Ordering Prius - Need advice

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

 

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.

 

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".

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Plausible that "touring" fans drive with lead feet.

Does the touring really have a bigger spoiler?

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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 :_>