New Prius Touring?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PKT @ Sep 15 2007, 11:46 AM) [snapback]513032[/snapback]</div>

Phil,

I test drove both before I made my decision and without any doubts in my mind chose the Touring. Extra Stability and better Handling is something definitely worth the few hundred bucks difference.
I can tell you also that the MPG is NOT lower in the Touring. I got the same MPG from both cars.
I easily average 62 in the city and 52 on the highway with the A/C on and a passenger. I've gotten as much as 68 mpg over a few hundred miles of city driving, but that's hard to do and not worth it for me.

Keep us updated on your choice. And whatever that is, you'll certainly enjoy it!

Al

 

Then again, a friend of mine owns a base Prius and he drives it like it's a Lotus and it's never let him down, even racing up and down Mt. Tamalpais. So I guess, it's just a personal preference. If spending an extra few hundred bucks isn't a big deal for you, get it, if you're on a budget, don't.

 

I drove both the standard and the Touring model several times, and felt no difference in handling whatsoever.

All of the options that I wanted that were standard on the Touring, the HIDs, etc., were all included in my package #6.

With the suspension as a non-factor, that left wheels and tires, and a larger spoiler. I am not a fan of spoilers in general, so a larger spoiler was not a plus for me . Additionally, there were a few posts regarding the larger Touring spoiler becoming loose and rattling. I believe these are isolated incidents, but it was another consideration for me nonetheless.

If I want to upgrade my wheels and tires, I will do it myself.

The "extra few hundred bucks" may or may not be accurate; I saved ~$4500 off MSRP on my package #6, but because there are fewer Touring models available, the dealer was not as willing to reduce the sale price on a Touring model.

So, for me, I would have paid considerably more for a suspension package I couldn't feel any difference with, as well as a larger spoiler and a wheel and tire package I didn't want.

Everyone's preferences are different; if you want those options and can get them for the price you want, go for it. Many folks are extremely happy with their Touring models.

I really don't think you can go wrong either way, even if you buy fewer options now, then you decide you want them later, just about anything can be added. That includes leather, aftermarket nav, suspension, wheels, tires, even a bigger spoiler.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PKT @ Sep 15 2007, 12:46 PM) [snapback]513032[/snapback]</div>

I wouldn't worry about it. I think it's a matter of what kind of ride you're comfortable with. I first started looking at the Prius about a year before I bought mine. I test drove the car 3 or 4 times, each time in a standard model. They all felt a little mushy to me. I went back again and the only two on the lot were Touring models. I drove one and bought it on the spot. I felt more in control with the stiffer ride.

 

I love the touring. I think it handles better when compared to our 03 Classic Prius with 15" wheels. That's my 2 cents.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PKT @ Sep 16 2007, 08:35 AM) [snapback]513279[/snapback]</div>

I bought a red 07 touring package #3 earlier this year. I prefer the slightly stiffer handling of the touring. BUT, what ever you do, don't buy a package for the jbl stereo! Its worthless, and may actually be harder to upgrade than the lower package stereo! (and, i reallyl like the 16" wheels w/o the plastic hucaps, just small center caps!)

got it for 26k out the door....

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JonasB @ Sep 16 2007, 09:54 PM) [snapback]513493[/snapback]</div>

Unless, you intend to be on MTV Cribs and would feel inadequate with anything less than 2000 DB, 25 speaker stereo system, the JBL package is Great and doesn't need upgrading. Pure, beautiful sound, loud enough at its highest setting to decrease your hearing ability.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PKT @ Sep 15 2007, 12:46 PM) [snapback]513032[/snapback]</div>

 

I like the touring better, if you can't tell the difference, then buy the one that is cheaper.

 

Hi Phil: Bought 2008 Prius Touring, Package #2: I also live in South Florida and received my 2008 last Friday (Sept 14). Bought it at Earl Steward Toyota, West Palm Beach, Florida and it was my undestanding this was the 1ST 2008 Touring vehicle delivered in Southern Florida. Great Dealer and Internet Salesperson Michael Lloyd, and also NO Dealer Administrative Fees. Traded in my 2006 Prius, 43,000 miles, and loved the car, but wanted a new Touring model. Have 350 miles on vehicle and the ride is Excellent, Stable and feels much better than 2004.

The car is almost identical to 2004, but some features are improved. Dash Screen is brighter and now I don't need a visor, or shade top of screen with hand to see. Backup Camers has beautiful color and covers a broad spectrum of view. Both my wife and I love the Smart Key System, and how the systems default setting opens "only" the drivers door and not all doors. Understand dealer can change how many doors open, BUT will not change default setting, because when driver is only person entering vehicle, I want to maintain the security of vehicle and not allow entry through other doors.

HID headlamps are wonderful due to extreamly bright white light. We're both older and appreciate the added crisp night vision. The lights alinement is maintain even with three additional persons and luggage in back seat, due to added electrical feature on rear axle that send signal to headlights to automaticly adjust lights to correct position.

Bottom Line: 2008 Toyota Prius Touring model is without question, one of the best overall vehicles built today. With human engineering, quality standards, and wonderful resale, we sincerly believe this vehicle deserves more than just a quick look. Also, drive a Touring Model before buying, and experience first handed, all the neat features.

 

Prius is becoming popular with senior citizens. I am a senior citizen my self and several of my friends have them. Some have two and three. In the family. It is surprising how they adopted to the new technology.

We all frequently undertake long trips to spend time with our children and grand children. Agree, the seats are not best for long hauls, but they are O.K. The ease of parking, short turning circle, gas mileage, bright lights, the space to haul stuff and feel good factor more than compensate for the lack of comfortable seats.

My friend’s wife got a custom made seat cushion to raise the height of the seat. The one they sell at Amazon are not really comfortable.

Few myths are circulated again and again. When my friend tested the mileage of the touring model with the standard model there is no significant difference in the mileage At the most a mile under similar driving conditions, route and load. They have both Standard 04 and 07touring model .It may make a difference in snowy winter due to wider tires.

The ride is for the touring model not harsh. But it is firm and not cushy.

Initially we had some doubts about the durability about these cars. But not any more.
The classic prius got 145 thousand miles and the 04 models exceed 65 K miles.