is tinted glass standard on the prius v five ? and why did they design the center console w/ a lid that lifts from the drivers side, instead of from front to back ? so that the passenger cant access the compartment ? when i buy one, that lid will have to come off.
I agree on the tinted glass. we had the privacy windows on our Explorer and I do miss them. I have heard the complaints about the glove box, to me it's a minor thing. I usually ride on the passenger side and I haven't had any major issue getting into it. I think the terrible location of the cruise control switch is far more irritating. LOL
No tinted glass on any package. I have no idea why. I sent mine to the window tinting shop the first day.
Tinted glass on passenger cars is not 50-state legal. An Explorer is not a passenger car, so is exempt from a number of passenger car safety requirements.
Sorry, I meant Privacy glass from the factory. Same requirements? Because I see VW wagons come with it standard. Sorry, it's been long time since we purchased a passenger car. My Outback wagon, also came with privacy glass. So I assume Wagons fall into the SUV model on privacy glass. So I would assume the v would have it, as it's classified as a mid-sized wagon.
My 1998 Sienna came with dark tinted windows everywhere except the front doors (and windshield, of course). I looked into the reason at that time and learned that federal law only permits (a) light tint all around, or (b) dark tint in the rear windows but none in the front doors. I think the Prius v comes with very light tint all around.
The original Outback wagons were passenger cars, and did not have that privacy glass. Subaru converted the Outback to an SUV in about 2004, which freed it from passenger car safety and fuel economy regulations and moved it into the weaker regulations of the SUV/truck category. Only then was that glass offered. Wagons can fall into either category. I bought my 1997 Subaru wagon in part because it wasn't an SUV, it met all the passenger car regulations.
Thanks Fuzzy. Is that in a technical sense? Because Subaru still calls it a Wagon, but it won C&D SUV o the year in 11. But that explains the privacy glass issue.
Here is a nice pictorial of all the state laws,* trying several states will convince you no manufacturer could meet them all. http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/ *While this is a starting point, I advise you to read the actual law in your state to determine your responsibilities. Window tint laws can be complex, your arresting officer may be just as confused as you are. Window Tint Laws: State-Specific Information - FindLaw
I intend to tint all my windows to the limit of our state law. My Scion xB has factory privacy glass on all but the front two side windows, and I had them tinted to the limit of the law. Hoping to get this done next week.
Got our Blizzard Pearl III done today and it looks fantastic. It's a really nice contrast. We had the back window, along with the back passenger windows done in 15%.
I had the dealer "throw in" the tint during negotiations. My last Prius was a bit too dark and I couldn't scan for cops behind me So I had the front done at 35% and the rears at 25%. I think it looks good. However, I just noticed a scratch on my door panel that I'm not happy with. I'm glad I had the tint done at the dealership, because they said bring it and they will replace the panel.
