I know I have left a post like this before, but I just don't know if I should get the Touring or Standard. I can't find a Touring to drive. I hear it is a very harsh ride. Which is better. Where can I go to drive one? I live on Long Island in New York. Help, please???? !!! Thanks for everyones replies. They are very helpful. It looks like I will just have to try to drive a Touring next to the Standard. Have no idea how though. So few cars in this area.
I just got a touring and love it. To me, the ride is very smooth ... but I'm coming from a Mini S Convertible with run flat tires. I put 100 miles on the car today and never noticed a harsh bump. (I switched from the Mini because I just had back surgery and needed an automatic. In the Mini, the rough roads would jar my back all the time.)
I have the regular Standard, and I'm quite pleased. I really haven't encountered any problems with stability control... I have noticed that on windy days the Prius does move, but nothing that I can't control. I actually think that my ride is very smooth. I test drove the touring and did not really notice much of a difference with the standard. I did not get the touring because they didn't have my color of choice. So I ended up getting the standard pkg 6 in black. Good Luck!
I have a touring and love it. Not rough at all until I pumped up the tires to 40/38. Now bumpy roads are a little rougher. But I think it handles better then my spouses Classic 03 with smaller tires (16" vs. 15"). My two cents.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ronald56 @ Jun 15 2007, 05:28 PM) [snapback]462718[/snapback]</div> If the local dealer (who doesn't seem to have a Touring model for you to drive) was the source of the comment about a harsh ride, I would suggest they were trying to steer you to a car that they had in stock. The ride of the Touring edition is nowhere near "harsh". It is more firm than the marshmallow feel of the standard (non-Touring) Prius, but nowhere near "harsh". Harsh ride causes neck and back muscle spasms. I have yet to experience neck or back muscle spasms in my Touring edition and I have a number of back problems.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ronald56 @ Jun 15 2007, 07:28 PM) [snapback]462718[/snapback]</div> I have a 2007 Touring and find the ride incredibly smooth and I am VERY particular about a comfortable ride. I have the tires set at 42/40 and it's still great!
The 'harshness' of the ride for the touring is just a matter of relativity. No doubt, it will be firmer than the standard Prius. Personally, the ride is not harsh at all. Bumps are more pronounced, but I wouldn't say it's harsh. If one is used to the luxury car, floating on air type ride, then the touring would be harsh for them. My last car was definitely harsh as it had very stiff springs, and every minute bump on the road could be felt. Speedbumps would loosen my dad's dentures. Even with all the chassis bracing and TRD upgrade, my Prius still has a way more comfortable ride than my old car, and it can easily outhandle it, as well.
I agree with Presto. I used to drive a Lowered mustang, it was often referred to as the brick s**t house. It would scratch speed bumps & bottom out in potholes. (i miss that car!) We now have a Touring & a Standard 2007. I got the touring because I loved my BSH & thought the standard was too wishy-washy in the handling. I don't find the touring harsh & we live off one of the bumpiest roads around.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ronald56 @ Jun 15 2007, 05:28 PM) [snapback]462718[/snapback]</div> We have a 2007 Touring and the ride is definitely not harsh. It is now wallowy either like the Standard version. We didn't like that at all. It felt tippy.
Definitely hold out for the TOURING! I did. And I am happy I did. Keep in mind I decided I wanted the car on Sunday and found one on Monday. =) Call around to other dealers if that one is unhelpful.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ronald56 @ Jun 15 2007, 06:28 PM) [snapback]462718[/snapback]</div> TOURING!TOURING!TOURING! You gotta get one, they look good and the ride comfort is excellent!
Personally, I think the "touring" model is kind of gimmicky... like a "sport" Minivan. I have a standard prius and have never had the notion of blowing around in the wind or "losing it" on a turn anymore than any other car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(OlsonBW @ Jun 21 2007, 04:43 PM) [snapback]466091[/snapback]</div> tippy? how can something so low to the ground feel tippy?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(desertbriez @ Jun 22 2007, 07:56 AM) [snapback]466314[/snapback]</div> Agreed. I have the standard base 2007 Prius, and in 5200 miles have had to do a couple of emergency evasive maneuvers and the car handles very well in those types of situations. Much better than my 91 Corolla.
Just took my 6 week old Touring on trip from Denver to Milwaukee. What a great drive! Holds the road, great handling, quiet, comfortable seats (leather pkg), and very good mpg. Travelled I-80 at 75-80 mph, nice power reserve for passing. For the 3000 miles I put on for this trip I averaged 47mpg, much driving in 75-80 mph area. In and around Denver, mix of freeway & city, I usually get 50-52mpg. Very Happy with Touring! Plus I really like larger tires & look of wheels. MHS
