PriusChat Earth Day Chat

I also agree with Daniel's comment about the leather. I would have no problem going with a level IV, but I don't want leather. Why doesn't Toyota offer any sort of ala cart options, like adding individual features rather than having to get an entire package. You could charge more for the individual features if they aren't in a package and still make the same amount of money if they did buy a package, but then the customer would be able to get exactly what they want if they are willing to pay for it. Or, leave the option open to take items out of a package. For instance, with me and the level IV with leather. I should be able to remove the leather trim and get a reduced price on the IV; however, that's not possible.

I was really looking forward to the 2010's and I was a guaranteed buyer, but now that the packages are out, I have to say that I'm a little disappointed about how they were put together. It's very limited.

 

There is a weight limit on the prius. Its was talked about at the beginning of the chat.

 

Okay, well, how much of a weight difference is there? I just can't imagine the technology package weighing so much that it wouldn't be able to be coupled with the solar package. To me, it just seems like some extra microchips. Is there a lot of mechanical add-ons that make it heavier?

 

So, the nav package is really $1800 for nav and better bluetooth capabilities?

Sorry, that I didn't see the weight thing in the chat previously. The earlier portions were condensed so I didn't see them at first. I went through and read them and I understand that there may be a weight issue in order to get mpg; however, would there still be a weight issue if the tech package were offered on a lower level, such as a II, III, or IV? How much weight are we talking about?

Any word on when the Safety Connect feature will come out? I know that everything says later in the year, but how late? I personally have a lease that I want to get out of, but I only have about 4 months left on it. I really want the Safety Connect feature and if I can't get it on a model right away, I'll have to wait for it. Any info on what month we might be looking at?

 

Dang Vegans ... whoops ... hope a certain Washington witch didn't hear me

 

I suppose that it's more of a peace of mind thing than anything. If my vehicle is stolen, I would like to have some way of tracking it. Or, if I'm in an accident, I would appreciate it if the system notified police for me, especially if I wasn't able to. Around where I live, it's very common for both things to happen, so I would really like to have it as a feature.

 

Thanks Danny for organizing this chat!

I had a couple more questions:
1. Will the touchscreen show MP3 titles in other languages other than English? The main concern for me is Russian.

2. Will Regular (87) remain the optimum for new engine or need to go for 89?

and after the comment about 0W-20 oil, one more question came to my mind. What about hot climate environment like South TX or Mexico country?

 

Thanks to Danny & Prius Team for the chat today.

 

I used 0W-20 Toyota full synthetic this winter in my 2004 w/74K miles and have 6,500 miles on this oil so far. The engine consumed ~1 quart of oil over that period during relatively mild weather; normally oil consumption would be unnoticeable. I can see why 0W-20 is not recommended in the US for Classic and 2G (although it is recommended in Japan.) When I change the oil in a couple of weeks I will revert back to 5W-30 synthetic for the summer.

I assume that the 2010 engine will not consume oil to the extent that I noticed with my 2004. We'll see what the first owners have to say about this, as the summer progresses.

Thanks to Danny for hosting and to Doug for answering so many questions during today's chat session, it was most informative and fun.

 

I missed the chat, but read the transcript. I understand, that we can not completely pick and choose our own specs, even though it would be nice. But I too would like to see a few more possibilites. I really dont want leather seats, or even seat warmers. But wouldn't mind being able to have some of the Advanced technoogy options.

The one thing I am curious on is that I thought Toyota was converting a truck factory in Missouri, to a Prius factory. Is this no longer the case? or was the report I read a few months ago, inaccurate?