#8 v. #7 and #7 v. #6

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bgbc @ Jul 13 2006, 02:08 PM) [snapback]285808[/snapback]</div>

I can't answer MOST of your questions...I have a package 3, with which I am very happy (I bought an inexpensive little gps...although some of the voice commands sound pretty neat with the NAV), and I have never liked leather seats. I DO wish I had gotten the darker fabric, but I found some ArmorAll wipes (they come in a plastic bottle like baby wipes). I can't remember the EXACT title (there are several for all different components). Anyway, this one has a purple top and is for cleaning the plastic and fabric bits in the car--and they work great. At least one poster said they do, in fact, remove oil stains from the (fabric)upholstery. I got my car within about four days of deciding I wanted one by calling around the Bay Area and then some (I had been told that Stockton virtually always had some Prii on the lot--not that week!). I ended up being referred up to Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa through Costco's auto buyer's program. I may or may not have ended up with a hundred bucks off, but the paperwork charges and stuff make it kinda hard to see a hundred measly bucks. At any rate, the dealerhip has been great, and they get LOTS of Prii through, so it might be worth your while to check in with them...especially if you're a Costco member!

Good luck!

 

Well, I wound up with an 8 by default. I had wanted a 7 but I drove into a local dealer one night and they just happened to have an 8 up for grabs. I figured this isn't the car to be too picky with if I ever wanted to have one. The leather is nice but I'd heard the Toyota fabric was near the top of industry standards and I would have been happy with it. I'm a retired airline pilot and like gadgets. The 8 is full of them. I figured good gas mileage would be nice but not an enduring excitement.

The Nav system could be better but it works about as well as my previous plug-in Garmin and has voice commands to boot. It gets me there. I like the JBL sound system: mp3 playback and an aux input plug were necessities for me. Hanging around jets all those years hasn't made my hearing ultra-critical and some folks seem to be a little disappointed in the JBL sound but I'm OK with it. I added the XM radio, another of my base requirements. I love the smart key system, garage door opener, and Bluetooth telephone recognition. The headilghts are crisp and sharp. So for me, the extra items, though not cheap, give me a lot of enjoyment. I was also able to easily put a trailer hitch on the back to carry my bikes around, something I couldn't do on my old Mercedes that cost a lot more than the Prius. But this is possible with any package.

I feel more like I'm back in the cockpit of my 767 than any other car I have been in. (The picture to the left, I know, isn't a 767. It's an L-1011 in which I spent most of my career but which isn't as advanced as the 767.) This fun is worth it to me. And it's made a better driver of me. I find myself trying to squeak out a few more mpg by judicious throttle useage. It's something I used to have to do in my airplane and I like the challenge. Driving is more interesting now. You'll spend some time learning the systems. It's the smartest car on the road. (Mine is in Mensa! )

Color seems to be a crap shoot. Dealers get what they get and I think you might have to wait forever to get the exact package and color you want. (Mine is white, and it was among the few colors I decided to accept. I like it for its easier care and temperature qualities.) You must consider the tax break you'll get if you purchase it before September versus waiting for the "perfect car."

I do spend a lot of time explaining my car, and its gadgets, to passersby who wander over my way to inquire. They seem to get a kick when I tell the climate system, by voice, to go to "Seventy degrees!" and a fan starts blowing. That's fun too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alnilam @ Jul 13 2006, 05:51 PM) [snapback]285860[/snapback]</div>

This is a perfect post and I can relate to it 100% (except for the pilot part). If you want leather, get an 8. The leather is not as nice as my last VW, but it's nice. If you want a NAV get a 7, if not, get a 6.

I took a 1000 mile road trip two weeks ago and that solidified my love of a NAV system.

MB

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bgbc @ Jul 13 2006, 02:08 PM) [snapback]285808[/snapback]</div>

I have heard that the fabric is pretty easy to clean, but with a little one on the way I ultimately decided on leather because I know how easy it can be to simply wipe clean from spills, etc. I like how the leather seats feel, and it makes me feel even more like I'm driving a luxury car.

I love the navigation system. I honestly don't know how I ever got by without one. It's even better than the one in my husband's 2004 Accord. I too have lived off the Thomas Guide for the last decade or so, but it's SO much easier to just plug an address into the navi and have the car tell me how to get there. Safer too while driving, than pulling out the TG to doublecheck whether you're turning right or left off an off ramp or at an upcoming light. Also, when I don't know where the nearest [specific restaurant or store] is, I can just type it into the navi and it will show the nearest location and how to get there.

It's all about a matter of personal decision and needs, though.

I was told by my dealer (back in Dec) that the black/bisque #8 is a very in-demand and thus hard-to-get combo. There were a couple of people ahead of me on the list at the dealer who had "ordered" the same exact car so I had to wait for them to get theirs before I could get mine. But then again, I was one of those who didn't mind the wait (about 5.5 months for me) because the vehicle I was driving while it was 10 years old with 180K miles on it, was still totally driveable. And I was able to put away more $ for my down payment in the meantime.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mike b @ Jul 13 2006, 06:57 PM) [snapback]285865[/snapback]</div>

You can upgrade to leather after market. I did on my package 5 for $995 + tax; they used leather seat covers from WWW.KATZKIN.COM - see there web site for ideas about the leather colors and combinations. They also have a list of dealers. but it's not all-inclusive. My installer was the company my Toyota dealer uses and he's not on the Katzkin list.

And if you opt for 'after market', shop around for price - I got quotes as much as $1000 just for the LABOR!

 

Ok I have a silver #8. It hit the lot 2 hours before I test drove it. The thing about a #8 for me was I felt and still feel "It's too good for me." I honestly feel spoiled every day I get to drive it, and I'm just going to work. We did do a 1600 mile round trip. I now find the voice from the nav system a little much in town but on a long road she keeps to herself enough.
Did you know you could tell the car "I'm hungry" and the restaurants are displayed on the screen. How cool is that. “78 Degrees†and it is done for you. "Home" and directions, I'm never lost. "Radio" and I hear music. I do use the steering wheel controls more now but it is still a cool feature and if I need to sell her in a few years what do you think they will say when I tell the car “Call home.†B)

You could survive without it or buy a GPS, but have you ever noticed how a home with a built in pool sells faster then one with an above ground pool?

 

I originally wanted a pkg 6 but ended up getting a 7. I am so glad I did. The nav system is great. The voice commands are a blast to use ( "i'm hungry" will pop up restaurant icons on screen). Voice activated climate control is also good. I gave the dealer a choice of colors and option pkgs that I would accept. In the end I narrowed it down to a 7 or 8. Leather I could take or leave. The fabric looks nice. If you have small children, you may want to go with leather. Expanding your color options might shorten your wait. I moved ahead of two people (one would take red only and the other only wanted leather). I waited 5 weeks for delivery. Was told 4-6 weeks; so right on time.
Your dealer will probably not volunteer this, but they can do a dealer trade for the options that you are looking for. Call other dealers and find what you want. I ended up getting calls from two other dealers the week before delivery.

Good luck!

 

Consider resale value. #8 will go a long way to keep it high. I have #8 and like Alnilam love the technology. I find it very useful.

Another GPS example. You have a business phone number. The GPS has the option to enter that number and bam you are told how to get there. The stuff just keeps on amazing me. You only live once. This car the one you dont want to skimp on. Leather makes it easier to get in and out.

 

The difference between 7 and 8 is leather. The 8 also has a leather steering wheel. I would get an 8 just for that as I loved the leather steering wheel in my last car. The wheelskins are OK but not the same.

I have cloth and it cleans great. I actually got tar off the back seat. I've read amazing stories from others.

I can't speak to whether the nav is worth it to you. But....you will find it easier to get a 7 or 8 than a 6. So if either of those are OK with you, you'll find a car faster. And if you don't care about color, faster yet. I personally would rather have a gray interior than an ivory one. My next Prius will have gray.

Good luck. Call a LOT Of dealers. Be willing to travel a bit and drive back. If you're as flexible on color and package as you say and are willing to do your own leg work, you'll find a car fast.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jul 13 2006, 11:13 PM) [snapback]286030[/snapback]</div>

Unless the Prius is different from every other car on the market, resale is hurt by getting more options. That is to say, the more options you have, the quicker your car depreciates.

When I was looking at a baseline Camry, at 17k, the salesman tried to pull that resale crap on me, so I emailed him 3 or 4 articles indicating the opposite..... The fact of the matter is, a used car is always going to be compared to the baseline new model. This hurts heavy optioned vehicles more.

With all that said, you probably aren't getting the car to resell it, nor was I.... but anyways...

I love package 3. It's a big upgrade from my 98 Subaru Outback!

 

In my opinion the Prius is in a class all by itself currently. Toyota sells more Prius vehicles with all the toys because more people want them. Hence the reason for a higher resale value. So, I guess you must decide who is right concerning resale value.

In either case, enjoy the Prius.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jul 13 2006, 11:45 PM) [snapback]286053[/snapback]</div>

Well the reason they sell more is because they make more (lets face it, Prius' aren't sitting on lots.... anywhere. whatever they make they are selling at this point, and fast!). The reason they make more is because their profit lines are much healthier on an 8 vs. a 1.

But like I said, not to many people are interested in reselling their Prius' from what I've seen...

 

I got the "safety" package in my 2004--all the airbags and VSC (with HID headlights). I didn't really want to bust the budget for a nav system, because I've lived in San Diego all my life and have used Thomas guides for almost 30 years!!

Bear in mind that upgrade DVDs for the nav system cost about $250.00. A portable nav can be put in other cars or taken with you when you're walking somewhere unfamiliar. Also, I've heard the maps are better in portable units. However, having the nav integrated into the car is truly a cool gadget, and a portable nav system (if you forget and leave it out) is easy to steal.

As to the seating, I HATE HATE HATE leather!!! Hot in summer and cold in winter. If you MUST get it, I *think* the factory leather has some areas of vinyl. If you got them from Katzkin.com (I think that's it) like many other Prius owners, I *think* it's all leather...anybody out there know for sure?? It would probably end up being less expensive than the factory option, even paying for the installation. Check with your dealer to see who they use for an upholstery shop to get a bid on installation.

BTW red is the best color....

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(withersea @ Jul 13 2006, 06:14 PM) [snapback]285962[/snapback]</div>

Pretty much I echo everyone else...wanted a package 6, got the call that a package 7 was available and pulled the trigger. Having the NAV is great...just a great feature even if it is not as good as aftermarket...although the size of the screen if far superior to those tiny aftermarket screens.

However, the "dealer trade" may be more difficult then one would think. Pretty much all of the dealers I know (I know the Fleet and VIP manager's at one dealer, the used car manager at another, and the sales mangaer at yet another) told me that have rarely negotiated a Prius swap...and if they did, they would want something better in return (a higher model). They say that their allocation is so tight...and they sell everything they get...there is just no point in trying to make a swap. Better to shop dealers yourself!

There are many people who have commented about the lack of quality of the leather...but it is factory leather and it all depends on whether you are the type to go aftermarket.

Goodluck!

 

Wanted the leather. Tried the Nav system with voice controls. Basic Nav system is good but, you can't change while moving above 4 mph. If you need an alternate route you're stuck. I bought a Garmin Nav system and love it. I can take it with me in any car I'm in. I (or a passenger) can make changes while moving.

I hated the voice control. I wouldn't correctly recognize my voice commands.

Settled for the #6, but wanted leather seats. Couldn't see spending $2000 on a NAV system.

 

I got the #8 package. I actually told the dealer either #7 or #8 (I wasn't sure the leather was actually worth it). By specifying just about any color and either package 7 or 8, I got mine in about 2-1/2 weeks (pretty good for around here).

The navigation system is an expensive "toy", but I find it very useful. Yes, I can use a Thomas Guide as well, but let's use computers for stuff they do well, and this is a good example. Is it a luxury? Yes. Is it worth the money? Arguable. Am I glad I did it? YES. My other option is an add-on which 1) I have to get out everytime I want to use it, 2) won't work until it syncs with satellites, and 3) has to be put away afterwards so it won't get stolen. The built-in is always on, big, and pretty good. And yes, the voice commands are fun (and impressive to visitors .

I suspect the question comes down to what can you afford. If you pop for the Nav, you'll probably be glad you did (not too many here regret having gotten it, from what I see). As for leather, again -- kind of a luxury, and you'd have to decide if it's worth the $1000.

Good luck.

David

 

Don't completely count the dealer trade out. Maybe it depends on the dealer and the area that you are in. I know of at least three dealers that the local dealer here will do trades with. The key is timing. If they both have allocations arriving at close to the same time, they will swap for colors and options. Again, timing and the willingness of your dealer (or salesperson) to go the extra mile is the key. Remember, they are car salesmen. They will work hard to keep you from going to another dealer. Do the legwork yourself. Find out what options are due in and the time frame, then tell your dealer about them and ask him to check into a dealer trade if someone else has what you want.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stan57 @ Jul 14 2006, 02:39 AM) [snapback]286114[/snapback]</div>

This is not true. For alternate route you can hit distination and then detour and it will ask you how long a detour you want. You can do this at speed (I've used it a couple of times). Now if you need to change address then you need to stop and enter a new address.

While slightly annoying I'm glad "other" people can't type in a new address while doing 40+mph in a school zone!