Finally got the call from the dealer that I thought wouldn't happen. Now I'm wondering about maybe a Highlander or something else coming out soon. Are Priuses continuing to hold their resale? Probably not like before with more alternates and the tax credits creating leftover 05s, etc.. Also, the dealer says he can't get leather #8s in the N.E. but wants 1200. for a door/seat kit installed. I said I'd do my own leather. anyone get leather in NY-ME?
Tempus Fugit... Biggest question on the Highlander is, "Do you really need an SUV?" Personally, I prefer my Prius. The dealer is correct, leather is not offered as one of the packages or an option in the NE/NY area. When you get the leather done just make sure it has all the necessary breakaway seams for the airbag system.
breakawy seams? where, in the side bolsters? anyone decent at wrapping steering wheels? $1200 sound a bit high for leather installed? And has anyone sucessfully installed seat heaters? I don't need an suv but I can use the haulage space.
A silver pkg 7 appeared at the lot and I had to make a decision before I was really ready. My main decisions were to sell my corvette to buy the prius or even get a different hybrid. If I was going to get a hybrid I wanted one with the best mpg, so it was between the 06 honda or the 06 prius. I liked the hatchback and I liked the toyota hybrid system. I went ahead and bought last tuesday, and I am still smiling. It is a neat little car and fun to drive. So far I am glad I took the leap.
The fleet manager at Carson Toyota in Los Angeles recently posted on yahoo that she is selling the HiHy at $3500 - $4000 off msrp, depending on model.
Yesterday she posted that here, in 3 different forums! And she's making a donation to PC for ones bought by PCers. A lot of Toyota heavy metal is just languishing on lots, including the underachieving Highlander Hybrid. Geez, maybe Toyota's in trouble. I'm gonna find a GM board and play Toyota's malorn.
Yes, in the side bolsters (like GTs). The lowest I've seen mentioned for aftermarket leather on PC is $800-900. And yes, PCers have had seat heaters installed with leather, too.
I guess it depends how much hauling space, and how often. Would a car rack solve the problem ? My daughter goes off on a rant every time she sees the boxy Scion, but it is very functional; and to some, quirky in a good way
I can relate. It's a tough decision. I got a call last Monday for a silver package 8. I had an 05 package 6 and wanted leather and more toys. I got wacked on the trade, but I don't regret it a bit. The 06 feels tighter and the toys are fantastic. I particularly like the MP3 player.
If everyone wanted to hold off and think about it for awhile until I got mine, I'd be cool with that.
Why not call around to an area that does have (or can get) a Package #8? It should only cost a couple hundred dollars to fly to go get it.
I would like to hear about your experience moving from the 'vette to a Prius. As you can see from my avatar I have a MkIV Supra and am feeling a lot of pain with the forthcoming change (about 2 weeks) but am consoling myself with the improved safety and of course the fuel economy (14.4l/100k against 4.4l/100k for the Prius).
I agree. How far would you need to go to get a factory #8? You could always have the seat heaters put in if you really want them. But I'd rather have the factory leather wheel. Check out the nearest area where you can get a #8 and start working with the dealers there to get your package and color. You'll have a fabulous drive back.
Unless you realy need the space of an SUV, I would stay with the Prius, as it has an outstandihg safety profile, especially in your package. Not to worry about aftermakret leather, as there are several suppliers that do an even better jobthan Toyota! Of course, let them know to use airbag supported leather (breakaway) for the seats, as they do this ALL the time. Also, it is doubtful they can leatherize the wheel, but go to www.wheelskins.com to get a do it yourself kit, about $50 (wheel should be in black I believe regardless of the color leather to match dash). Several posts have had good things to say about this. Let me know what you decide, -Steve
exactly.... unless someone is into the outdoors, camping, trailblazing etc there is ABSOLUTELY NO need for an SUV... I could rant for days about the evils of soccer moms plowing through suburbia in their SUVs with 1-2 kids on their way to McDonalds after school..... but i wont !
I think that I'd get the Prius (I did, in fact). If you get an SUV, hybrid or not, you'll be hauling around the extra 1000's of pounds whether you're using the interior space or not. The few times that you may need it, there are other alternatives. Also, the Highlander is optimized for power, like the Honda Accord, not like the Ford Escape that is optimized for gas mileage from the hybrid system. So you're paying two big penalties, the hybrid system isn't going to help your gas mileage much, and your vehicle weighs a lot more. Also characteristic of SUV's are safety problems, they tend to roll over more due to their higher center of gravity, and are built to truck safety standards rather than car safety standards. So they have a tendancy to suffer roof collapse if they do roll over. Anyways, I can't think of any reason to have an SUV...a minivan has the extra interior room to fit a family of 6 to 8 or haul more (with the flat-folding seats), and is built to car safety standards, but then there aren't any hybrid minivans that I've heard of yet. -Roger
I agree.. I always get a sinking feeling when I'm getting ready to sign for 30K!... But once the anxiety dwindles, you'll still be glad you did it!.. YOu have already made your decision... now its just tough to stomach the cost! I did the same thing when I got married! :lol: That was 24 years ago!
