#8 v. #7 and #7 v. #6

[sl7vk]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jul 13 2006, 11:13 PM) [snapback]286030[/snapback]</div>

Consider resale value. #8 will go a long way to keep it high. I have #8 and like Alnilam love the technology. I find it very useful.

Another GPS example. You have a business phone number. The GPS has the option to enter that number and bam you are told how to get there. The stuff just keeps on amazing me. You only live once. This car the one you dont want to skimp on. Leather makes it easier to get in and out.
[/b]

Unless the Prius is different from every other car on the market, resale is hurt by getting more options. That is to say, the more options you have, the quicker your car depreciates.

When I was looking at a baseline Camry, at 17k, the salesman tried to pull that resale crap on me, so I emailed him 3 or 4 articles indicating the opposite..... The fact of the matter is, a used car is always going to be compared to the baseline new model. This hurts heavy optioned vehicles more.

With all that said, you probably aren't getting the car to resell it, nor was I.... but anyways...

I love package 3. It's a big upgrade from my 98 Subaru Outback!

[Three60guy]

In my opinion the Prius is in a class all by itself currently. Toyota sells more Prius vehicles with all the toys because more people want them. Hence the reason for a higher resale value. So, I guess you must decide who is right concerning resale value.

In either case, enjoy the Prius.

[sl7vk]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jul 13 2006, 11:45 PM) [snapback]286053[/snapback]</div>

In my opinion the Prius is in a class all by itself currently. Toyota sells more Prius vehicles with all the toys because more people want them. Hence the reason for a higher resale value. So, I guess you must decide who is right concerning resale value.

In either case, enjoy the Prius.
[/b]

Well the reason they sell more is because they make more (lets face it, Prius' aren't sitting on lots.... anywhere. whatever they make they are selling at this point, and fast!). The reason they make more is because their profit lines are much healthier on an 8 vs. a 1.

But like I said, not to many people are interested in reselling their Prius' from what I've seen...

[mcbrunnhilde]

I got the "safety" package in my 2004--all the airbags and VSC (with HID headlights). I didn't really want to bust the budget for a nav system, because I've lived in San Diego all my life and have used Thomas guides for almost 30 years!!

Bear in mind that upgrade DVDs for the nav system cost about $250.00. A portable nav can be put in other cars or taken with you when you're walking somewhere unfamiliar. Also, I've heard the maps are better in portable units. However, having the nav integrated into the car is truly a cool gadget, and a portable nav system (if you forget and leave it out) is easy to steal.

As to the seating, I HATE HATE HATE leather!!! Hot in summer and cold in winter. If you MUST get it, I *think* the factory leather has some areas of vinyl. If you got them from Katzkin.com (I think that's it) like many other Prius owners, I *think* it's all leather...anybody out there know for sure?? It would probably end up being less expensive than the factory option, even paying for the installation. Check with your dealer to see who they use for an upholstery shop to get a bid on installation.

BTW red is the best color.... :P

[mssmith95]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(withersea @ Jul 13 2006, 06:14 PM) [snapback]285962[/snapback]</div>

Your dealer will probably not volunteer this, but they can do a dealer trade for the options that you are looking for.
[/b]

Pretty much I echo everyone else...wanted a package 6, got the call that a package 7 was available and pulled the trigger. Having the NAV is great...just a great feature even if it is not as good as aftermarket...although the size of the screen if far superior to those tiny aftermarket screens.

However, the "dealer trade" may be more difficult then one would think. Pretty much all of the dealers I know (I know the Fleet and VIP manager's at one dealer, the used car manager at another, and the sales mangaer at yet another) told me that have rarely negotiated a Prius swap...and if they did, they would want something better in return (a higher model). They say that their allocation is so tight...and they sell everything they get...there is just no point in trying to make a swap. Better to shop dealers yourself!

There are many people who have commented about the lack of quality of the leather...but it is factory leather and it all depends on whether you are the type to go aftermarket.

Goodluck!

[Bearcatzzz]

Wanted the leather. Tried the Nav system with voice controls. Basic Nav system is good but, you can't change while moving above 4 mph. If you need an alternate route you're stuck. I bought a Garmin Nav system and love it. I can take it with me in any car I'm in. I (or a passenger) can make changes while moving.

I hated the voice control. I wouldn't correctly recognize my voice commands.

Settled for the #6, but wanted leather seats. Couldn't see spending $2000 on a NAV system.

[davidf]

I got the #8 package. I actually told the dealer either #7 or #8 (I wasn't sure the leather was actually worth it). By specifying just about any color and either package 7 or 8, I got mine in about 2-1/2 weeks (pretty good for around here).

The navigation system is an expensive "toy", but I find it very useful. Yes, I can use a Thomas Guide as well, but let's use computers for stuff they do well, and this is a good example. Is it a luxury? Yes. Is it worth the money? Arguable. Am I glad I did it? YES. My other option is an add-on which 1) I have to get out everytime I want to use it, 2) won't work until it syncs with satellites, and 3) has to be put away afterwards so it won't get stolen. The built-in is always on, big, and pretty good. And yes, the voice commands are fun (and impressive to visitors :-).

I suspect the question comes down to what can you afford. If you pop for the Nav, you'll probably be glad you did (not too many here regret having gotten it, from what I see). As for leather, again -- kind of a luxury, and you'd have to decide if it's worth the $1000.

Good luck.

David

[withersea]

Don't completely count the dealer trade out. Maybe it depends on the dealer and the area that you are in. I know of at least three dealers that the local dealer here will do trades with. The key is timing. If they both have allocations arriving at close to the same time, they will swap for colors and options. Again, timing and the willingness of your dealer (or salesperson) to go the extra mile is the key. Remember, they are car salesmen. They will work hard to keep you from going to another dealer. Do the legwork yourself. Find out what options are due in and the time frame, then tell your dealer about them and ask him to check into a dealer trade if someone else has what you want.

[bgbc]

Thanks for all the comments and advice, everyone. I'm definitely going to shop around at as many dealers as possible -- I started by signing up for the CostCo dealers and will go from there.

I'll also ease up on color. I was stuck on red but will be open to taking something else. (Even if red is the best )

And given all the praise for the NAV system, I'm going to shoot for getting the #8. San Francisco's too cold to worry about leather being hot in "summer"! :P

[SomervillePrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stan57 @ Jul 14 2006, 02:39 AM) [snapback]286114[/snapback]</div>

Wanted the leather. Tried the Nav system with voice controls. Basic Nav system is good but, you can't change while moving above 4 mph. If you need an alternate route you're stuck. I bought a Garmin Nav system and love it. I can take it with me in any car I'm in. I (or a passenger) can make changes while moving.

I hated the voice control. I wouldn't correctly recognize my voice commands.

Settled for the #6, but wanted leather seats. Couldn't see spending $2000 on a NAV system.
[/b]

This is not true. For alternate route you can hit distination and then detour and it will ask you how long a detour you want. You can do this at speed (I've used it a couple of times). Now if you need to change address then you need to stop and enter a new address.

While slightly annoying I'm glad "other" people can't type in a new address while doing 40+mph in a school zone!