2007 Touring edition worth it??

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lauren @ Aug 11 2006, 11:03 AM) [snapback]301551[/snapback]</div>

I would think that the MPG would be worse with bigger, heavier wheels. Probably not much though. I think the touring edition is for those what want a sportier car that still gets excellent fuel economy. I guess it depends on what YOU want in a car.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lauren @ Aug 11 2006, 01:12 PM) [snapback]301562[/snapback]</div>

I certainly hope not

 

Current stock 15" wheel = 14.3 lbs___Tire = 17 lbs___Total = 31.3 lbs

Current stock 16" wheel = 15.2 lbs___Tire = 20 lbs___Total = 35.2 lbs

Revs per mile are about the same for both.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lauren @ Aug 11 2006, 01:03 PM) [snapback]301551[/snapback]</div>

If I were buying one now, I'd go for the Touring Edition. I like the 16" wheels much better than the 15" wheels on the standard version. Also, I believe the Touring Edition has an upgraded suspension. If the differerence is between $1K and $2K (which I believe it is), I think it's worth it.

 

Well, if we are specifically talking about tires, there will be some performance difference with the Touring Edition vs the standard tire/wheel combination. However I don't see there being a huge difference.

If we take a look at this from a marketing perspecive, the Touring Edition(s) are top of the line trim packages with some extra "bling" that are targeted at high end purchasers, and existing Prius owners who would be good candidates for a significant upgrade. This is a typicaly Toyota marketing activity, to ramp up trim and features in the final model year before they roll out a new body style entirely. It helps to prevent a huge drop off in vehicle sales in the last model year of a particular design by creating marginal interest in the existing design. If I felt flush enough I would consider trading for the Touring edition, assuming that the supply of them was sufficient that I would have no issues getting my hands on one.

But I'm not jumping the gun yet.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeromep @ Aug 11 2006, 10:43 AM) [snapback]301582[/snapback]</div>

And also that Toyota is now comfortable bringing over their old top-of-the-line packages that normally only sell in Japan, and/or Europe hoping to sell into the enthusiast crowd.

Now if they would only bring over their latest cel-phone tech.

As usual, for the Prius and celphones, the USA is still 2-3 years behind the curve.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ Aug 11 2006, 10:39 AM) [snapback]301577[/snapback]</div>

If that's what the difference in price turns out to be I agree. Bigger wheels and tires are a worthwhile improvement, the car needs stiffer suspension, and I think the redesigned rear spoiler might help with stability the same way the BT Tech rear spoiler add on did. To bad they didn't add rear disc brakes as well, or did they?

 

Please note that the Japanese 10-15 mileage test number of the turing model is 10% worse than 15 inch normal model.

Ken@Japan

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lauren @ Aug 14 2006, 12:52 PM) [snapback]302834[/snapback]</div>

Japanese 10-15 mode test mileage numbers are...
G edition(15 inch) ... 33.0 km/L
G Turing edition(16 inch) ... 30.0 km/L

Ken@Japan

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lauren @ Aug 15 2006, 12:42 AM) [snapback]302995[/snapback]</div>

The Japanese 10-15 mode test is done just after the warming up.
The US EPA test is done after coolong down over night.
So, they are apples to oranges.

Ken@Japan

 

<_< Originally, I had ordered a 2007 Pkg 6 Options A0 and P4. Changing to a 2007 Touring, same Package and Options.

The MSRP difference is $270. Difference in wheels and tires are worth at least that.

 

The salesman called me when a car became available. It happened to be a TE Prius. I pounced on it so that I wouldn't have to wait for an order to come in. I'm happy with the car, but I think that the TE gives you a stripe on the car and a spoiler that makes it look sporty. If I had a choice, I would have opted for a regular Prius if it were there.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Oct 21 2006, 05:53 PM) [snapback]336184[/snapback]</div>

If that's the price difference, I would definitely go for the touring edition if I had the choice (I have the 2006 so it's too late!) I took a look at the new 2007 cars. The larger wheels look so much better. But even they have the silly plastic wheel covers. Why?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Oct 21 2006, 07:17 PM) [snapback]336210[/snapback]</div>

Because they underscore the hybrid theme- plastic and metal together.

 

We just picked up our 2007 Prius with the Touring package. I haven't driven it much yet but will report later how the 'tuned' suspension feels after I've spent some time with it. I like the look of it much better with the elongated spoiler and the larger wheels. My dealer tells me Toyota has now haulted release of the Touring temporarily until they sort out whether or not to include the plastic covers on the wheels (his words, not mine). I intend to remove them at first opportunity!! It will give the car a much sportier look and at least (for a while) differentiate it from the rest of the prius pack. We're excited about the car.