Second thoughts . . .

hmm the article implies that the exemption would be for state AND LOCAL taxes... state tax is only 6.5%....it states that someone in seattle could save as much as 9.3%....unless seattle has moved to another state...

*edit*
ok the RCW says we get crdt for two taxes, but it appears that it will be the motor use tax of .3% and state sales tax, so it will be pretty much, probably, most likely (did not read the entire RCW) 6.8%....which is still more than enough for me to whine about not getting something that should have been implemented YEARS AGO

 

We hear you. And we know many here want a PHEV. But as we said in Detroit, our goal is not to be first-in-market with a PHEV, but to be best-in-market. And we certainly wouldn't want any of you to regret not having been one of the first to have a 2010.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

 

Thanks, Doug.
[begin personal opinion]
I understand the delay on PHEV.
In order to not lose cargo space (which is a determinate for vehicle size), the batteries required for a PHEV would have to not use the space that a PHEV conversion does. In other words, right now, that's lithium.
Lithium batteries are not proven yet. I've personally seen what small, cell-phone size lithium batteries can do when they overheat. I do NOT want to see what a PHEV size lithium battery can do if it "self-disassembles with venting of super heated gases" (internal memo concerning cell phone batteries...).
The cell phone battery issue was based partly on the batteries becoming overheated during extended use. A PHEV battery will have to be able to take thousands of charges, and be used over many hours at a time. It would only make sense to have the PHEV use a single battery system that takes in energy through a plug in AND through the ICE MG1 & MG2 systems... otherwise, you have just doubled the battery bulk, weight, and the charging systems. More complexity means more things to go wrong.
Hybrid owners that have done the PHEV conversion (with current battery technology) have traded cargo space and added weight for the batteries. How many mainstream Prius drivers are willing to give up the space?
When I am ready to do that, I may go for the Hymotion conversion, or some other conversion package that is proven compatible with the Prius.
When Toyota comes out with a PHEV, I'll expect it to be the safest, most dependable PHEV available.[/personal opinion]

So, Toyota, how about a straight EV?

 

Well crud, you guys have effectively boxed me out. I could offer to drive it into the lake, but I'm not sure that's a good offer.

Tom

 

Thanks Doug. I do believe that Toyota is dedicated to quality, and I understand that that limits how soon a car can be brought to market. Tesla has solved the issue of Li-Ion stability with monitoring and cooling mechanisms; and LiFePO4 battery chemistry solves the issue by being a stable chemistry, not subject to thermal run-away, but I understand that Toyota must do its own testing, and that takes time. I am confident that when Toyota brings out a PHEV Prius for the public market, it will be an excellent and reliable car.

There is, of course, the fact that Toyota built an electric car a decade ago, and our own Darell is still driving his, and some of us really envy him and wish that Toyota had continued to sell electric cars. As much as I love my Xebra, Darell's Toyota EV is a better car. It wouldn't take any actual research or testing to bring that one back. Hmmm? Nudge, nudge.

 

I really like that they fixed the gas tank, but whats up with that oil filter? That is about the worst design I have ever seen. Who's idea was that?? I like the looks of the Gen II better. I really do not like the new center console and I really love my touch screen. I will have to wait until I see one in person, and see what MPG you guys get with it..There is good and bad with both, but still better than most..

 

I WANT A 2010 Platinum package. Wish I could have received the early offer and discount. Yes, when the PHEV comes out I will be in line but now I want the 2010. I do not want the moon roof. I have been forced to take it to get the goodies I wanted in the past. Using it was noisy, cold, dirty, sun burning, etc. There are thousands of moon roof's on the road and it is very rare to see one open. Doug please allow me to get the Platinum package or equivalent without the moon roof.

I think I sold two people a Prius just today. Many of my acquaintances have them based on my enthusiasm of my '04 and '06. It is fun to convert people to a new way of driving.

Bob

 

Does anyone have a good picture of the MPG screens? I have been looking but can not find one. How does it compare to the consumption and energy monitor screens?

 

The Platinum package is NOT available with a moonroof, so your prayers are answered.

Tom

 

I can't justify the trade up until there is a significant boost in mileage i.e.: PHEV. The emissions in the current model and the gen 3 are comparable. Most of us are already getting over 50, so that is just not a big draw for me. they gadgets were nice, heck, they were great!!! Just not enought to justify the trade/purchase,

I will, however, be looking for a ride along with one of you guys...........

 

Can someone explain these packages to me. My dealer took my name and put it on a waiting list. I was not told about any packages. Are these packages the only way the cars will come in?

 

There are three options packages available to those who have been given the opportunity to pre-order from the very first batch of 2010s built. Since you apparently were not invited to pre-order, it's a moot point. When the car becomes available to the public, there will be additional packages, but those have not yet been published.

 

Thanks Daniel, I guess I like everyone else will just have to wait.
FRED

 

Fred can have my 'offer'. I got an email and Toyota called me at work today to see if I wanted to buy one. I debated the answers:

1. No, thanks
2. Not with all the lost ergonomic and functional cockpit changes

Figuring she didn't really care if I bought one or not and would be even less likely to care WHY, I went with #1. Must be I was right, she just said OK and hung up.

If/when they come out with a decent PHEV Prius, I might have to choke down the new cockpit. I live in Pollyanna Land hoping they will return the lost features and trash the arch with the PHEV. There is little wrong with the Gen II cockpit, though the 2010 seats would be a nice improvement. Until then I'll just keep the '04 and '06, maybe buy a used '09 if I need to replace one of them in a few years.