Prius four with spare tire from dealer

great link, thanks roadnoise!

 

When I was looking at the car, the lack of a spare was what made me buy a 3. I had a feeling this was going to back fire on Toyota. IMO a can of flat fixer is even worse than run flat tires. Both are horrible. I think the only thing the dealers hear is when cars sit on there lots and don't sell.

 

no question about that! but i don't think it's backfiring on toyota, if they can sell another $500. in accessories.

 

PriusChat store maybe should sell knock-off inserts.
Then you can have your cake and eat it too.
If you want space, you throw in the skinny inset.
If you want a spare, you throw in the spare insert and a spare.

Endless possibilities Danny-
Then there's the fake floor insert for those who miss that Gen 2/3 compartment.
...there's the hide-the-beer-from-your-wife floor, etc.

 

Just speculating on how the dealership accomplished a 4 with spare:

They likely took the path of least resistance, swapped parts with a 3. And subsequently they'll fob that 3 off on someone not that up on the levels?

 

Considering that dealers are selling these cars at more than $3k off sticker and still making a profit, this one may have a lot of options -- depending on what it sold the car for.

 

Are the flaps at the base of rear seatbacks kinda riding up:



Not sure. And not sure why that would be.

 

Has anyone found a source for the insert and any other parts required for a full size spare, at least for the 15" wheel?

 

Thanks a lot for the pics! It is not as nice and even as in 3, but in my view not worse than 4. The main thing it is possible, and I am sure a lot of people, who want the highest package but were hesitant because of the absence of a spare, will go for it. Hopefully Toyota will listen and add a spare for all models in the future.

 

hmm...keep in mind the Prius 4 has 27.4-ft3 EPA cargo vs. closer to 24-ft3 for the Prius 3. I don't think there is 3-ft3 difference in the size of the insert (but I am not sure about that). If there is not 3-ft3 difference in the insert size, then some other measurement (such as seat position or height) might be a little different, to allow claiming 3-ft3 difference.

 

I believe the pictured foam insert from the 3 may be taller than the one designed for the tire inflator version, such that the rolling tonneau cover can fit hidden under the floorboard and carpet.

The modified/carved solution won't fit the tonneau cover in a hidden spot underneath, but you get the greater cargo capacity.

 

Charging for a spare seems a little cheeky, in the UK you can choose to either have the inflation kit or a spare tyre for no extra cost.

 

Do they change the insert when they do the spare option?
I have not seen a +spare VDA cargo space quote for EU.
We have VDA cargo space = 502-liters (17.7-ft3) for the no-spare case.

 

It's a manufacturer option so the car is built with the inserts that are needed depending on choice. I ended up going for the the inflation kit as I've not had a puncture in 7 years, along with the fact the lease scheme I've gone with covers replacement tyres at not extra cost.

 

There's a "Styro Kit"? Tell me more, please.

Wonder if I could get a spare tire insert and change out the inflation kit?!?!?!

 

If you look under the hatch floor in a spare vs air pump version, there's different Styrofoam configuration, different cut outs.

 

How do you remove the foam insert without doing serious damage? It looks kind of cheap and easily damaged.
I sure miss my Gen2 hidden cargo bin, so this is a way to get some of that space back.
Thanks.

 

This is a story to make a person weep!

See the spare tire thread and the new Continental look.