I have a '08 Scion tC right now, and everywhere I've asked has said basically the same thing... to replace the tires would cost around 250 or so EACH... This has been my first experience with low profile tires, but it's really discouraged me from having them again. Before I do any wheel size upgrade, I will definitely look into the tires and their prices. The sunroof is my #1 accessory, so I must go with a IV. I just saw everything else, the differences between the IV and V, as things that could be added later.... although I didn't know about the different steering box. I'm not even really sure what that is exactly. Why is it different on the V? Because it came with different wheels or something?
JoeJ, Did you look at this thread? There's info from owners of V's and ones with IV's and SR, some of whom may change the tires out to 17's. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/65065-2-makes-big-difference.html It may take some doing, but try to find a V to test drive. A dealership about 50mi from me had one as a demo so off we went.
You're in luck if you have an extra set of Scion Tc wheels (I do). I plan to put winter tires on mine for the Prius. Not that this is a recommendation but this tire will fit the Prius V wheel. There are some high performance ones listed at $233 but a gob of them listed at well below $200 Dunlop SP Sport Signature (High Performance All-Season) SPECIAL OFFER: Buy four and get a $60 mail-in rebate. Overview | Specs | Warranty | Reviews | Test Results | Survey Results Sidewall Style: Blackwall Size: 215/45R17 Serv. Desc: 91W Load Index 91 = 1356lbs (615kg) per tire Speed Rating “W” = 168mph (270kph) Load Range XL UTQG: Treadwear: 420 Traction: AA Temperature: A420 AA A Price: $95.00 (each) Estimated Availability: In Stock The steering is one of the major concerns and there are threads to cover that. You'll need to consider your comfort level before you decide to upgrade your IV with larger wheels and tires. You might have some (minor) rubbing issues. As for adding everything later, it would be your only option. I just am stating that if the SR is not a "must have" that Toyota has packaged the extras in the V package as a bargain among options. I would never add a roof after the fact, especially since the SR model has a different roof altogether. The nonSR cars have a triple hump and I don't see how an aftermarket roof would ever look good. You made the only "right" choice you could have made if you want the roof. However for those that don't want a roof, I'm not sure why they wouldn't go with the V rather than saying they are going to add HID, fog lamps, bigger wheels and tires, etc. They will have more money in the upgrades and when the go to resale the car those options will have little value. For me, I would never purchase a used car where someone had changed out the headlamp assembly. Who knows what kind of mess that can be down the road. Not that it can't be done right, but as a second owner you'd have to wonder. If you need tires for your Tc look around. They can be found more reasonable than what you've been quoted. EBay is not a bad place either. You can buy OEM new tires mounted on OEM rims for less than $600 at times
I can only tell you how I personally decided. When I originally bought my Gen 2 '08 Touring, I knew I would be giving up a moonroof as an option and found I didn't miss it one bit. I rarely used my moonroof on my Acura anyhow. One thing though is a moonroof while closed yet having the cover slid back allows for a more open feel in the interior of the car. When deciding on the 2010 I chose the PKG V for the fog lamps (don't really use them, but I think the gray plugs look terrible), LEDs (just like them moreso), and ESPECIALLY the MUCH, MUCH (opinion I know) better looking 17" rims. The ride is far from rough and I think it makes the car feel more solid all-around. Road noise isn't bad at all and I have the radio on all the time anyhow. For me it was mostly about cosmetics, but I also like the ride better. That's just how I decided ... if the moonroof was available on the Pkg V would I have wanted it? Probably, but I probably shouldn't b/c I have never used them very often. For the record I do not have the ATP and didn't see the value in +$2700 to get it.
