advice on options

I love the nav system. I am a consultant and am often traveling to new client sites, so this is a good feature for me. But even if I weren't, I'd probably like the nav anyway.

I have heard good things about VSC, but I'll wait until winter to really test it out.

I don't see leather seats as an option when I try to "build my own", so no advice there. I'd prefer leather, too.

I have the rear bumper applique - it came with mine, too. It's a sticker they put on the bumper to protect it. I've heard mixed things about it, but I figure it's better than nothing for now.

 

I will never again buy any vehicle without VSC. In fact, when my daughters go to buy a car, I'll pay the difference so they get VSC.

(I'm still paying off $45,000 in college loans. So no car, just the VSC..)


There are a couple of threads on the VSC. Here is a current one.

http://priuschat.com/forums/driving-in-sno...ow-vt10261.html

And it doesn't just potentially save your life in the snow. Same thing with rain and one of these posts is about an oil-type spill.

 

DRT,

IMO, what it really boils down to is whether or not you need/want or might need/want the 'Nav' in the future.

I have pkg4 because I didn't need Nav at this point and I was planning to upgrade my audio regardless. So that was my justification to save, while still getting the foglamps (mediocre) and getting the side curtains, SKS and V Stability Control.

And so I just put some of the savings into leather install and upgraded tires too. This choice will therefor depend on what you are definitely looking for or desiring.

p.s. if dealers in your area have Prii inventory on lot, absolutely make sure to make a competitive offer considering the surplus inventory Don't just accept the company story about MSRP being firm price!!

The bubble has burst on these cars and just shooting from the hip, I'd say offer a purchase price of at least $500 under for pkg4 and $900 under MSRP for pkg6. (Multiple reasons why potential Prius consumers have the leverage now)

Good luck~

 

Also, don't for get that package 6 has a hands free bluetooth phone system built in. I just picked up my new Black Package 6 Saturday and the hands free system is better than any head set I have ever had. People say the clarity is perfect.

 

There are many reasons people pick the full package 6.....or 9 from 2004...those would be that they want the gas mileage, as well as all of the "geek" technology that comes with the package 6...to me, it didn't get any better because I love geeky tech

For others though, the fact that it gets great gas mileage, is enough, so no need for all the Bluetooth, NAV, 50 speakers in 30 locations , or the HID's and fogs...I agree that VSC is important, and hard to justify not having it. Also, if you trade it in or sell it privately in a few years, the resale will probably be easier with a more "desireable" package.

So, you call the shots, it's what you want, and what you want to get out of the car now or in the future.

Dave.

 

In my area, the Homelink feature was only offered on the #9 package. We have found the Nav. to be quite useful on more than one occasion. However, there are a lot of cheaper, portable nav. systems out there. My Zire has a software package for just that for about $300.

 

I am a geek. Bottom line. I don’t deny it, I embrace it. I love all the options I can get. After having a number of after market in dash stereos stolen in the past I have learned to tolerate the best factory has to offer. I am not disappointed with the JBL 9 speaker 6 CD Changer.

While I am happy with the NAV system, it is as good as any portable or after market auto tuned NAV system I have used. The Prius NAV system has many features disabled once you start moving. I feel it is crippled. (There are hacks available if Coastal Tech responds to your inquires). An after market will NOT be disabled once you start moving. I prefer one that can be updated via the internet instead of replacing the DVD for an unknown amount.

My family bought me a blue tooth phone for Father’s Day and I really like using it in this car. However, transmitting data from the phone to the car is VERY labor intensive. I think speaker phones and headsets are a viable alternative.

I prefer cloth seats. Even leather ones stick to your legs when you wear shorts. The side curtains are integrated in the seats. Boy is it REALLY going to be expensive once the airbag system engages.

If you ask me weather or not I would buy a package 6 again. I would not say yes. I would say Hell YES!!! All of these gizmos built in by the factory are fully integrated, and work well together.

 

If you have the dough, get all the options and you'll never be wondering... "if only..."

The VSC is pretty amazing on ice and snow - you'll never really know it's there but it makes my Prius pretty near impossible to put into a spin. As hard as I tried, I could NEVER get the car to do a single "donut" all winter.