants: - Car Play. Wireless is preferable but I know I can get a wireless adapter, and maybe plugging it in isn't the end of the world. - Updated multimedia screen -- I like the look of the bigger screen option. - AWD. I would really like this based on where we live in New England. - Power seats - Heated side mirrors (essentially the XLE trim) - Auto leveling headlights Would be nice: - I like the panorama of the moonroof in the 2023 prius Color: - Black - Sea glass pearl is nice too Concern: - I don't see a 12v port in the back seat of the 2023. My wife is diabetic and we have a car cooler that plugs into this connector. There is one in the front so we can string the adapter from the front to the back but that may be annoying. - Amount of space in the Gen 5. I do like how much fits into my 2018. Especially if transporting baby things (stroller). - If I go with 2022, it may feel too similar to my 2018. - Trade in concern -- Not sure if my aftermarket Alpine head unit reduces my car trade-in value
Remembering back to when our daughter (now with babies of her own) was in a bassinet / car seat / carrier .... when one's back gets achy and you have to bend down far to hook up / fasten into seat belts - a baby's car seat? Thinking the 2023 head room being 2" lower might be something worth considering. But who knows .... your skeletal / back's health may just last and last. The plugin rav4 on the other hand ... much easier to egress and enter - much less the whole baby seat thing. Good luck with your buying decision! .
