What's the big deal about the '06? Sure, if you're still waiting for your car, getting it is a very big deal. But between the '05 and the '06? A small difference in depreciation down the road, for being one year younger, and maybe (?) a slight price rise (?), but other than that, it's a Prius either way.
I think it depends on "how far you're standing away from it". From one standpoint, there are very few differences between the '05 and the '06. Structurally, cosmetically (with some extremely minor changes) and in its guts, they're the same car. A person who's into cars wouldn't even blink at the differences. On the other hand, for the person who's thinking about buying a Prius now -- particularly if they're into the tech and the gadgets -- there's some things that may be worth waiting for. Leather, MP3 radio with AUX-IN, tire pressure indicators (though you can buy them for any car for fairly little $$); maybe there's someone out there who really wants the rear-view camera. There is one item that is of somewhat greater appeal in the '06 -- at least to me and my 5'2' partner -- smarter airbag deployment tech. She's ordered the '06, and is glad of that feature. When her '06 comes in, I'll be curious to look over the differences in the car; but I really don't think I'll be lusting over it, or feel that I'm driving an "inferior" Prius. (I like to think that the term "inferior Prius" is an oxymoron. ).
You must have missed the recent discussion concerning the rip off prices they charge for the extended warranty and their sales tactics. Beware dealer Extended warranties prices....
There are a few things that make the 06 model important to me. They have increased the HP to 110, the leather seats, a voice activated NAV, and finally I like the backup camera. I have on order Package #8 seaside pearl options EF and Z1. William
thecan, I'll too be waiting anxiously for the pictures! I'd like to see what the classic silver looks like.
The '05 HP is also 110. Some people get confused when looking at the independent HP of the two motors, but the overall hybrid HP for the '05 is also 110...
Yeah, that'll be nice. I have an Acura now and with its navi you can do anything on screen no matter how fast the car is going. That would drive me nuts if I couldnt input an address while the car is moving so the ability to at least do it thru voice recog will help.
You can do it on the Prius now through an override, consisting of a few taps on the screen. I'm not sure something like that won't still be necessary on the '06 for some functions. Hopefully, it still has that override.
Thanks Wayne, I had forgot all about that! Been reading so much other stuff I do remember now posts about that. Thanks for the memory jog...
I had to fight to order my 06 #8 at msrp. They wanted $3000 over. Saying how it is such a hot car. I insisted and said "put me on the bottom on the list, but I want to buy a car *here*, but only at msrp." They backed down and took my order at msrp It would be an ironic twist if the car were to arrive before the end of the year. I guess it depends on how many other seaside #8 that were ordered at $3000 over msrp. William
Oh, I guess that was the point they were trying to make. That the 06 model has a boost in gas HP to 110. Someone posted the question, "would you take delivery in 05?". Well... gee -- Not sure. I did say when I placed my order that I wanted to take delivery in 06. They did the "I'll check with my manager" bit, but said it would be ok. But if I got a call tomorrow -- hmm - Tempting. William
