Prius vs Prius: which is a better deal?

[DinerDave]

Black wrote:
[quote=bfd]
Make sure both cars come with a spare.

I have used 2 or 3 Praises and have been impressed with the amount of cargo room.... but still, I don't see how you're going to fit a second car in there.
Good one!

DAVE

[p8712]

Black wrote:
[quote=bfd]
Make sure both cars come with a spare.

I have used 2 or 3 Priuses and have been impressed with the amount of cargo room.... but still, I don't see how you're going to fit a second car in there.
Can they be added by a do-it-yourself 'er?

[C(-)ris]

Black wrote:
Paul F made a good point on the "not enough info" thread that backup cameras are not standard on all models and are much needed, so something to check.

Much needed? For what? I've never owned a car with a backup camera, except for the newest one we have... I don't feel like I was ever missing anything not having one. There is the slight convenience of being able to park in some tighter spots because you can see exactly where the rear bumper is, but that is very compelling to make backup camera anything other than an afterthought.

[Paul F.]

The Prius has such crappy rear visibility looking out the back window, you can't see fuck all when backing up... So the backup camera is pretty important in the Prius. I have read that only the 'base' model did not have it, so unless you buy a used fleet vehicle, it'll have it.
Otherwise, I'd add an aftermarket one.

C(-)ris wrote:
[quote=Black]
Paul F made a good point on the "not enough info" thread that backup cameras are not standard on all models and are much needed, so something to check.

Much needed? For what? I've never owned a car with a backup camera, except for the newest one we have... I don't feel like I was ever missing anything not having one. There is the slight convenience of being able to park in some tighter spots because you can see exactly where the rear bumper is, but that is very compelling to make backup camera anything other than an afterthought.

[Black]

C(-)ris wrote:
[quote=Black]
Paul F made a good point on the "not enough info" thread that backup cameras are not standard on all models and are much needed, so something to check.

Much needed? For what? I've never owned a car with a backup camera, except for the newest one we have... I don't feel like I was ever missing anything not having one. There is the slight convenience of being able to park in some tighter spots because you can see exactly where the rear bumper is, but that is very compelling to make backup camera anything other than an afterthought. You have a Prius?

[Black]

Paul F. wrote:
The Prius has such crappy rear visibility looking out the back window, you can't see fuck all when backing up... So the backup camera is pretty important in the Prius. I have read that only the 'base' model did not have it, so unless you buy a used fleet vehicle, it'll have it.
Otherwise, I'd add an aftermarket one.

[quote=C(-)ris]
[quote=Black]
Paul F made a good point on the "not enough info" thread that backup cameras are not standard on all models and are much needed, so something to check.

Much needed? For what? I've never owned a car with a backup camera, except for the newest one we have... I don't feel like I was ever missing anything not having one. There is the slight convenience of being able to park in some tighter spots because you can see exactly where the rear bumper is, but that is very compelling to make backup camera anything other than an afterthought. Most of the Priuses I'm seeing on my local craigslist do not have them (upon clarification with seller.)

[space-time]

None of those 2 cars discussed here has a backup camera.

[C(-)ris]

Didn't realize the Prius had rearward visibility problems. I've driven hundreds of different cars and never came across a "need" for a backup camera except in cargo vans and SUVs with no rear windows.

Even with somewhat poor rearward visibility, being aware of your surroundings, using your mirrors, and moving slowly should be more than enough to avoid an accident.

[Acer]

Rear visibility is not good, but I'm sure with today's trends toward bulky bodies and narrow windows that it's any worse than many other popular models. A back-up camera would be nice, but I would not call it essential. You still have to look.

[anonymouse1]

We have a Prius V, witch is the station wagon version, and it has nearly the space of a small SUV, when you cold down the rear seat. It's ridiculously functional, and the rear visibility is much better than the hatchback--not amazing, but not horrible. We've had ours for a year, and we're loving it.
It's not luxurious, but we've taken it on several 300 mile trips, and its comfortable enough.

Definitely worth checking out.