Looking into buying one of these soon. Looking for real world feedback on how the large tires and leather seating have influenced your decision and would you do it again.
One of the reasons I bought my sandy beach PKG V was the 17s wheels and the leather both!! The PKG V is the best car for the money. Check out this post!! http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/77753-you-happy-your-pkg-v.html You will be more than happy with this car
I would recomend a V, as we have had ours one year today and it has been a great in all respects. Our over all average calculated is a little over 52 mpg. It handles very good in all coditions.
Yes, we bought our V with Navi (no ATP package was yet available in my area) just over a year ago. My ONLY regret is not having bought the ATP package. Every time I drive a different Prius (2010 models), I feel the difference immediately. Buy it, you will not be unhappy!
I got a Prius V for a lot of reasons--including the 17" wheels, leather, LED headlights, fog lights, etc., and am very happy with my decision. I'm sure you'll hear others agreeing with their decisions...but don't expect too many (if any) second guessing their decisions--it's human nature.
The only way to get what I wanted meant taking the leather & 17" wheels. I am pleased with the handling & the seats are more comfortable than the Gen2. If I needed to replace my V-AT today I'd start shopping for another V-AT tomorrow.
I have a Prius IV, which comes with leather heated seats. When I bought my 2008 Prius I did not get leather because heated seats were not available. That was a big mistake. I do a lot of driving and the cloth interior got dirty too quickly and I had to clean it too often. I also think the leather seat cushions are more comfortable, although that can be subjective.
Main reason why I got the V over the IV, was because of the looks and because they're more rare to see on the road. Whenever I see another V on the road (which is like 1/30 times in LA), it immediately stands out from other Prius cars.
If the V had a sunroof option, I would have gotten that. Sunroof was a requirement for us. Didn't care that much about the solar roof, but it turns out to be kinda nice - especially with the dark grey leather. I admit the 17s make the V look better. I also think the black roof on the blizzard pearl looks good (as good as a Prius can look, that is ). If it weren't a leased car, I'd consider getting 17" aftermarket wheels.
For me, LED headlights was a must because i drive on dark highways more often than i want...and no halogens have proven to be adequate for my poor eyes. 17" rims AND better steering were an added bonus...however, i would have been happy with the 15" rims and slightly sloppier steering. ATP is a must for me...now that i have experienced it.
I am very happy with my choice of a V, if a tree fell on it tonight I would certainly consider another one. One important thing that influenced my decision was the faster steering ratio, for me this makes the car much more drivable. I also like the LED lights, heated leather seats, and of course the wheel/tire package. If you get a V you also have the option of ordering the ATP and the DRCC is very worthwhile. The PCS probably is too, but I hope I don't find out for sure.
Re: Enjoy it! (Prius Package V-(5)-Five) I have had mine for about a year and remain totally satisfied with it. Every time I get behind the wheel and turn on the DRCC my enjoyment is renewed. Of all the features, that one makes the car truly special. Today, for example, I got onto I-66 in Rosslyn, VA and drove about 25 miles west in rush hour traffic and only had to tap the brakes once and endure about a 2 mile slowdown where traffic was moving less than 25 MPH. The car flawlessly tracked the speed of the cars in front of me, speeding up and slowing down as necessary with no input from me. Uncanny! I know other cars have it too, but couple it with the other bennies of the V and I think it's an unbeatable combination.
I bought the V with ATP for the technology (LED headlights, better handling, DRCC--love it, PCS) and the comfort (leather, lumbar support and heated seats are in IV and V). All of these features have delivered as promised.
