Help me decide on options!

[mavsfan5241]

Hello all,

I have a hard time deciding whether to get package 4 or 5; I will save around $1350 if I get #4 instead of #5, but I will be missing the following:

1. anti-theft system
2. auto-dimming rearview mirror
3. universal transceiver
4. wireless system
5. bluetooth

Other than Anti-theft and Bluetooth, I don't really know what 2, 3, and 4 are. Can someone explain to me what they are and whether or not they are worth buying?

Also, with the Smart-Key system, I feel like I don't really need the Anti-theft system, correct? Do people even know how to break into a Prius that uses a key system that's unlike all the other cars?

Thanks!! Any help is appreciated!

[samkusnetz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kathy_23 @ May 3 2006, 09:23 PM) [snapback]249534[/snapback]</div>

2. auto-dimming rearview mirror
[/b]

the rearview mirror automatically adjusts its tint to reduce glare from headlights behind you. i have this feature and it really works. not really necessary; you can just use the little flippie thing that's on every other rearview mirror in the world...

3. universal transceiver
[/b]

this is basically a garage door opener built into the car. no garage for you? then you won't miss this.

4. wireless system
[/b]

other than bluetooth, i'm not sure what this would refer to.

Also, with the Smart-Key system, I feel like I don't really need the Anti-theft system, correct? Do people even know how to break into a Prius that uses a key system that's unlike all the other cars?
[/b]

this is fairly accurate. the car will not start without the smart key. now, i'm sure some theif will eventually figure it out, but yoy really should consider your car safe.

so my opinion is that if you're tight on cash, or none of these features really leap out at you, then skip 'em. the only options i consider mandatory are the airbags and other safety related things.

cheers
sk

[mavsfan5241]

Thanks for the answers! exactly what I needed! =)

[MrsRodgers]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samkusnetz @ May 3 2006, 11:25 PM) [snapback]249576[/snapback]</div>

this is fairly accurate. the car will not start without the smart key. now, i'm sure some theif will eventually figure it out, but yoy really should consider your car safe.
[/b]

Secure? In my opinion if you don't have a need for the bluetooth capability, save on the package upgrade and have a Ravelco security system installed for half the price.
This excerpt is from the FAQ page at ravelco.com.

. . BUT THE SALESMAN TOLD ME MY VEHICLE ALREADY HAS A FACTORY ANTI THEFT DEVICE . . . BUILT INTO ITS IGNITION KEY!

GM's PASSlock II, FORD's SecuriLock, CHRYSLER’s SentryKey and TOYOTA’s Engine Immobilizer - These transponder based anti theft systems consist of a computer chip imbedded in the ignition key itself which emits a signal to the vehicle’s computer system in the steering column to identify the "real" ignition key and allow the vehicle to start. These systems are factory installed, on almost all the new GM, FORD, CHRYSLER and TOYOTA vehicles, at no charge. These systems keep honest people honest and are very easy to bypass. All a thief has to do is cut the black wire in the three wire ribbon cable located under the dash and measure the resistance between the black wire and the yellow starter wire with a volt meter. They then touch the two wires with the matching resistor and the vehicle will start. This sounds complicated, but only takes about 20 seconds to defeat . . . which is probably why the factory installs these systems free. These systems are not very effective and they are bypassed all the time. Recently, a national automotive magazine published information on how to bypass these systems. Some salespeople tell their customers that because of this factory installed system, they do not need any extra security for their vehicle, but this is NOT TRUE!