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Classic Silver/Touring/Package #6.....IN THE DRIVEWAY!!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jarrett_gorin, Aug 12, 2007.

  1. jarrett_gorin

    jarrett_gorin New Member

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    As luck would have it, I decided to do some more online invetory checks of So Cal Toyota dealers late last night to see if any of them had a Touring version in one of the two colors I was looking for: Classic Silver or Magnetic Gray.

    Most of the dealers I checked with had very few Touring Prius at all. Even Longo Toyota in Orange County, probably the largest Toyota dealership in the entire USA, had a total of three (3) Prius Touring packages, and none with the color/interior I wanted.

    Before getting off the computer last night, I decided to check the dealership in Valencia, since it is close by. I did not expect to find anything, but checking online inventory is easy...so why not. Lo and behold, they had a total of two (2) touring models, and one of them was EXACTLY the car I was looking for. I called them to ask about it this morning, and unlike every other dealer in SoCal that is adding markups to MSRP for touring models in this color, and in magnetic gray, they were willing to sell for MSRP with no additional costs or options tacked on.

    I got 48 mpg on the 60 mile trip from Valencia back to SB!!!! :) That is one of the main reasons I am happy to switch to a Prius. Compared to my current vehicle, I will save between $200 to $250 a month on gas. I think that is cool. And it is just a really fun car to drive.

    I will be doing a few "enhancements" to this vehicle, including:

    BT Tech Chassis Stabilizer Bar (via PriusChat shop)
    The black rubberized plastic OEM bumper protector (via PriusChat shop)
    New Alloy Rims (I am sticking with 16" though and keeping the factory tires)
    Replace the JBL amp with a JL Audio A6450 6-Channel and adding a bona-fide sub-woofer to the setup
    XM Satellite Radio via the headunit control
    WeatherTech FloorLiner front and back mats and cargo area mat
    WeatherTech wind deflectors (maybe...if anyone has these I would like to hear your feedback)
    DICE iPod integration (waiting a bit on this to see if there are any problems or issues that crop up when more people have them)

    Oh yeah, like many people, I like to name my cars. This one seems like a "Nathalie" to me...so that's the name.

    I was thinking of waiting to post pics after completing these mods. But I guess I'll post a few of the "stock" Prius tomorrow. Then I will have "before and after" picks in my photo files ;)

    I really enjoy this forum, and I was glad to be able to pick up some excellent information here before actually becoming a Prius owner. I hope I can provide some good information back to the forum as time goes on!! :D
     
    #1 jarrett_gorin, Aug 12, 2007
  2. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Congratulations, JG! Since you're still a "rookie" poster, I'll also say "Welcome to PriusChat!" I'm glad your diligence paid off. It only gets better!
     
    #2 Bill Merchant, Aug 13, 2007
  3. PriusTouring07

    PriusTouring07 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JG in SB @ Aug 12 2007, 09:35 PM) [snapback]494464[/snapback]</div>

    I think the BT is a waste of money. I've done thousands of highway miles in my Touring and have had no issues with Semis. A friend of mine drives his base Prius like it's a Lotus and the car handles beautifully without any BT bar. But do whatever you want.

    And congrats on your purchase! You'll love every minute of owning it!
     
    #3 PriusTouring07, Aug 13, 2007
  4. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    If you have the touring package, isn't the stabilizer bar overkill?
     
    #4 kenmce, Aug 25, 2007
  5. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    BT plate is effective on touring and non-touring. The touring only has upgraded suspension and wheels. There's still the TOM's pieces you can add, as well. PriusTouring07 and his friend can continue their driving in blissful ignorance ;)
     
    #5 Presto, Aug 25, 2007
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    JG in SB, Congratulations. Also consider something for the top of the rear bumper, either the applique or a rubber strip to keep the cargo from damaging the car. The clear bra from 3M or VentureShield will keep the front from getting pitted and scratched. Some have put black rubber moulding across the bumpers and sides to help prevent dings. (You are half way there.)
     
    #6 JimN, Aug 26, 2007
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