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Are you getting solar or tech package?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by swich2mac, Apr 24, 2009.

  1. swich2mac

    swich2mac Go Hard or Go Home!

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    I'm a noob here in the forums but I have been really intrigued by the 2010 Prius. I am sure this question has been asked and debated many times, but I came here to get a little educated on this fascinating vehicle.

    Having said, is it true that you can't have both the solar and technology packages? I wonder why Toyota decided to do this? Too much drain an the batteries to have both? I was SHOCKED to read that they could not be combined as I would LOVE to have them both!

    So, my debate is do I go with the Prius IV with the tech package (I'm a huge tech nut) or do I go with the solar panel, which would also be really nice on these hot summer days here in Nashville, TN? Which package did you choose and why?

    Best,
    Scott
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Structural and weight issues. The Chief Engineer is working on it.

    If you're a tech nut, go with the Adv. Tech. Package. There's more technology in there.
     
  3. swich2mac

    swich2mac Go Hard or Go Home!

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    Thanks for the input Tideland! Do you happen to know if Apple/Toyota will make an iPod/iPhone adapter for the Prius? They may already but I am not familiar with the car. Also, a friend of mine just purchased a new Lexus IS250 and I was VERY IMPRESSED with the led lighting throughout the cabin, as well as the license plate. Would you happen to know if both are going to come standard on the 2010 Prius?

    Scott
     
  4. ComfortablyNumb

    ComfortablyNumb Junior Member

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    Sounds like the Navigation system will get an update in September to include a USB port that can be used to connect an iPod. (it was announced during the Toyota chat on 4/22)
     
  5. swich2mac

    swich2mac Go Hard or Go Home!

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    When you say "get an update", are you referring to it can be added to the existing system for upcoming cars being rolled out in May or that you would need to buy a car manufactured in the 2nd half of the year?
     
  6. ComfortablyNumb

    ComfortablyNumb Junior Member

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    From what I've read it can be done either way. After September, it will be built-in. It can be dealer installed if you buy a Prius before September. And it sounds like the price may go up on the navigation system after September to account for the new functionality. There's a thread on this topic on the first or second page of the forum.
     
  7. swich2mac

    swich2mac Go Hard or Go Home!

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    Thank you, I just found the topic. It also looks as though "Safety Connect" will not be available on the early release vehicles as well. Bummer......
     
  8. zyonuf79

    zyonuf79 New Member

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    I will be getting the solar roof. It is nice to finally have a way to bring a car's inside temperature down on a hot day without having to run and engine or leave a window cracked.
     
  9. scottwyden

    scottwyden new jersey photographer

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    I'm getting the Solar roof package
     
  10. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    First off I'll also say I would have liked to have both the roof package and the adv. tech package. But not being able to get both I opted for the adanced tech.

    Where I live here in NYC I would only use the solar roof a few months of the year, where it realy qould make a huge difference. Whereas the Adv. Tech I will use all year round. Also, it really isn't too big a deal for me to get in and roll down w window or two an ince and turn the a/c on, it gets cool fast enough for me and I'm used to doing this in the summer... And the sunroof, while nice, i find I jsut don't use it all that often.
     
  11. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    If I was in that end of the Prius market (which I am not) and I lived in a hot place I'd go the solar, if I lived in a cold place the tech. Easy.
     
  12. winebuff

    winebuff Proud owner of a 2010 Prius

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    SOLAR BABY! Until they get a convertible
     
  13. NYPrius1

    NYPrius1 Active Member

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    I'm getting the Solar roof package
     
  14. GreenChris

    GreenChris Junior Member

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    Niether..

    Prius V with Nav only. I would love the roof, but I would rather have the lighting and the washers.. The winter can get bad here in Michigan. And headlight washers are great to have!

    For me... Tech package takes over too much of the car.. I guess I like to be more engaged with my vehicle, instead of it doing it for me.
     
  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    We do get ambient lighting in the form of a spotlight from above. There will be footwell lighting on certain models too. I plan to switch my licence plate lights to LED if I get one. They already are on our two other vehicles.
     
  16. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    You know, they told us that since Prius Connection ... but look at the costs of the two packages. Think what it'd cost if they put both together. That'd be WAY too much. My take is, that it'd be way too expensive.

    We chose tech, simply because paying over a thousand for what is in essence, a high tech fan, is too much. But self park? self 'keep between the white lines' ? self braking? nicer rims & way cool LED's? now you're talking! :cool:
    But to each, their own.
     
  17. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Neither. Prius V with nav pkg.

    17" wheels and LED headlights are more of a priority for me than a sunroof (and they're mutually exclusive in the current configurations). I can't remember the last time I used the sun roof in my car--in fact, I keep the sun shade closed all the time.

    I had the solar panel w/ ventilation system on a Mercedes several years ago, and in this climate it just didn't seem to be that valuable.

    And the advanced tech package is too pricey for the utility it would provide me.
     
  18. lauren80ryan

    lauren80ryan New Member

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    Solar. It is above 80 degrees for over 6 months of the year where I am, which means the car is frequently above 90 degrees when I get inside. Also, I have a 2 year old and having the car cool before I have to tie him into his car seat sounds great. :D

    I think either package will be awesome to show friends/family/coworkers how MUCH Toyota offers. Now, when we hear something about "Oh, you own a prius?" and giggles (i haven't owned one before but I've heard the giggles:rolleyes:), you can say, "Ya. You should see the auto-cooling fan, sunroof! Why don't we take it to lunch?" And they get in and it's cooler than their HOT sticky leather-seated cars, with cold air blowing on them RIGHT AWAY, and everyone gets out without having back sweat stains on their suits.
    OR
    "Ya. You should see the tech package it came with. Why don't we take it to lunch?" and you take the freeway, set it to cruise and watch it self adjust as you talk, then let it park itself.

    Either way, it's clear...this ain't your momma's prius.:rockon:
     
  19. SureValla

    SureValla Member

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    If I were in that market, id buy a camry hybrid
     
  20. marduk

    marduk New Member

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    So does the solar roof work (or work well) when the car is parked in the shade?

    The temperature difference between directly under the sun and in the shade is significant. Of course, if the car is in the shade, then in theory the fan doesn't have to work as hard. I am assuming there is an optimal range (anyone know?) Hopefully these two events are not mutually exclusive.

    It'd be nice to see the efficiency of the solar roof vs. amount of direct sun light visible vs. efficiency of cooling.