Hi all, I picked up my new 2006 Silver Pine Mica Package #6 yesterday. (My wife absolutely loves this color- I do too, but probably would have chosen Driftwood.) I had to travel to Virginia from NC as NC (Southeast region) will not be offering Package 6. It is kind of an interesting story given what I've read about waiting lists, etc. My dealer in NC (with whom I left a deposit in Sept.) promised me a car right after the new year, when the tax advantages kick in. Thanks to everyone here, I kept checking on packages, prices, etc. as they became available. And I can say that after speaking with dealers in 4 states (and I don't know how many salespeople- all very nice actually), the info I got here about availability of the different packages, costs, etc. really helped!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!! Anyway, Since Novemeber, I began to call my dealer as it became increasingly evident that they would not indeed have "my car" anywhere near the beginning of January and from this list, I figured out how to tell that indeed we in the SE region would not have the package I wanted at all. The dealer seemed pretty clueless about this and after speaking with him on Jan. 2 I began doing searches of other states and dealerships within a few hours of Western North Carolina. Lo and behold, I found the exact car I had "ordered" at Shelor Toyota in Christiansburg, VA. I called the dealer late that afternoon and indeed they had that car and 3 other Prii. I called the dealer in NC early Tues. am and he tried to arrange a trade, but couldn't, so he courteously refunded my deposit, Shelor held the car for me and we drove the 3 hours to C'burg yesterday. We stopped on the way back, so for mileage- almost all interstate driving, I got 47MPG for about 90 miles going between 60 - 70 MPG over very hilly roads. Anyway, for those burning for a Prius right now, Shelor in Christiansburg, VA (about 30 minutes south of Roanoke- 30 mintues north of Wytheville on Rte. 81) has at least 3 (maybe 4.) I know they had a black, Barc. Red, (not sure the packages on those 2), and a Silver Pine Mica Package 7. We worked with Mike Gummer, about the nicest, mellowest, non-pressuring guy we could have hoped for. He was quite knowlgeable about the Prius and the basic stuff about how to drive it, use the menus, etc. Cheers to all!!!! Gordon 2006 Silver Pine Mica #6 (I've been waiting to write that for close to 6 months now! Woo-Hoo!!!)
I pick up my 2006 tomorrow, package 8, driftwood, with gold emblems, mats, and have tried to order a spoiler through here. Not certain if it took or not, and I cannot contact them. The spouse has a 2003 Avalon, and her navigator is not voice activated, so she is a tad jealous. By the way, I got Toyota's extended warranty (no deductible) for 75,000 or 7 years, for $800. I am excited to say the least. My last two cars have been a 2000 Lexus, and a 1996 Infiniti, and I think this is the most exciting purchase of them all. I am grateful to the owners of this website, which have allowed me to become familiar with a number of issues that are important to us all. Michmale
Gordon, Woo Hoo back atcha, and welcome. Seems southern VA is a good place to get 'em---anywhere but SE. I used to live near Roanoke. What could be better than driving a new Prius up on the Blue Ridge? Just not quite the right season, I suppose.
Well, it was even prettier going over the mountain from East TN into Western North Carolina. Lost about 1 MPG on the way up and gained about 1.5 on the way down. It's just too cool to describe. Having been over this stretch of road a lot, I tend to forget to be impressed with the natural beauty- especially true today watching the manmade beauty of the inside of the car! (It's hard to take your eyes off the screen- or road.) About the pics. It's dark now, but I'll try tomorrow. Unfortunately they're calling for snow, so sunlight might be a problem. To describe the color in words...I'd say it's a little more lgiht green than silver. A little less metallic than I would like, but as I said my wife REALLY liked it on the Toyo website and even more in person. So, I'm happy. It really is a very nice soft pale green. At night under lights, it appears a little more "silvery."- very nice too.
