Advice Needed -- Why a Touring Edition and how's our pricing?

Hmmm... One note of concern is the HID lights... I've heard many reports of... issues (one or both hid lights turns off, but goes on after you turn the headlights off and on again) and expensive replacement. I have to admit that I don't follow up much on those threads, so perhaps there is a definite answer on what causes the problem.

 

If you have any interest in maximizing fuel economy, a Scan Guage is a must. You might not want it right off, until you get used to driving the car and using the Multi-Function Display. Later, you can deal with the distraction of more instrumentation and tweaking driving technique.

 

We test drove a standard Prius, and then I discovered that a Touring was offered only after looking at the brochure in the dealership. We went with the Touring because we felt it looked a little better with the six spoke, 16" wheels, and slightly larger spoiler. I also felt better having an improved suspension system. We really like the car and feel it handles quite well on all sorts of terrain.

So the short answer: We went with the touring because it was aesthetically more pleasing to look at, and gave us the benefit of an enhanced driving experience.

 

check prices in adjacent towns - you might find a better deal. head up us75 about 10 miles for example.

 

Congratulations on choosing a Prius! It's a great car, and you've come to the right place for advice.

Me, I'd probably choose the Touring Edition for the improved suspension, but one caveat is that replacement tires are harder to find in that size.

 

I think the two biggest shortcomings of the Standard Prius are its below average handling and braking performance (the Standard Prius ranks only in the 11th percentile of all sedans tested by Consumer Reports in 60 to 0 mph braking distances).

I'd choose a Touring for its safer and more fun handling (better in emergency maneuvers and less turn-in lean and body roll), and its safer and shorter braking distances (10 to 12 feet shorter 60 to 0 mph braking distances as tested by Consumer Reports).

 

Well, I dont know if this means anything but my local Costco has a Magnetic Grey Package 6 Touring inside. The Costco price is $27,600 and change with the Preferred Accessory Package(Floor mats, first aid kit, cargo net).

 

That price is before California sales tax (8.25%)? How about delivery processing and handling fee?

 

I just bought an 09 Standard Package 6 Prius and LOVE it. I got mine for $200 over dealer invoice - I live in the DC area and there's plenty in inventory right now but I've seen the turnover and they are still moving like hotcakes. Mine was the best deal I could find (since I'm not much of a haggler) My bank has a carbuying service and the best they could do was $500 over invoice. I do wish I had the cargo net but the Nav and Leather Seats are certainly a nice upgrade from my totalled 04 VW Golf. Good luck buying!

 

You can buy the Prius OEM cargo net (the one that's upright like a pocket) at the PriusChat Shop or elsewhere online for around $40 delivered.

You can also buy the Prius OEM cargo or luggage net (the one that's flat) online for around $25 delivered.

Note however that you will have to install the retaining rings yourself if they're not already on your car.

 

Can anyone post pictures of the differences between a standard and a touring version? They do not sell touring here in the DC area (my understanding).

I have heard the spoiler is larger, but if I have seen one, I have not noticed.

 

The only visual differences are the slightly longer spoiler and the different wheels. Here's a photo from KAR IDEA of his Touring Prius:

[imglink]http://priuschat.com/forums/members/kar-idea-albums-kar-idea-dave-s-album-picture695-kar-idea-in-garage.jpg[/imglink]

All Tourings also come with HIDs and fog lights -- but so do some Standard Prius depending on the option package.

 

The price you were quoted is way to high. Many are getting them for below invoice now. Also, your best time to buy will be on the last day of this year which is coming up in a few days. Dealers will often lower prices by a lot on the very last day of the month if they haven't filled their quota which is a pretty sure bet this month.

The difference between both stand and touring #6 are wheels, tires, sway bars, springs, and rear spoiler. Consumer reports rated the standard Prius as poor when it came to stopping distance while the touring model was rated as excellent.

If you didn't notice the difference, then try driving both again but this time take an on or off ramp at 8 10ths. The touring Prius will stay level and planted while the standard feels like it wants to flip. The difference in swerving maneuvers is even more striking. For the added safety, the $520 price difference makes the touring an absolute bargain.

 

I absolutely LOVE my touring edition.

I've never driven the other one, so I have nothing to compare it to, but the car performed flawlessly on a 10,000 mile road trip across the US & Canada.

As for pricing, always shop around... but def. don't buy the platinum warranty from them without searching this board first.
I saved myself almost $1000 just by doing that alone.

 

We have two 07 Tourings, total mileage around 55,000. No HID issues yet, and the greatly improved lighting is great. One set of 16 inch Turanzas have worn out (31k, this car was used, and tires were never rotated). The snows I got are the 205/55/16, and it works well. The speed inaccuracy is not noticable. We both really like a better handling car (replaced BMW and Saab), so to get a getter suspension, traction control, stability control, and a wider wheel for this cost increase was a good deal, compared to spending a lot of time hankering for better wheels, tires, and shocks. In the spring my Turanzas will be replaced with a 205 tire, possibly with another set of wheels.

We do a lot of highway driving, so the extra running gear features were worthwhile.

Road Fan