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07 Touring wheels vs. 06 Touring wheels

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by RexChu, Jun 28, 2007.

  1. RexChu

    RexChu New Member

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    I have heard this before on the forum, but does everyone that has a 07 touring have wheel "covers" rather than alloy wheels?

    I've noticed in the private sale section, that all the 06 touring wheels are alloy, but my new 07 touring has wheels covers. They look the same from about 10 feet away, but are clearly plastic covers once you get closer.

    Could this be a weight issue? I don't think alloy wheels weigh that much to begin with. Maybe a cost issue? This would suck in my case as the 07 cost more than 06 Prius Touring.

    This brings up a dilema on my end. I've scratched one of my wheel "covers" already - coming too close to a curb :( I was debating on swaping wheels with 06 alloys, but if come too close to a curb again, I'll be looking for a new wheel instead of covers or paying about $100 to repair it! :huh:
     
  2. allargon

    allargon Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rex-n-efx @ Jun 28 2007, 11:20 AM) [snapback]469452[/snapback]</div>
    You have alloy wheels underneath the plastic wheel covers! :)

    (BTW, where have you seen a 06 Touring?)
     
  3. RexChu

    RexChu New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(allargon @ Jun 28 2007, 11:25 AM) [snapback]469455[/snapback]</div>
    Haven't actually seen one one the street, but have seen many posts of 06 touring wheels for sale in the "Private Sales" section of this site.
     
  4. PLMurphy

    PLMurphy New Member

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    For all you Touring lovers, here they are: :D


    [attachmentid=9347][attachmentid=9348]
     

    Attached Files:

  5. RexChu

    RexChu New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(allargon @ Jun 28 2007, 11:25 AM) [snapback]469455[/snapback]</div>

    :blink: Doh! After reading the your post twice, I realized what you were asking...

    I don't believe there was a Touring model offered in 06. I goofed, should have remembered that...

    I am curious why these are what they are, and why the latest 07 Tourings have covers.

    http://priuschat.com/16-Touring-Edition-Wh...Cal-t35089.html

    The photos show a different wheel than what is available now, new on the lot, unless these were something special somewhere.
     
  6. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

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    The wheels in PLM's post are the 16" wheels that have always been fitted the European Prius, and are fitted to all US edition Touring packages.

    But in his picture they're bare. They're supposed to be covered with the plastic trim, as shown in rex's photo. There have been no changes that I'm aware of.

    Some people remove the trim, due to lack of taste. (On their part) :)
     
  7. PLMurphy

    PLMurphy New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KMO @ Jul 2 2007, 06:43 AM) [snapback]471409[/snapback]</div>

    :angry: Sorry, but you have no idea what you are posting about. I own two Touring models and know exactly what the wheels look like. My pictures are 100% accurate. I dislike ignorant people pretending to be knowledgeable. <_<
     
  8. bigscrb15

    bigscrb15 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PLM @ Jul 2 2007, 07:49 PM) [snapback]471895[/snapback]</div>
    I don't think he was saying anything bad, all he said was the picture you posted was the picture you posted was the touring wheel but it was bare(no cover) and the picture rex posted was with the covers.
     
  9. RexChu

    RexChu New Member

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    Just trying to contact PLM....

    Please PM my regarding the wheelcovers. I'm interested! :)
     
  10. JunsGrayPria

    JunsGrayPria New Member

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    How many Touring owners go ahead and remove the wheel covers anyway? Just wanted to get an idea...
    I think it's a matter of personal taste - whether it looks better with the cover or not... or it may also concern the color of the car...

    At this time, I think I prefer removing the wheel covers to expose the alloys... I've tried searching... HOW ARE THE COVERS REMOVED? I don't have much experience at all changing/rotating tires, and I'm wondering if I should take the car to a tire place if I want them removed. Please help.

    I know that I'll need the center caps... can I get these from the dealer???

    Thanks in advance.





    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rex-n-efx @ Jul 3 2007, 12:20 AM) [snapback]472092[/snapback]</div>
     
  11. JunsGrayPria

    JunsGrayPria New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rex-n-efx @ Jul 3 2007, 12:20 AM) [snapback]472092[/snapback]</div>
     
  12. PLMurphy

    PLMurphy New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JunsGrayPria @ Aug 13 2007, 12:46 AM) [snapback]494529[/snapback]</div>

    :D Wheel covers are a snap-off removal. Any large screwdriver/jack handle or the dealer can snap them off. Not technical or hard to do. Underneath are grey alloys that match the grey car, which I have, and provide a different look to your Prius Touring. In my opinion the plastic wheel covers denigrate the look of the car, why coverup nice alloys? My dealer provided a set of 4 center hubcaps for free. :p
     
  13. mcevedy

    mcevedy New Member

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    I was told the reason for the covers is that the alloys are particularly light but also quite soft and so are slightly easier to damage. The trims will absorb a little damage first and hopefully you will stop kerbing the wheel in time to save the alloy. I am keeping mine but also protecting them by not lending my Prius to my wife (she kerbed all four of my Mercedes wheels in a week!). :D
     
  14. PLMurphy

    PLMurphy New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Peter@Beoworld @ Aug 13 2007, 11:30 AM) [snapback]494695[/snapback]</div>

    In Nov'06 the dealer had no clue and did not understand why the alloys were covered. I actually showed them after tapping on the wheel and discovering plastic. In the past 20 years of using alloys, no one has told me they need to be covered. If so, I would give the Prius back to the dealer as being unsafe due to delicate alloys. :eek:
     
  15. NicksBlackBrid

    NicksBlackBrid New Member

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    Let's face it, the covers are horrible.

    I don't put on my dress shirt and tie for work and throw an old fraternity t-shirt on over them.

    They are dumb, shouldn't come on it, and they should come with the center caps on instead.

    They should have silver wheels for lighter colored touring models though.

    Just my two pennies.
     
  16. lilandreewwww

    lilandreewwww New Member

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    For anyone that removed the plastic hub covers off of their Touring edition wheels, I'd be willing to buy them from you. I happen to like them, although I unfortunately scrapped up mine pretty badly while parallel parking (I was adjusting to dimensions of this car).

    My e-mail is [email protected]. Thanks in advance.
     
  17. prius2go

    prius2go Member

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    I prefer the 6 spoke US wheels :D

    I've also posted a photo of those bronze grey wheels
    In Uk land we only have 4 shiny wheel nuts - the fifth is a cheap locking nut :angry: