What year/model prius is the best and why? Yeah I know the batteries

The newer the better.

As a Toyota Tech, people still maintain mostly 2nd and 3rd Gen prius hybrids. First Gen is ugly and cramped.
2nd is dated and still relies on the engine to run for A/C but was the most aerodynamic.
I've seen 3rd Gen Prius hit 200k with their original HV battery. The Aux Battery seems to crap out ever 2 years or so.
I dislike the current Prius and hate the look of the Prime.

If I had to choose, the current Prius C or a 3rd Gen Non-plugin Normal prius would be it.

>>17783107
get a volt instead. zero gas usage if you drive under 35 miles a day, or 70 if you can charge at work.

>>17783737
I love the new interior of the primes, but that's just me.
I agree the 3rd gen is what I see most, the aux batteries are junk even from the dealer. The mufflers like to rot out, but I've seen a few over 300k and many in the high 100s-200k without much issue.
May just be my area or Prius drivers in general but they all end up with the old person mold smell inside after 50k regardless of year.

>>17783846
That's the evaporator. Toyota sells a foam injection spray that get rid of the old man smell. Works very well.

The new prius is way to plastic looking to me inside.