Touring Package 3 ptions, need to decide quick

I got the 2008 Touring with everything - and I'm glad I did. I think it was well worth it.
The only addition you WILL need is the BT floor plate that goes underneath the car to replace the POS that Toyota installed.
That takes about 10 minutes and a good torque wrench that will go down to 17 ft/lbs. Otherwise, the car wil FLOAT in a moderate breeze and becomes unstable in a high wind.

 

I drove both touring and non and in the end decided on the touring. Granted, i didn't take the non-touring on an extended test drive, but when I did drive the touring thru curvy hills and roads, I found it really handled well. I like the hi intensity lights with fog lights because if need be, oncoming traffic can see me better, and I can see what is out there during storms/darkness. But again, it really depends on the price difference also. So, in the end I got the Touring package #6. No regrets here.

 

Only you can deside if it's worth it to you. That sounds similar to what we have on order. Prius Touring, leather, Pkg#3. Gives us everything but GPS which wr do not want. Went for the better stability and handling plus the options that are standard on Touring vs Basic or Standard. Although I'm not sure I want the HID's either. Post here on PC indicate that the Touring is alot more stable and handles alot better. Do a search on Touring here on PC.
But it's got to be what you want. We're willing to wait for what we want.

 

We went with the non-touring edition because my wife has serious back problems and a firmer ride is not what we need right now. YMMV.

Also, while the HID lights are nice, the fog lamps are a complete joke. Base any decision about lights on the HID's alone. They completely overwhelm the fog lamps.

 

Yeah! I',m not enthusiastic about the HID's either. If you deside you want to improve handling later, there's several modifications in the PriusShop that have good reviews, and should not make your ride stiffer, just better handling and stability.

Good luck!

 

things like window tinting are up to you, but here in Texas, I couldn't imagine having a car that DIDN'T have some form of tinting... too hot.

have to agree with the others, the fog lamps are worthless, but I love the HIDs.

floor mats and bumper guard are a nice touch. i had a bunch of extras that were thrown in "free" like tinting, pinstriping, wood grain (which I'm not really a fan of), rear bumper applique, and carpet floor mats. My only requirements when I ordered mine last June were: Touring, black, pkg 3. I had planned on taking it to a friend for the window tinting, so the guy didn't charge me for it...

 

you cannot go wrong with the touring in my mind. it simply handles better then
the regular model.

i have not experienced any troubles in high wind. i would not spend the money on the
BT plate. too many gimmicks revolve around this car that mean spending money for little
to no noticeable difference in my opinion. i have not used the stiffening plate but i could
not imagine this car handling better to the point i am satisfied spending more on it.


to me, the fog lights with HID are sorta silly but i like the "looks". It is as simple as that.
i dislike cars that have places for foglights but they are missing or not there. It looks nice
and sometimes i use just the fog lights at dusk and dawn... right before i need to turn on
the HID.

I never had a GPS before and I thoroughly enjoy using the one built in. Nice clean look
and i read the directions so i like it more then others who struggle their way through it.

the spoiler tail thing on the back is only different by length.
notice the better rims and the wider tires. I did not put those plastic rim covers on my
rims because i like the look of the rims! matches my magnetic grey body.

etc... good buy. spend a few thousand more if this sounds good to you!

 

Unless they improve the interior seat and arm rest cover, you have to go with leather.
I know a few people that hated the cloth interior because of the way it wore. As far as a touring to a standard it is a toss up. I agree the fog lights are worthless, but if you didn't have them you would have a void in the front. I can't say the touring takes corners very well, but it could be the way I drive. I do take my car on curving roads alot.

 

Touring package 3 owner here, two words for ya, DO IT! The looks alone are worth it, no one has mentioned the different wheels. I hate those silly LEGO looking ones on standard.

 

Go for the Touring. Handling and looks are worth it !!!!

 

when you pick up the touring, pick up a set (4) of wheel ornaments, they will make the rim look nicer when you take off the wheel cover, or you can leave the wheel cover on, its up to you

expect to pay $20 per ornament

the part number is 42603-52030


don't expect the dealer to actually have these in stock, you might have to shop around and get a couple here one at another dealership, etc

or they might have to order them for you

oddly the touring version does not actually come with these

toyotaoemparts.com sells these for $13 each

 

excellent tip! my salesman mentioned them to me the day i bought the car
and instantly decided to get them. I basically forgot I bought them and cant
imagine not having them. I paid 12.50 each plus 10% off with my card they
gave me.

 

Does anyone have a picture? What do they look like? Wheel ornaments that is?

 

I ordered non-tour pkg4 black I have hids on my GTI
wont by another car without them. from what ive read the tour is a firmer ride!! Good luck!!Good times!!

 

Unless somebody is holding a gun to your head, you don't need to makes a decision in the next day or two. Sales people always want to appeal to your emotions and close the deal now. When that happens, you typically end up paying more than if you are calm and rational. Remember that the prius you are looking at is not the last one that Toyota is going to produce. Gas prices are currenly falling a bit and the frenzy to buy really fuel efficient cars will subside, consequently you will be in a better position to negotiate if you calm down and wait a bit.

Good Luck!

Keith

 

pics attached

 

The alloy under the plastic caps on the Touring is in fact ugly - forget about the "ornaments," leave on the plastic caps - they say loud and clear "I was lucky enough to find a Touring." Definitely go for the Touring: the wider tires and stiffer suspension place the braking distances into a whole different category (better traction and less nose dive when one hits the brakes). I'm glad I found a touring. No regrets.

 

yah the whole leave the plastic covers on, take them off, get the wheel ornaments
is all up to the individual prius owner, whats the point in buying 7 spoke alloy rims in a touring package and then hiding them from the world, if you buy something you should show them off! heh