As I was driving home the other day in my 22 mpg/highway 7 year old sports car, I needed gas. I saw the $3.50/gallon and nearly puked. I was putting off getting a new car until this thing died completely... I can't anymore. I was thinking of something around 29-30 mpg, then again- at $3.50+ (and possibly $4 by the summer), I decided no less than 35 mpg... which would be basically only a Civic, Focus, Cooper, or Prius. After test driving the civic, focus, and cooper- the only one I liked for the most part was the Civic. Its quick and very refined/solid built. Then today, I decided to go test drive a Prius. I was very skeptical thinking it would be dangerously slow. Maaan was I wrong. My first impressions was the incredible space it has especially when compared to a Civic. I travel alot, and it has great/easy access for its storage. My next impression was the very high tech ignition, interface, etc. Then, the comfort level- extremely nice. The smoothness of low-speed city driving was astounding. Then finally- when I got it out onto a main road, it had great pickup. Not as fast as my low-end basic mustang... but truly not lacking close to enough to make me ignore the other downright awesome/incredible/fun features of the car. As I was bringing it back to the dealer, I noticed one final thing- the INCREDIBLY tight turning radius. At only about $22k MSRP for a base line, I'm sold. I'll be buying in about a month (not soon enough!) and I can't wait. Now some questions- what am I missing out of that the Package #1 doesnt have, and what does touring have that the standard doesn't? Package #2 only really had me sold on the stability control... the smart key system was cool and a nice added perk, and I really don't need a backup camera since I don't live in a city with tons of close parking that it'll be necessary. And finally- what is the best deal anyone has ever got on a base Prius? I'm assuming theres not much haggling a dealer down on them due to how their demand is probably skyrocketing especially lately, but every penny matters. Anyway, thanks in advance
Hey dgrtech. :welcome: I can't answer the package questions but I'm sure there are dozens who can. The turning radius is extremely tight. I do 3-point turns in my two-car wide driveway. And yeah, the Prius isn't a Mustang, that's for sure. But that's why you'll at least double your mileage and half your gas bills.
I would not pass up the Vehicle Stability Control if I were you. People here report it havig saved them from having an accident a few times. The touring package mostly gives you a stiffer ride for better handling, but less comfort with stiffer springs and lower profile 16 inch tires. HID lights too, but you could always add them later. I recommend a Base pkg 2 and negotiating a tire upgrade at the time of sale to one of the tires that sounds right for you after reading the tire upgrade threads here. Whoever classified the stock Goodyear (lack of) Integrity tires as All Season is a known sinner. Remember, "Thou shalt not bear false witness."
Ditto on the VSC. It kicked in nicely in a couple of icy/snowy situations this winter. Glad to have it. But if you don't live in snow, ice and heavy rains - never mind.
Another visible feature of the touring model is the rear spoiler is a little bigger, nothing massive, I think 3/4 of an inch or an inch deeper. If you like a car that is a little sporty in handling then the touring package may be for you. I think the 16 inch tyres may be a little more costly to replace when they wear out. I've never missed VSC but I guess you don't until you have an accident which it would have prevented. Good luck working out what to buy and remember, Which ever Prius you buy you will be buying a Prius.
In addition to snow and ice driving, the VSC could be very handy in an emergency manouver to avoid an accident on dry pavement. If you suddenly have to swerve to miss an obstacle, the VSC could prevent an uncontrolled skid that could otherwise land you in a ditch or facing in the oposite direction.
Welcome to PriusChat, dgrtech! The best way to get a feel for what options are in which packages is to go to Toyota.com and click the Build Your Own button on the upper right. You enter your zip code and the options that are available in your area are shown. VSC, SKS, and side curtain airbags should be on your car for your own safety and convenience. The backup camera helps see what's back there so you can get in even tighter city parking spaces. Top speed is 108 mph, but it wrecks your mpg.
The back up camera was 1 of the main reasons I wanted the Prius. You never know when an animal or a child will run behind you. I just love my car and would never be without a Prius. Enjoy yours & you have a lot more to discover about the car.
Edmunds.com is a great resource for finding out what others are paying in your area. You should be able to do a little better than the Edmunds price. I got my 2007 in August and still love it. My average MPG is at 50.5 for 13,500 miles. Short drives are mileage killers. If your commute is less then 10 miles expect lower mileage. Avoid short trips--when I'm off work and run around town (4 miles away) and make several stops I end up at about 46 for that time frame. In the summer with 70 mile commutes I was getting 55 mpg. I got the Bluetooth package and love it. I still haven't got it all figured out but receiving calls hands free is a lifesafer.
Welcome to PC! If I were you, I'd get the VSC and the backup camera. VSC might just save your life one day, and paying a little extra is worth it. Prius has blind spots in the back, so the backup camera will help a lot (at least it does to me).
I agree that the Package #2 is worthwhile. It is fairly reasonable too, only around $500 or thereabouts more than the base model. After the #2, prices escalate more steeply, but with that one you do get, in addition to the VSC, SKS, and back-up camera (which I agree is no big deal, but some folks like it), the tonneau cover for your back deck area, something that doesn't come with the base model. I've yet to use mine, but am glad to have it and imagine that I will use it at some future point. That feature alone costs more than $200 if you decide to add one to a base vehicle. Oh, and don't forget the trim ring on the wheels!!
Musing on the term 'sports car' -- dgrtech mentioned a 7-yr old sports car; later revealed that it was a Mustang. I began driving in '69 -- lusting for MG's, Healeys, Triumphs, Sunbeams, Alfas, Jags; even Karmann-Ghias, Fiat 850 Spyders & Datsun Fairlady's (!) I later owned a '67 MG Midget, then a '64 Austin-Healey Sprite (twins of slightly different mothers). Currently, my 'other' car is a '90 Miata. Whatever the numerous 'issues' & pleasures of these cars, those who knew them, surely ponder the evolution of the term 'sports car.' No value judgements here; just a tossing a thought to the breeze. zum-zum :car:
