Tour? Navigate? or just plain prius?

[browercreed]

I've put a deposit on a new '08 prius, and am waiting for a call from the dealer.
In the meantime I've read so many pros and cons regarding the worth of the
touring package, and the drawbacks of the navigation system. I'm really confused
now, and don't know if I should pay more for these options. I've heard the touring
makes the ride better, then the next will say it makes it rougher. Thought I'd ask
some real owners.
Anybody having second thoughts about the package you
chose, and if so what would you change?

[zephyr9900]

I've been asking the same questions and trying to research the options. I already have a couple of standalone GPS systems and I like to be able to plan trips on them using my computer - so I figure I don't need the nav system. I also live in New Mexico, where leather seats can fry your skin in the summer. So I figured I don't need the leather package upgrade. I'm happy with my Bluetooth headset for my phone, so I figure I don't need the Bluetooth upgrade.

That still leaves the touring or not question - put I do like cars with responsive handling and the larger tires are attractive. So I'm going for the Touring edition despite not having the opportunity to test drive one. Sorry I can't help too much with your questions, but just figured I'd share my line of thinking on these options.

[browercreed]

My son had a mini cooper with in dash GPS and he just loved it, so thought I'd
give it a try in this new car. I love leather seats and will have them include the
"heating" which is aftermarket but done by the dealer. I don't ever use a bluetooth
headset so this will be a good thing for me to have in the new ride. I can do
without the Nav. I suppose, but just can't decide on whether to accept a touring or
not. Some say the ride is bouncy and not as comfortable but performs better. What
a decision! Comfort or performance!

[F8L]

If you have the capital to spend buy the basic Prius with HIDs and Smart Key then add Nav/DVD/CD/Bluetooth aftermarket. Pioneer and Kenwood eXcelon make very nice pieces that will fit in your dash and work MUCH better than the factory unit, will sound better than the JBL systems, and cost less.

If you have to finance then look for a great deal on the NAV upgrade if you need it. IMO the Touring model is not worth the price.

[qbee42]

Touring does not make the ride better, it makes the ride stiffer. It's up to you to decide if stiffer = better. The touring model has suspension a bit more like a sports car. I like the softer ride of the standard model.

As for the NAV system, we have it on ours and like it a lot. It's more expensive than an after-market system, but it is completely built-in with the big screen and dead reckoning ability. Once again only you can decide. If money is not a big issue, get the built-in NAV system. With that you also get the voice control system.

Tom

[Del Boy]

I struggled with the same question and I certainly don't regret my decision to go with a Touring with the works! We have a fleet of base model Prii at work for comparison. I love the stiff suspension of the Touring. Compared to the 67 VW Bug it's replaced, it's like driving on a pillow. I also prefer the Touring wheels.

Here in CA, they only sell the Touring in package 6, and I wanted leather anyway. Now I've bought a bluetooth phone that's Prius compatible... It's a slippery slope!

My rationalization for the splurge is that I plan to keep the car for many, many years. So I figured I might as well go with a car that I'd love to drive.

[Joekc]

We had the opportunity to buy a touring model, but my wife has back problems and I felt the firm ride would bother her. We do have the NAV system and it's not very good, especially if you've tried Garmin units.

I think the point I'd like to make is this: it's very unlikely you're going to have much of a choice unless you're willing to wait months. I would advise taking the first reasonably equipped Prius you can get. If it's package 3 or above I don't see you being disappointed. Just my opinion.

[browercreed]

Actually, the radio isn't a big thing for me because I don't listen to music - only
talk radio on xm - so I plan to have that installed. Music makes me sleepy
when I drive so the talking and news keeps me involved and awake. Not sure
the built-in xm is a good thing either, but just don't want to have the system
added on the outside. I drive a Lexus RX and love the soft, smooth ride. I
did get to drive a prius but don't know if it was touring or not. Guess I need
to go back to the dealer and get some answers. For me the ride was ok which-
ever one it was.
Thanks for all this information. I know the decision will be up to me but sure
does help having someone who's already there give you some input.

[browercreed]

Actually I'm in no big hurry. I keep my cars forever so I do want to get some amenities,
but not if they aren't very good. I've heard the Nav doesn't do well unless you're in a big city -
which I'm not! So far I've been offered a blue #6 touring and turned it down because I just
love a red or black car - plus I didn't have my information about the touring. Hopefully, I'll
have a new one before gas gets $7 because I do love to go.

[9G-man]

Definetly get SmartKey and back up camera as a minimum, they are basics that really make the Prius overall unique. It is awesome to be liberated from having to use a car key all the time. Can't appreciate it until you've had it. Bluetooth phone option is another cool feature. HID headlights are sooo nice, you just don't realize till you have them.

The factory nav is nothing special, and a portable Garmin is far, far superior. But, not opting for it deprives you of total voice command of the other systems on the car. On the other hand, the novelty of that wears off, because it's a little impractical, and everything can be done via the steering wheel anyway.

Unless you car a sporty (firm) ride handling enthusiast, I'd not opt for the Touring pkg. You possibly get less gas mileage, and pay quite more for tires in the future.

Pkg. 3 is minimum and 4 is ideal. Pkg 5 is great cause you get the nav (that's not all that great), plus voice command. If you've got it, spend it, and get what you want. That what I say with a car, because you have it so long and don't want to regret not doing it later.