I managed to get the color I wanted and also the first 04 in this area but was very surprised that my Prius didn't even have a rear wiper. Guess this is called basic. For those of you that have the rear wiper, do you find it indespensible? So far I really haven't missed not having it but.... Please understand, I wanted pkg 6 but live in the Southeast Region - Need I say more? Salsa Red Basic
I live in Los Angeles and have used the rear wiper five times since I got the car in December. I have not really needed it any of those times. Yes, it helps when it's raining, but it's not necessary. I can say that just wiping off the back window on dewy mornings is much more productive, since the wiper only covers about half the viewing area anyway. The defroster works pretty well. I can see the wiper being pretty much indispensable in snowy areas, though.
I have a rear wiper and have had hatch back cars in the past with rear wipers. The only time I ever use the wiper is when I am driving while it is snowing, the wiper is very handy for wiping snow off the rear window. I don't remember ever using the rear wiper for rain.
I use mine all the time w/ the washer. Unfortunately I live in a condo complex w/o covered parking or a garage. I'm not in the practice of using a car cover due to the tiime, etc. it requires. Thus, if I've been sitting for a day or two, or we get a cool ocean mist/dew, I'm frequently using my wiper to either clear the mist or the "industrial fallout" (with washer). I wouldn't get another car w/o one if it were an option. My wife misses it on her classic for the misty mornings as her previous Hyundai Elantra had one as well. The rear defrost works, just not very quickly. -Rick
Here in Vancouver we get about 50 inches of rain a year and a wiper is sort of a necessity. Only thing about the Prius rear wiper is that it on the wrong side for LH drive. It should have been on the other side as far as I'm concerened, it's situated on the left side and it's in the road to do a rear check with the inside mirror. Ya I know you have to also do a shoulder check but being aware of the traffic around you is important as well, I still think if it were mounted on the right hand side of the hatch would have been better. Maybe only my opinion, but it's mine.
Depending on where you live, the wiper may not be necessary. For me, it is something that I am glad that I have but I know it would not have made that much difference if I didnt get it.
Am I the only one who thought the Prius was not being sold WITHOUT the rear wiper? Even in the SE Region. Is yours a pre-release test model or something?
You are right, Frank. I've owned numerous vehicles over the years with rear window wipers and the current placement of the rear wiper on the Prius is clearly an oversight on Toyota's part for left hand drive cars.
EVAN: I was amazed when my Prius had no wiper. Asked the Salesman about it and he showed me the invoice (sure enuf, no wiper) Since then I have checked this out and find that indeed, the Basic Prius has no rear wiper. the Wiper brings one to pkg 1. So far I have not missed having one and the car does look clean without it. 04 Salsa Red "Basic"
Yea, that was my point, it was my understanding that there would be no 'basic' packages sold in the US--only the numbered packages. Oh well....you're special I guess!
I've seen a few of the "basic" package-less listed on eBay, all of them in the South. My guess is that you can't get it without the wiper in regions that get snow. My guess is also that they're shipping very few basic models, since they're probably right in assuming folks want at least that on their car.
You're not missing much. I was driving on the freeway in a heavy storm yesterday and noticed that while my front wipers were on the high position, my rear window wasn't getting much water at all. It's as if the air flow from above the car was keeping the rain away from the window. The rear wiper wasn't needed. I just use it in the mornings when my rear window is fogged up.
BTW, someone mentioned using Rain-X, it's particularly effective on the Prius--front and rear. I've been doing so and went through 2 rain storms without using the wipers.
Yes - I use Rain-X all the time front and rear. Works great, although you do have to reapply it every couple of weeks.
You may have a Number 2 option, which does not include a rear wiper. It's the only numbered option package without one. Number 2 option is side curtain airbags only, nothing else. Bob
BOB: Really wish it were so but alas no. I have one of the very basic Prius' But... Port options gave me a 6 in-dash cd changer, Homelink Mirror, Mats and the everlovin Toyoguard. I'm quite happy with the car just wish I was able to get the one thing (Smart Entry) I really wanted.
