To buy 1st or 2nd gen Prius?

theaveng · 12-16-2012, 07:50 PM

I've been thinking about getting one used for less than $10,000. Only problem is I can't decide which version. The 2nd gen looks better & probably gets higher MPGs, but the 1st gen is likely cheaper to buy.

theaveng · 12-30-2012, 06:17 AM

Thanks. I'll take your comments into comsideration.

GuySmily · 12-30-2012, 02:53 PM

lol dude, wrong forum to ask.

Cobb · 12-30-2012, 04:01 PM

I guess the gen 2 prius looks like the gen 2 Insight.

Id go gen 2 if it was me.

GuySmily · 12-30-2012, 04:06 PM

Did the 2nd gen have ev mode or only 3rd gen? I drove a 3rd gen and I really liked being able to creep forwards in stop and go traffic without the gas engine kicking in when I only needed to roll like 3 feet.

**freezin4** · 12-30-2012, 05:26 PM

2nd gen has EV mode.

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samwichse · 12-30-2012, 05:45 PM

1st gen Prius is a deathtrap by todays standards. Based on that cheap Echo. Just look, 3 stars driver front/side impact:

2003 Toyota Prius 4-DR. | Safercar -- NHTSA

And that's with the old-value stars... it'd be 2 or less in the modern rating system. A second gen is at least 5/4 stars in the old system.

At least the tiny I1 even got 4/4 stars:
2003 Honda Insight 2-DR. | Safercar -- NHTSA

satchel · 12-31-2012, 12:11 AM

I got the wife a gen 2 prius. There's a relatively simple mod that let's you do ev mode only. Anxiously awaiting Mike's development/refinement of a prius charging harness.

ericbecky · 12-31-2012, 03:48 AM

Second gen Prius has more aftermarket development.
Bigger EV motor.
Better batteries.
More space.
Is a hatchback instead of a sedan.

Are you thinking about making it a plug in, or other hacks?
If so, then gen 2 is the way to go.

But if you are looking strictly on cost, gen 1 will always be less expensive.