Hi Everyone, I decided I want to purchase a Prius. Even got to test drive a 2007 on Friday. Working on the details on my end over the weekend and hope to get on the list at a dealer in the next few days. Doing my research, I found this forum, OH JOY!!! WOW, I've learned a lot already, browsing on here today. Had a good chuckle reading the Waiting List Support Group! So I want to understand something. I have this list of "mods" I want to add. Does the dealer do all these for you, or do I need to do some or find someone to do them, for me? - nose deflector - mud guards - rear bumper rubber protector - LCD Screen Hood - BT Tech Skid Plate Quite sure I can do these myself: - LCD screen protector - Weathertech Cargo Mat I was all set on the Barcelona Red Package #2. Then realized I need to check with my insurance company tomorrow; Package #3 with the anti theft system may save me more in insurance in the life of the vehicle. That is the "only" thing I am undecided about at this point. All that other stuff in Package #3 I don't need; don't even know what some of it is. So it will just be a bonus and some won't get used.
Your dealership may add these accessories, but you'd likely save money purchasing them aftermarket and DIY or hiring an installer. The only reason I'd ask the overpriced dealer for these is in a buyers market squeeze, but as the waiting lists are 5 months, it's a sellers market and there will be no squeezing(well, maybe us, but not them)! Again, get these accessories aftermarket. If I'm not mistaken, package 3 includes nice goodies worth the consideration(to compliment your insurance discount), such as bluetooth, voice commands, etc.(I think. Not quite sure). The Toyota website breaks each package down to the exact features. Give it a view. Welcome to the PC club! You'll have plenty of research/prep time here while you are on the Prii waiting list.
Hehee, thanks for the welcome! How do you pronounce the plural, "Prii?" I don't have a cell phone, or a GPS, no satellite radio, why the heck would I want Bluetooth and voice commands??? That's what I meant, that I don't know what the stuff is, and likely won't use it. I'm back in the 1950s in many ways. Sigh.
My advice is don't get on a waiting list. That is, unless you don't mind waiting a long time. Start calling or sending emails out. If you are willing to drive a few hours, I bet you will find a dealer willing to sell you one in the near future. My local area has 6 month waiting lists and most are asking $2-3K over MSRP. After a million phone calls, I found a dealer about 2.5 hours away that will have my car in 3 weeks at MSRP. It's worth trying. Ashley
Don't have the dealer to them. You'll pay an arm and a leg and some he won't be able to do. (Hood deflector is Canadian part, hood shade is from eBay) I did all of the above myself plus the window deflectors. It's plenty easy. The skid plate is the only thing you'll need help on and any shop can do that. I didn't do that, I did the BT stiffening plate myself.
If you're going to buy a Prii (I pronounce it 'pre' - even in the sigular), you will have a while to wait and read up on the package details, for instance, the voice commands work for basic car functions too. As we are all saying, you can easily order these accessories yourself (like from right here on PC Chat) then have an installer put them on if you're not the DIY type. Don't have the dealer do it just for the convenience, that would be an unnecessary, expensive convenience.
thank you everyone. So I ordered my car today, did not include any of those items, will buy them separately and arrange for an installer. Not sure how I do that, but I'll learn!
COOL! Congrats! what package did you get? You will love it! No sweat on adding your items after purchase. Tons of resources for purchase and install help here on PC!
thanks, I am a bit in shock, can't believe I actually signed and did this! Barcelona Red, Package #3. I'm trying to decide about ordering the items. Not sure I can get it all in one place. And the skid plate, how big is that? Should I find someone to install it and have it shipped directly to them? I'm guessing it does not fit IN the Pri to haul it over?
Nice selection! For purchasing your aftermarket items... Although they are a little more expensive than elsewhere(not too much), you might consider the Prius Chat Shop. Ordering from here supports this site. Other retailers are: Weathertech Metro TPN CoastalTech Sigma Automotive Juicy Hybrid Auto Anything Try DIY for your items. This site(PC) has a lot of tutorials w/ pictures & instructions. Best of luck! Enjoy p.s. Good idea on having the skid plate delivered straight to the shop.
