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Ordering Prius - Need advice

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by ndbard, Apr 15, 2008.

  1. ndbard

    ndbard New Member

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    I am going to order a Prius, and am not sure which to order. I am trying to decide whether or not to get the touring package. I commute about 80 miles each day, and do lots of driving for my job, generally about 600 miles per month. Is it worth the extra to get the touring package?
    Thanks,
    Emma
     
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    No, unless you like/want a stiffer ride and handling and different wheels. It does not noticeably change MPGs.
     
  3. prius729

    prius729 New Member

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    It really depends on what options you want. Touring has a firmer ride than the base model, the main difference. My touring package 2 has all I need so that's why I got it. Mainly, HID, SKS, Backup camera.
     
  4. mingoglia

    mingoglia Member

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    It may be coincidence but I swear the average Touring owner gets slightly less fuel economy. I have no specific facts to back that up...it's just an observation. On paper, regardless of if Toyota or the EPA chose to test a touring separate from a "normal" Prius (which if the Touring is just a trim package they probably don't have to) a car with a larger spoiler will have slightly more drag and therefore less economy. Is this extra drag measurable? I really don't know.

    15" tires are also cheaper to replace than 16". :)
     
  5. triumph1

    triumph1 Member

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    I was told today they stopped making the touring packages months ago-

    @ 80 miles a day, you must mean 600 miles a week!

    I drive 600 miles a week, which is why I got the #6.
     
  6. wchardin

    wchardin Senior Member

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    Where did you hear that they stopped making the Touring model?
     
  7. KandyRedCoi

    KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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    to be honest it depends on your budget, if you can try and get a touring, esp if the car is going to be your only car, or the car you will be driving most, freeways, traffic, snow, rain, etc.

    the upgraded susp is a world of difference, gives you extra stability, and great steering reaction etc.
    HID - esp if you drive at night in poorly light roads
    bluetooth - pretty soon talking on your cell will be illegal while driving, what better way to talk, no need for those nerdy earpieces
    NAV - if you will be driving a lot, its a must
    leather - gives the car a higher class feel inside
    spoiler - it looks cool
    wheel/tire combo - aids in the perfomance of the suspension, plus looks better IMO than the standard wheels
    JBL sound system - not the best, but def better than the std ones
    6 disc in dash with ipod input - more music = more fun

    keep in mind you can add most of these after the fact, but why would you, itll end up costing more

    click here as well: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-main-forum/41220-touring-non-touring-again-2.html#post599652
     
  8. HardCase

    HardCase SilverPineMica, the green one

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    I've noticed the same thing, suspect the wheel/tire combo rather than the spoiler.
     
  9. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Plausible that "touring" fans drive with lead feet.

    Does the touring really have a bigger spoiler?
     
  10. wchardin

    wchardin Senior Member

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    The spoiler is a little bigger on the Touring models when compared to the non-Touring models. The Touring model is on the right and the non-Touring is on the left.

    [​IMG]
     
  11. Silver Tourist

    Silver Tourist New Member

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    I have the Touring and love it. Is it worth the expense? It all depends on what type of driving you do. Part of my commute is a long, downhill trek on mountain roads. I like having the firmer suspension through the twists and turns. Also, I don't brake as much so I can build up speed to coast uphill on the few hills on the route. The sound system is great, too. I also think--in my humble opinion--that it just looks better--particularly the wheels. For a couple hundred bucks extra, definitely worth it to me. Your results may vary.

    As for mpg, on my commute (downhill to work and uphill back), I average about 50 mpg in high-speed California, highway driving. Just fine for me!
     
  12. hammy

    hammy Prius Addict

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    I bought hte basic 2008 with a pkg 2. I added a Sirius pkg for under $100.00 that works fully with the MFD and no wires showing. All parts are behind the glove box. I moved my Garmin Street Pilot C330 from my old car to the Prius just over the MFD on the Dash ( Not window) which looks really cool and lets me use the MFD for the other functions. What else do you need and the Dealer Invoice was $22,000.
     
  13. JaviNOS

    JaviNOS Mod Freak

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    My advice is... If you want a safer ride with better handling go for the Touring. I had a non touring model and ended up upgrading multiple parts in the suspension to get a more desired feeling with daily driving. My signature has a list of mods that were on my Prius. I say were because it exists no more :(.... Most importantly I'd say you should opt for any package you can afford that has VSC (vehicle stability control) from Toyota. I lost my Prii on a rainy weekend. If you dont plan to spend 1000$ on a TRDsportivo suspension kit, and over 500$ on braces and bars to stiffen your car up, go ahead and go for the Touring so yo get good tires, good suspension, and VSC.
     
  14. morpheusx

    morpheusx Professor Chaos

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    I've heard some people say that the touring doesn't really have an upgraded suspension package and the same difference in handling could be achieved on a non touring if it had the same width tires.

    In my opinion The Base package # 2 is the best overall deal for the money. If you are uncomfortable with the handling, put on some performance tires and you will probably see a world of difference.
     
  15. triumph1

    triumph1 Member

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    The sales manager at the dealer told me. I asked to see one just for kicks.
     
  16. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Looks like a broken link ("invalid attachment") but I'll take your word for it. "Touring" buyers have to see that they're getting something for their money :_>