My friend (manager at a dealership) just got a white prius in but it is the base model. I was looking for a package 2 or higher. My question is, would you guys take this car? To me, not having a backup camera or VSC is a pretty big deal but I have never driven the car so I am not sure how necessary they are. So what do you think? Take the car or continue my wait?
Isn't the base model for 2008 also lacking cruise control? I have a package 2 2007 model. For my purposes, cruise control is a must, VSC is extremely desirable and the backup camera is useful but not as essential as the other two.
Yes, it lacks cruise control but I never use that. I'm just wondering how much you guys think i will miss the backup camera (which I have in my current car and am used to) and VSC. Should I pass on the prius available now because it does not have it?
I'd say continue your wait. However, I don't know what your financial situation is and some people will settle for a package 1 since a package 6 will cost a lot more. However, if your mind is set for a package 2 and up (just like my aunt...she only wants a package 6)...you should wait until the next delivery comes in. FYI, I was told by another dealer that Toyota is building more 'loaded' Prius'. Meaning Toyota may be building more package 6's in the near future. The dealership where I bought my Prius from has a Black package 5 Prius available.
I'd wait, but that's only my personal opinion. I would be lost without my SKS and cruise control, want the VSC for safety purposes and the rear camera is just "neat" to show off.
I also love the SKS and cruise control - I feel it helps with hypermiling and getting the best MPG on straight, level roads (I drive on a lot of those, and get much higher than the EPA ratings). I don't use the backup camera much - I trust a direct line of sight for backing up. One other very useful option I love is the Bluetooth feature for using a cell phone hands-free in the car. I do have a package 4 which includes this and some other goodies that I don't think are part of package 2. But if you use a phone a lot this is a great feature to have - just my $.02. Add me to the "wait" column...
the SKS and VSC are priceless features. I had the VSC come on one time and I swear it possibly saved my life, at the very least it prevented a major higher speed accident. As far as the backup camera its more of a novelty, after a while it serves no purpose aside that it impresses and amazes people who ride along with you. I would go with no less then a package #2 unless the Base comes with a great deal that is to good to pass up.
I have a package 6, but I like all the bells & whistles in something I spend so much time in. I find the back-up camera a great feature since you can see all the way to the ground behind you which you can't do by using the rear view mirror or by turning to look out the back hatchback window. I still have to look on both sides before I start backing up...hopefully they'll eventually add cameras to cover the sides too! But, IMO, if you are already accustomed to using a back-up camera you will probably regret not waiting for the features that you really want. (Of course, you could always get the base model now and get on the wait list for the package that you really want. I would think you would be able to then sell the base model fairly easily and be able to recover the full cost once your "real" Prius comes in.)
Don't get tempted. I think you'll regret it somewhere down the road. The Prius is all about technology and for not much extra you can get a lot of doo-dads that usually show up on much more expensive cars. The Prius is not easy to see out the back and I find the backup camera more useful than some. Also, I feel stability control is an absolute must. If you only need it once in your life, that could justify the extra cost. It will be required on all new cars in 2012. SKS is cool. Cruise control will help you save on gas -- let the car do the thinking for you.
The backup camera is priceless if your carrying TONS of stuff in the back, such that you can't see out of the rear view mirror.
