a few newbie questions :)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 12:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

The big danger from lightning is from the bolt itself, not from the car. It's possible that the car could suffer electronic damage from lightning, but you should not be in any more danger than with another car.

Also, the chances of a car being hit by lightning are very low. Lightning usually strikes the tallest object, which is rarely a car.

If you mean the 12v battery dies, probably not. But there is a mechanical key in the fob.

Yes, just press the button on the door.

It depends where you live, local pricing, demand, and the dealer motivation.

 

Consult the Consumer Reports April car buying issue, either online or at the library, for useful car buying advice. Using their advice I shopped for mine at eight dealers over the phone and email, took bids, and settled on the final price by fax. It saved a lot of bother.

You should test drive one to see whether you like the seats. The handling, the slipping-clutch sensation, and the visibility are all things you will quickly get used to, but a few people just hate the seats.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

In a car you're fully protected if it gets struck by lightning as the car forms a faraday cage.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusOwner004 @ Oct 4 2007, 04:06 PM) [snapback]521334[/snapback]</div>

Lightning is strange stuff, and anyone would be a fool to claim they can predict it. It is true that you are usually protected inside of a metal car, but not always. There are documented cases of lightning coming through car windows to strike persons inside, but this has nothing to do with the Prius. The Prius will behave the same as any other car in a lightning strike.

Tom

 

This is a good video showing what happens when a car gets truck by a lightning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv006jJjo6w

 

This is a good video showing what happens when a car gets truck by a lightning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv006jJjo6w

 

One comment on the carpeted floor mats. I tried to have our dealer remove the mats from the vehicle after we put down our deposit but (according to him) he was unable to do so.

He offered to take $100.00 off the price of the Prius, though, so I could live with that. I think the extra layer will help - and I do like the full length & width of the carpeted "floor" mat in the hatch/trunk area.

Jim

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

Hi there..
That's about right and you are in the Gulf States too..We just got our touring model, package six with XM for 28557.00, take away the XM and it's the same price you got. They had 28756.00 on the sticker because it had the mats..We specifially ordered it without because I thought that was way too much for mats so they took it off the price but left the mats..They are nice, you get the back cargo mat too but not so sure 200.00 nice..

John

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusOwner004 @ Oct 4 2007, 04:46 PM) [snapback]521351[/snapback]</div>

WOW! Nice film. I wonder if the puddle I would have been sitting in would have made any difference? :lol:

 

Just for the car? That seems about $3k higher than I paid for my new 2007, 6 months ago. I can't remember what's included with the various packages. Does the package 6 include the factory leather? Is the touring model available in 2008? If so is this a touring model? Mine was the highest package without leather and was not a touring. If this is a touring with leather then is sounds about right. If it's the same as mine, then either the market has heated up more than I had realized in the past 6 months or else you might be able to find a dealer that will offer you a better price.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

To me, yes. To you, I don't know.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

Sticker on the car is $27,535 I believe (Pkg 6 non-Touring) ... all-weather mats can be had on e-bay for $90 I believe.

 

Sounds like a bogus (worthless) extra they threw on the car and accounts for the higher MSRP.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 03:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

It goes back in time?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 5 2007, 09:08 AM) [snapback]521789[/snapback]</div>

But the main point was that he was unhurt and so was the car. Most of the tension was waiting for the strike, and that was heightened by the suspenseful editing of the video piece. (The only thing missing was music to make you even more tense!) And remember that he was struck multiple times in that test area. It's very unlikely you'd be hit twice.

That sounds like a dealer add-on. It's best to inquire about it, then research the company that provides the material and/or service. If it sounds bogus, don't buy it.

 

Dealer add-on extras are all worthless. When the add-ons pimp comes around just sit there, smile and say "no" until it goes away. They may try to wait you out, so take a book or a magazine.

 

Although I have yet to see a Prius struck by lightning, I have repaired several other models which got the Big Jolt. I had a Highlander which got the shot through the right rear wheel speed sensor ring, (found the burn mark) and a Corolla which had 10 inches of it's manual radio antenna blown away. I can only guess tht it was cut and hope that the 10 inches of metal rod did not simply vaporize. Lightning plays havoc with electrical systems since it usually goes through the car in reverse of the normal 12v positive system we use. My best advice is keep full coverage insurance which will cover "acts of nature" and protect your wallet......

 

about the price: i'm not sure what the going rate is in your area, but we just purchased a 2008 package 6 for 26,400. so, that quote really does seem high to me. i think you should try to get a better deal! congrats on your car purchase. i think you will totally love it.

 

One more thing. Many of us feel that the stock tires are not really adequate. If you can, have the dealer install 195R60 tires (bigger thatn the stock US tires, but standard in Europe) of better quality such as Goodyear Triple Treads. Or take it to a Goodyear dealer before 1000 miles and trade them in. This will much improve the handling of the car.

There are plenty of threads about tires on this board.