Bought used 2007 prius with 50K miles.

Someone has a master list of all the packages/options.. but IIRC one easy way to distinguish a GenII Package 1 is that it is the only package with no backup camera.

Given that we survived for many decades without VSC-type systems, I would think it is safe to drive the car in winter without VSC, presuming that you keep to a speed that is reasonable for the conditions.

 

If you have Smart key than you have a package 2

 

If you don't see the VSC light appear when you make the car IG-ON (where all dashboard instrument panel warning lights turn on) then you are right, your car doesn't have VSC.

Regarding your question about safety in the Chicago winters, I advise you purchase four winter tires for use during snow season. Good luck.

 

I don't think that would be very cost-effective. Looks like your car is missing the front seat side airbags and the curtain airbags, as well as VSC.

You can confirm the missing airbags by looking for cloth labels on the front seats that show the presence of the side airbag, and for an inscription on the inside of the A-pillar and C-pillar trim plastic that shows an SRS system label. If you don't see these labels then your car doesn't have those airbags.

Regarding the lack of VSC, I do not know whether parts are removed, or whether the skid control ECU has some sort of logical switch within to disable that functionality.

 

could it be that the dashboard VSC indicator bulb burnt out?

 

Can the VIN be used to answer OP's question ?

 

I just looked at the '07 Prius brochure .pdf which has been posted before on this site. The package designations were different than '08, '09. For '07 Package 1 has the auxiliary audio jack, Smart Key, backup camera and the side airbags in the front seats and no VSC. Package 2 added the VSC. So unless its a burned out indicator, looks like you have an '07 Package 1.

 

https://priuschat.com/forums/knowle...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html is a thread I've bookmarked that lists out what's in each package.

 

You will easily lose thousands of dollars if you sell it.

 

Although VSC is nice to have, it is true that most drivers in winter weather have managed to survive, prior to its invention. I'd give the car a try this winter, before deciding it is time to move on.

 

The only thing that I'm aware of that you will not be able to do is transport dangerous goods in Quebec, which I believe now requires some sort of stability control.

I drive in winter etc and the only time my vsc has activated was when I still had the pos integrities on when a sloppy wet snow hit the day before I put the Blizzaks on.

 

Without the VSC you simply have to actually know how to drive.

Invest $200 in taking a defensive driver course with a skidcar. I've driven a skidcar and its fun and very educational. Its a car with 4 hydraulics controlled by the instructor. You drive it out onto a course and the instructor can simulate oversteer and understeer in different situations and teach you how to bring the car out of those skids. I think every driver in America should be required to have such training, having it made me want to go further and take additional driver training which I have.

Once you actually know how to get yourself out of situations that can cause you to loose control...you don't need the VSC. Much cheaper than selling your Prius for a loss.

 

You may have 2006 with pkg 3.