How do You Read the Break down of the vin Numbers

There are lots of VIN decoder on the web. Just google it. (use "VIN decoder")
Try them all, and see if the info is even in there. Some info is not encoded in the VIN.

 

If you have a non-touring, then your model is a base. Or are they trying to find out what options you have?

 

WWJD08,

As far as non-touring : that's designated my the model# on the window sticker (which probably is also on your purchase order paperwork). A base unit (with fewer standard items & no option pkg's available) is a model 1220. A Touring Edition (with a different suspension, etc) is a model 1226 & the regular non-touring is a model 1224.

That said, I don't think there is any information about your pkg# contained within the VIN#. Most of the info in your VIN# is the car's s/n (I think the last 6 or 7 digits), where it was made, what year, what size engine, what type of transmission, (what body style?), seat belt type (active or passive), air bags (yes or no, not quantity). The different things in the different pkg's (be they safety or not) such as number & location of air bags, vehicle stability control, HID headlights or halogens, navigation unit, homelink mirror, grade of stereo are NOT usually encoded into the VIN#.

Right away, I suggest that you make your dealer provide you with your window sticker or a copy of it if it gets destroyed in the removal. Not a generic sticker, but a re-print of your original one with your VIN# & your option pkg# listed on it (they can do that right from Toyota's data base). The important thing is to get insurance coverage first so you are protected, then once you get your sticker, go to your agent with it & show them how your car is equiped with the options contained in your pkg# (don't let them keep the window sticker in case you need it again in the future if you ever change insuance companies).

Some items will give you an extra discount, but some don't matter at all. Seat belts, for instance, passive versus active : one gives a discount but the other doesn't (I don't know which one does). I think active ones are the ones you fasten yourself & that ratchet up tighter just before the impact. I think the passive ones are the ones that are only fastened to the door frame---one single STRAIGHT belt (not a lap/shoulder combination) that gets out of your way when you open the door to get in, but that crosses your chest only when you close the door.

The number & loation of your airbags may give you a better discount too. I realize that ALL the Priuses option pkg levels may NOW have the 8 airbags (2 in the dash & steering areas, 2 in the sides of the front seats, & 4 curtain airbags to cover the windows in the 4 doors), but that was NOT the case back in 2004 & 2005 (where some of the option pkg's had only 2 airbags). The insurance companies may not know that the Prius comes with 8 airbags and their guidelines are probably outdated (thinking that 2 bags is the norm---that's all the bags my Ford Escort had that was replaced by my Prius). They weren't aware then that my Prius option level had 8 airbags, so letting them see that on my window sticker & in the sales brochure got me more of a savings.

Many things about your option pkg are not encoded in the VIN#, so request your window sticker right away, get the VIN# to your insurance to get covered by having your dealer fax them a copy of your purchase order---which should have your model# on it (if not have the dealer include it), then take the window sticker (& maybe a sales brochure too) to your agent & go over the things your pkg contains to get any applicable discounts.

One last thing (for anybody else who is reading this) : if you happen to be lucky enough to be making a cash purchase (instead of financing through anybody) to save the interest charges, make sure your insurance company doesn't charge you for Gap insurance. That is usually only mandated for new car buys that are being financed, so you can save there too. This has been wordy, but I hope helpful.

Ken (in Bolton,Ct)

 

Ken, there are 2 Prius models, base and touring. Everything else are packages.

 

firepa63,

Sorry, but I beg to differ. If you get to a dealer that has plenty of Prius stock, you're likely to see all 3 models. The 1220 [that has some items missing like trim rings (& maybe even different rims), no seatback pockets, & if I remember correctly, an el-cheapo radio or it doesn't have the aux port or Ipod connection (or something like that)]. Somebody here or over at PriusOnLine has posted a complete list of what the 1220 has eliminated from the standard items of the regular 1224 (known as the "Prius with options"). The municipal fleets & the rental car companies most often get the model 1220 because they don't want to pay for any of the extras.

The model 1224 is what most of us own or are used to & comes with the 6 or 8 (or 9 back in 2004) option pkg's. And the Touring Edition is the model 1226 & comes with fewer option pkg choices. Just look on the window sticker to see what I am saying. My local dealer has all 3 models on his lot. A couple of weeks ago he had 19 Priuses of the 3 various model with no "sold" signs on them & all but the 1220 had Toyota's factory discounts (on the Toyota MSRP window sticker) ranging up to $3,500 off.

Ken (in Bolton,Ct)