Hi all. We're about to purchase our first Prius (a few years ahead of schedule, after wrecking our 7-year old Honda). I'm seeing the clear difference between the Touring and the Base, but there's this Basic option, which seems to be more commonly available than the Base (sometimes), and it's priced between the other two models. Nothing on the Toyota site about it, though a few sites like MSN mention a similiarly priced third option like "4 door liftback"--which I would have thought described both other trims. So again I can't tell the difference between that and the Base. http://www.newcars.org/cars/toyota/prius.asp Any thoughts or do I just stink at searching the fora? Alex.
Good luck trying to find the "Real" base model. I haven't seen one here in the northeast. Although another poster said he just bought a "base model" and he's looking for a tonneau cover. Basically a real base as far as I understand has no cruise control no sks and evedently LOL no tonneau cover plus maybe missing some other common things. Around here a "base Prius usally means one with at least pkg.2 although I've seen some in NJ with pkg.1
The "No-package" Prius is hard to find. I was offered one when I made my purchase in November, but it didn't have the back up camera or smart key and those were part of the car's appeal to me, so... BTW, I'm in Pittsburgh, PA
I wanted the base model and contacted three dealers in our area. The dealer in Newburgh, NY quoted $21,500 and Prestige Toyota in Kingston, NY. said they would match that price. I said OK get me one. No hurry - whenever you get it let me know. Originally the sales girl said it might be 6-8 weeks but she called within a few days and said she could get it. It ended up coming in with floor mats, cargo net and first-aid kit. Those options were not part of the $21,500 deal so I expected them to keep the extras but they threw them in. I think I got as close to a Base model as you can get. [almost forgot - they threw in the $69 rear bumper applique too.]
I have an '07 Base - No SKS, no backup, nothing. I have the cover in the trunk, and floor mats, but nothing else. The CC, keyless entry, power windows/doors were more than my previous loaded 1999 car, lol.
Ditto here. I got the same package. When you think about it, the base has a lot of features that you normally dont get in other base model cars.
Thanks all. We picked up the Package 2. We wanted almost everything that came with it; I was just put-off by the expectation of a lower starting MSRP than what seemed to be available. I'll do a "real" intro post shortly. Thanks again. Alex.
The 2007 "base" and the 2008 "base" are two different packages. I have the 2007 base model, and it has the rear mirror defrosters, the CC, side curtain air bags, mats, cargo cover, and, as an extra dealer feature, the rear bumper applique. The 2008 base is designed to offer the Prius at a lower price, and thus they've trimmed off a few of the "standard" features of the 2007.
