Are you getting solar or tech package?

Get the solar package!!!! I have a loaded Infiniti EX and it has the same tech package as the Prius but also has the around view cameras which is amazing but if I had one choice of packages, it would be the solar. The radar cruise is the best feature and definitely the most used. If Toyota offered the around view cameras in that package then it may be worth it. The other features are cool but get annoying and useless after a few months. Also if you looking for the best fuel economy, the solar package should help keep the car cool and that means less work for the A/C which leads to more mpg's.

 

Solar. I have no choice since my 8 year old heard about the solar roof....


What he really wants is a flying car

 

That would be offset by the extra weight. During his Earth Day chat, Doug form the Prius team indicated that there would be a small mpg hit due to weight. Presumably it would be very small, maybe not even noticeable, but it would be an ongoing effect while mpg effect of cooling would be occasional. So, it's really a comfort, convenience, cool factor issue.

Here is the question and answer:
[Comment From Randy ]
How much of an MPG hit will the solar roof introduce due to its extra weight?
Prius Team (Doug): Randy - that is going to vary based on your driving profile. Lots of stop and go will mean the additional weight impact is increased, but its going to be fairly small

Roy

 

Getting the solar package due to my location.

 

Solar only because I like moonroofs.

If it were up to me, I'd ditch that expensive solar panel fan gadget, and have a panoramic moonroof instead.

 

So, 3,600 smackeroos for a hole in the roof plus a solar panel that generates just enough to power a 60W light bulb! Not to mention the added weight and leak-or-theft potential potential associated with the roof cutout.

Cost effective use of the money?

Not from where I view the world. For that money you could pay for the gas to drive the first 60,000 miles+ in the new G3 Prius.

 

But it looks cool!

 

Good thing its optional.

 

Some of you guys are going a little crazy with added weight issues. Are you going to tell your wife and kids to take a cab home so you can get 1-3 extra mile per gallon by cutting body weight???

 

I agree the added weight is trivial ... but the added cost is not, IMHO.

 

You are correct sir. $3600 pays for fuel for about 3 years.
:hungry:

 

Neither. I find both to be a waste of money.

But that's not to say they won't be completely useless. It will make me feel better to know that, even though it was quite foolish of me to drop 28k on a mid-size car (and even pay extra for bigger wheels), some people spent even more money to circulate warm air through the cabin or help them parallel park. Kind of the same way I feel about people lining up to pay MSRP.

Plus, these extra pricey upgrades enabled Toyota to push down the model prices. So thanks to all you tech pioneers!

Seriously, to each his own and more power to ya, but definitely not for me.

 

I'm thinking neither as well. Definitely not the advanced tech package since I know how to park my car including parallel parking (20 yrs living & driving in SF will make you an expert) and I don't need LKA. Radar cruise would be nice if I could get it separately but since I can't then fuggedaboutit.

I have a moonroof on my Saab now and find I rarely use it (I use it maybe 1% of the time). The sun beating down on my scalp is not comfortable and then requires me to wear a hat since I burn easily. I would like the remote AC very much, but not sure it's worth $3,600. I'm even now questioning whether I really want leather seats, though I do want the lumbar support and SKS. I don't even need the super fancy stereo system (8 speakers vs. 6? big whoop). My Garmin GPS 660 ($300) already has bluetooth, speakerphone, and even has MP3/music playback. I really only need a plug in for my iPod and FM/AM radio.

sigh... I want just what I want and nothing I don't want and unfortunately that's just not possible.

 

I'm quite surprised by the number of person that mentioned they buy a Prius to save on gas. Personally, the price is not a major issue, I mean, I do not buy a Prius to save on fuel but to emit less CO2. So why skimp on comfort and luxury if we want ?

I also don't believe the "weight issue" (Explanation for the fact that it is not possible to have both the solar panel and the Tech package). First of all because this combination is possible in Canada ! Second, if my Prius is not able to manage the extra weight of some electronic gadgets, I will have to tell my car pool friend to lose some weight !

So, to answer the question, I ordered both, the solar panel and the Tech package, since it is possible in Canada !

My dealer told me yesterday that the price list in Canada will be published during the first week of June and the 2010 Prius will be launched in Canada on June 18th.

Can't wait !

 

I really, really, really want both the solar and the tech package.

The weight issue can be solved by doing either or both of the following:

1. Nix the 17" wheels. It seems most people want the 17" wheels because they look nicer. According to some, the 15" ones look particularly bad. OK - offer us some nice-looking 15" alloys, Toyota.

2. Offer the solar panels without the moonroof (Aptera is doing this). I live in San Diego where it's always sunny and never rains -- perfect place for a moonroof. But I don't want one. Open windows give me plenty of fresh air, and I do not need more UV rays hitting my head. And an operable moonroof is just one more thing that could fail or leak.

I will wait for my new Prius until Toyota offers both the high tech and the solar (in the USA). In a couple years, if Toyota can't do that, then I will buy it in Canada and make a road trip of it.

 

If you buy in Canada, would you have to pay taxes once you brought it back to the states?

 

In CA, yes. See the CA DMV site for details.

 

Plan on getting neither one. I rarely use the sunroofs on my current vehicles.