I have betrayed you all...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Proco @ Nov 15 2007, 01:04 PM) [snapback]540064[/snapback]</div>

I have two answers:

1 - I hadn't driven the Prius since hte 2nd week of September. Since then I've been alternating between our Volvo XC90, a Subaru Tribeca, and a old Mercedes 420SEL land barge (i swear it's just as long as the Navigator!!!). None of these were even close to the size of the Prius so it wasn't too bad. I really do miss the Prius's nimbleness and maneuverability.

2 - Modding? Well of course. But it will be to a lesser degree. This car is actually pretty god as is. For example, take the stereo. That is normally one of the first things I change. In this car (and those who know me will not believe I'm saying this) the stereo is fine the way it is. There is actually nothing I would do to change it. Yes, it really is that good (14 speakers, 600 watts, THX certified). Seeing the THX logo pop up on the screen when you start the car is so cool.

As far as other mods go, I haven't really though of any yet (OK, I'm lying, I have B) ), but they won't be for a while as it doesn't really need anything. My 5 year old loves the power running boards. Close the door they motor up and become the rocker panel. Open the door, and you have a step. Every time I pick him up from school, he insists on showing people. The first day my wife picked him up in the Volvo, he threw such a tantrum. He flat out refused to even get in the car!

So it already has a great stereo. It has a DVD player for the kids. It has a nav system. There really isn't that much left. Maybe a few aesthetic things here and there. Maybe some more chrome (just kidding).

My modding madness may have to take it easy for a while. At least until the Lotus comes. Then all bets are off... http://www.sector111.com/

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Nov 15 2007, 01:35 PM) [snapback]540087[/snapback]</div>

Just for you, my friend. Like I said, so far I'm actually getting 16 mpg. I imagine it may improve a bit once the engine is fully broken in. 17 mpg, here I come.


...Oh, and maybe I should mention that this thing has a, wait for it...

33 GALLON GAS TANK

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Nov 15 2007, 01:39 PM) [snapback]540089[/snapback]</div>

That's why this one IS purple...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Nov 15 2007, 01:39 PM) [snapback]540089[/snapback]</div>

Volvo has that split F/R audio setup. The Navigator does not. However, it does have headphones (IR and wired) for the back. They can also choose between 2 audio sources. So one kid can watch a movie, another can listen to a CD, and we can listen to satellite radio up front. It generally works pretty well. Haven't really tested it all out yet, and we haven't taken any long trips yet so we haven't watched too many DVD's.

But the audio system itself is phenomenal. CNET awarded it the car technology of the year in 2006. Now I know why. So far I have only had it up to 3/4 max volume, and that was as far as I dared to go. There was zero audible distortion even at those levels. The system has active equalization, and you can set the DSP to optimize sound for the driver, front seat, or all seats.

Like the Prius, it's an all-in-one unit that includes nav, radio, CD, and so on. The Navigator has a 6 disc CD changer, Sirius sat radio, DVD, and it has an auxiliary input. Well, it actually has two. One on the DVD unit on the roof and one in the center console. It also does mp3 discs. Between the mp3 discs, Sirius radio, and my iPod, there is virtually an infinite amount of music available.

In this unit, the nav disc actually goes into a slot behind the faceplate (the whole thing slides down and out to access), rather than a separate underseat unit like the Prius. The nav also works just as well as the Prius's does.

All in all I am really impressed that this kind of quality came stock from the factory. I didn't think it was possible.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Greenkeeper @ Nov 15 2007, 01:59 PM) [snapback]540101[/snapback]</div>

Yes, you're right about the costs, I won't dispute that (although insurance on the Navigator is less than the Prius). However, what do you do if I need to leave the house at 6am, or my wife doesn't come home till 8pm. Then how do we get the kids to school in two cars. Do we drop them off and let them sit outside the school until it opens at 7 am. How about picking them up? Do they wait outside until we can both come get them? Or maybe I can take two home, then come back for the third. It's sorta like that logic puzzle with the farmer and a boat and several animals stuck on an island. You can't leave the wolf with the chicken becuase it'll eat it and the cow will wander away and so on. Two cars simply would not work.

And yes, there is a higher fatality rate in SUV crashes, and here's the important part, to those not riding in the SUV. I apologize in advance, but to me my family is more important than anyone else on the road, without exception. Selfish? They're my kids, so the answer is no. Anyway, the IIHS had an interesting report about this recently. I think I posted a link somewhere on PC.

Finally, poached spotted owl on a bed of fresh spring greens with a light white wine citrus glaze is to die for!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TJandGENESIS @ Nov 15 2007, 06:02 PM) [snapback]540237[/snapback]</div>

Tried that one too. But like I said, when the two car seats are strapped in, you can't get tot he third row. Also, once the third row is up, there is only a tiny space in the back. Definitely not enough for a stroller. I looked very closely at the 2008, but it just wasn't for me.