Automotive Industry & PricingDeal checkCommunity Starter

Physical buttons are disappearing again — good or bad?

TurboBuilder93Community StarterAug 21, 20262013 Toyota Prius ThreeChicago
2013 Toyota Prius Three, about 14,500 miles. Automakers keep moving basic controls between touchscreens and physical buttons depending on the generation. What controls do you absolutely want to remain physical? Appreciate any ideas on what to check first.
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21 replies

GarageDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2013 Toyota Prius price probably got worse. Then the comparison gets honest. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Chicago with 14,500 miles. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
RotorNerd69Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “good or bad,” that was the fork that mattered for me. The universe charges extra for guessing. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
OldSchoolCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. Two 2013 Toyota Prius quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
OldSchoolCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “good or bad,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. If GAP is bundled I'm making them unbundle it.
OldSchoolCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Call your insurer in Chicago before you fall in love with the 2013 Toyota Prius. If they balk, that's your answer. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Sleeping on the number either way.
BoostedRoadie62Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, i would not wire money until I've seen the 2013 Toyota Prius and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
RotorNerd69Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. If one piece looks too good on the 2013 Toyota Prius, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Monthly payment math is how wallets disappear. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
TrailGarage74Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. Two 2013 Toyota Prius quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. That's the whole play. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
GarageDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. If they balk, that's your answer. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Chicago with 14,500 miles. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
OldSchoolCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “good or bad,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Chicago with 14,500 miles. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
NorthTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 21, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2013 Toyota Prius and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Chicago with 14,500 miles. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
BoostedRoadie62Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, two 2013 Toyota Prius quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
BoostedRoadie3Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Two 2013 Toyota Prius quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
BoostedRoadie62Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. I'd rather be boring and correct. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
NorthTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. Two 2013 Toyota Prius quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Then the comparison gets honest. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
TrailGarage74Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. If one piece looks too good on the 2013 Toyota Prius, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Stop there until you know. If the VIN lookup is clean I'm still doing PPI.
OldSchoolCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “good or bad,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. That's my plan before I call anyone.
OldSchoolCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. A written buyer’s order on the 2013 Toyota Prius is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” If they balk, that's your answer. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Chicago with 14,500 miles. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
TrailGarage74Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2013 Toyota Prius numbers without them. Do that before you talk monthly again. Stop there until you know. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
BoostedRoadie62Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Ask for out-the-door on the 2013 Toyota Prius with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
TurboBuilder93Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 22, 2026permalink
Quick update: a second 2013 Toyota Prius quote made the first offer look ordinary. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
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