If You Could Buy It Over Again...

Hi Keith, welcome to PriusChat! I did buy it over again, and got the equivalent package. I like the integration of the built-in nav with the bluetooth phone capability: look for a store, locate the one you want, get info, press the call button and see when they're open. Can't do that with aftermarket, can you?

What you absolutely DON'T need to get tomorrow is pre-paid maintenance or extended warranty. Also none of the DAP (Dealer's Additional Profit) crap like undercoating, etched windows, etc. Maintenance costs are really low, consisting mostly of oil changes. If you feel you need the extended warranty (by now most of the bugs have been worked out) you can buy a Toyota warranty here on PC for a lot less than the dealer will rip you.

 

The only thing I would have done differently was get the tires changed immediately. I think Goodyear will give you a trade in at less then 1000 miles. Get 195's, top of the line, your favorite brand, and you will be happy.

 

I would perhaps buy it in red, I think it suits my personality more. Don't get me wrong, I love the black.

It would be nice if I had bluetooth. I don't talk on the phone while driving unless it's really necessary, but I think bluetooth will be nice.

 

I would have stepped up one package to get the multi-CD changer stereo. The SKS, bluetooth, nav... all that doesn't really interest me. But more disks... that interests me!

 

Ther will always be a better something coming out soon from one company or another, and you'll wait forever if you want the newest thing. Get your car and enjoy it now. You won't regret it.

 

I am a package #2 owner and I couldn't be happier. I don't often use a cellphone or bluetooth device so I didn't want to pay for those options. I also have a great GPS for about $220 that does everything I want and it can be mounted in either of our cars. I also am happy with the AUX port for my iPod. Neither the iPod nor my GPS tie into the MFD but that hasn't slowed me down. The back-up camera wasn't on my must-have list but my wife and I really like it now. I really would like to have the HID headlights but buying a higher package wasn't worth it for me.

One other thing I might wish for beyond the package #2 is Homelink(?). I would like the ability to open the garage doors from the car, but I always go through the front door so it doesn't seem to matter.

Enjoy buying your Prius.

 

I'm a Standard Edition package #2 guy. If I could have a do-over I would buy a Touring Edition package #2, mainly for the tuned suspension, bigger wheels and HID lights. I would even consider going up to a package #3 if that was necessary in order to get the Touring Edition.

 

Yes, the HIDs are included in the Touring Edition. I haven't heard anyone say that the Touring Edition's ride is harsh (I've mostly heard that it seems just right, plus you get the benefit of better handling). On the other hand, I've heard a lot of people (including myself) say that the Standard Edition's handling is below average for a car of its size.

Maybe you can manage to test drive both?

 

I am a package #2 owner and would buy the same package if I were purchasing another Prius.

 

+1

 

Plug-in. Plug-in. Plug-in. Say it three times and it will come.

Are you listening Toyota? If the next Prius doesn't have a plug-in "package" then I have to drive my 2004 until there is a factory plug-in.

Really, all the other 'extras' are not going to conserve oil resources. We really need to have these types (plug-in) of options. Many won't "want" it, but many will have to have it.

 

I wouldn't get the extended warranty from the dealer. I would buy it from this site. Beside's that, everything else went great.

 

i went from 2004 tidelands pkg 1 to 2006 SPM pkg 4.

like you, nav is something i would never pay for. i have Route 66 nav for my Mac and VZ Navigator for 9.99 a month with my cellphone (actually part of my "premium package" that costs an extra $20 and bundles a bunch of other stuff with it) between the two, i do just fine.

and the cost for the two combined is less than your DVD upgrade costs.

bluetooth might be cool but to have it car mounted only would still require me to use a headset since 80% of my BT usage is not in the car... (not to mention i drive the Zenn a lot too) so that would again be another double expense.

 

I would not have done anything differently except maybe find a black with gray interior. I got a package #1 and at the time the only gray interiors were for black and white. All the other cars had tan. My black car ended up with a tan interior, just like my old car so no biggie.

However, when I buy my next Prius, it will be a plug in. It will be dark blue, It will have a gray interior. And I'll probably get the highest package. Probably a touring too. Because this will be my retirement car.

And I'll keep it until I get an EV.

 

I'd put the VentureShield on the car immediately. Maybe get VSC (probably be standard by then) and silver. I'm very happy with the one I have.

 

If it's just the ride you're concerned about, you can add braces or struts later. There are some posts on Priuschat about it.

Even if I had a touring, I'd add a BT plate. If I can't add the plate to the touring, I'd get a regular model.