Touring vs. Non-Touring- need to decide within 2 weeks

pola · 05-04-2007, 08:34 PM

I need to make a decision re: Touring/Non-Touring.

I need opinions re: THE RIDE and the FEEL re: Touring vs. Non-Touring.

I don't care as much how it looks.

I care more about a smooth ride on both highway and bumpy roads.

I test drove both, and wondered if I was correct that the ride was a bit smoother on the Non-Touring, but I liked the responsiveness of the Touring.

The salesman said the difference in the tires was 1/4 inch ? not very much... but the wheels are larger.

I am getting conflicting opinions and cant' decide.
My loan comes thru in 2 weeks, need to sell my car first, but I need to decide soon..

Thanks ! gone tomorrow, will check back on Sunday...
pola

Husker4theSpurs · 05-04-2007, 08:53 PM

I believe I've decided on the Touring MOSTLY for looks. I also like the idea of having a little sportier (although it's not much at all) car and larger tires. I say this having not driven a Touring Edition though. I like the rims (plastic coverings) better on the Touring.

If you don't really care about those things THAT much, I would just go with the regular Prius ... PLUS you can probably deal a little bit better on a non-Touring???? Just some thoughts.

Beryl Octet · 05-04-2007, 08:56 PM

I thought the Touring basically threw in the HID headlights, too. I'd go with the touring, it seems like a real bargain, but I lean towards better handling more than ride comfort.

Husker4theSpurs · 05-04-2007, 09:01 PM

You get the HIDs on all Pkg #4 and above on the non-Touring model as well.

Good point for you pola ... if you don't want all the goodies like Nav or leather (#5 & #6 pkgs ... I think #4s are a little harder to find???), yet still want HIDs the Touring may be the way to go.

Good point Beryl

bigmahma · 05-04-2007, 10:29 PM

I drove the touring and non-touring editions back to back several times -

Played a game with myself and had the salesman lead me into a prius - not knowing if it was a touring or non touring..

I was able to tell the difference..

It responds differently, tighter turns on corners - if you drive with any gusto - you will appriciate the suspension.

And it doesn't cost much more.

pola · 05-04-2007, 10:54 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Husker4theSpurs @ May 4 2007, 06:53 PM) [snapback]435762[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I believe I've decided on the Touring MOSTLY for looks. I also like the idea of having a little sportier (although it's not much at all) car and larger tires. I say this having not driven a Touring Edition though. I like the rims (plastic coverings) better on the Touring.

If you don't really care about those things THAT much, I would just go with the regular Prius ... PLUS you can probably deal a little bit better on a non-Touring???? Just some thoughts.
[/b]

THANK YOU... i hope to get 100 opinions here before deciding (LOL)
best, pola

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ May 4 2007, 06:56 PM) [snapback]435764[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I thought the Touring basically threw in the HID headlights, too. I'd go with the touring, it seems like a real bargain, but I lean towards better handling more than ride comfort.
[/b]

So this means you think the regular Prius has a better ride, huh ?
thanks, !!
pola

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Husker4theSpurs @ May 4 2007, 07:01 PM) [snapback]435766[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

You get the HIDs on all Pkg #4 and above on the non-Touring model as well.

Good point for you pola ... if you don't want all the goodies like Nav or leather (#5 & #6 pkgs ... I think #4s are a little harder to find???), yet still want HIDs the Touring may be the way to go.

Good point Beryl
[/b]

Can't decide if I need Nav, leather... probably do but not sure i want to pay that much...
best, and THANKS,
pola

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bigmahma @ May 4 2007, 08:29 PM) [snapback]435818[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I drove the touring and non-touring editions back to back several times -

Played a game with myself and had the salesman lead me into a prius - not knowing if it was a touring or non touring..
I was able to tell the difference..

It responds differently, tighter turns on corners - if you drive with any gusto - you will appriciate the suspension.
And it doesn't cost much more.
[/b]

Very interesting... thank you !
may need to drive both again !!
best, pola

Husker4theSpurs · 05-04-2007, 11:05 PM

Pola ... if you think you want the HIDs, the pkg #4 non-Touring has them ... that is one w/o Nav, Leather. You probably know that though ...

mschrank · 05-05-2007, 12:06 AM

Picked up my Touring about a week ago.
Very solid & tight. The upgraded suspension and 16" wheels make it worth it. Plus you get HID headlights & Foglights. Had a Chrysler 300 M before W/perfromance pkg. The Prius does not take a back seat to the 300M in any way. Room, handling, and quiet interior make it a standout. And of course the mpg!

I'd surely go for the Touring w/leather pkg6.

pola · 05-05-2007, 12:14 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Husker4theSpurs @ May 4 2007, 09:05 PM) [snapback]435830[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Pola ... if you think you want the HIDs, the pkg #4 non-Touring has them ... that is one w/o Nav, Leather. You probably know that though ...

[/b]

THANKS very much,
pola

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mhs @ May 4 2007, 10:06 PM) [snapback]435860[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Picked up my Touring about a week ago.
Very solid & tight. The upgraded suspension and 16" wheels make it worth it. Plus you get HID headlights & Foglights. Had a Chrysler 300 M before W/perfromance pkg. The Prius does not take a back seat to the 300M in any way. Room, handling, and quiet interior make it a standout. And of course the mpg!

I'd surely go for the Touring w/leather pkg6.
[/b]

Thanks for you opinion. very interesting.
best,
pola

justifyd · 05-05-2007, 12:27 AM

The best way to answer your question is to go test drive both, just like you did. Just pick whichever one you like better.

I went with the Touring mainly because I could get the options I wanted with a lesser package and significantly lower sticker price than the base. After that I found out about the better stock tires, a very nice bonus. I've never been in a base model; after analyzing the feature differences of the two setups, I never felt the urge to reconsider.

Handling is a subjective thing. Some will tell you it's tight and harsh, others loose and soft, and still others just about right. To me, the Touring is a respectable mix, favoring the harsh side just a little to try to cut down on body roll and improve handling. Then again, the harshness could be due more to the poor road conditions I encounter on my daily commute than the temperament of the suspension itself. Whatever the case, I'm plenty satisfied.

BTW, the base model has 15" wheels, while the Touring has 16". Since the Touring tires are a lower profile (195/55 I think), I suspect your sales guy was trying to point out that the actual outside diameter (and hence circumference) of the two tires is roughly the same. Someone had the revolutions-per-mile (RPM) for each size and I believe they were pretty darn close; you might find those numbers if you do a search. Just thought I would clarify that and head off any potential "the Touring has 15.25 inch tires?" questions.

- Justifyd

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05-04-2007, 08:34 PM	#1
pola Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 120 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I need to make a decision re: Touring/Non-Touring. I need opinions re: THE RIDE and the FEEL re: Touring vs. Non-Touring. I don't care as much how it looks. I care more about a smooth ride on both highway and bumpy roads. I test drove both, and wondered if I was correct that the ride was a bit smoother on the Non-Touring, but I liked the responsiveness of the Touring. The salesman said the difference in the tires was 1/4 inch ? not very much... but the wheels are larger. I am getting conflicting opinions and cant' decide. My loan comes thru in 2 weeks, need to sell my car first, but I need to decide soon.. Thanks ! gone tomorrow, will check back on Sunday... pola

05-04-2007, 08:53 PM	#2
Husker4theSpurs Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 232 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Touring Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I believe I've decided on the Touring MOSTLY for looks. I also like the idea of having a little sportier (although it's not much at all) car and larger tires. I say this having not driven a Touring Edition though. I like the rims (plastic coverings) better on the Touring. If you don't really care about those things THAT much, I would just go with the regular Prius ... PLUS you can probably deal a little bit better on a non-Touring???? Just some thoughts.

05-04-2007, 08:56 PM	#3
Beryl Octet Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Abingdon VA Posts: 1,294 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I thought the Touring basically threw in the HID headlights, too. I'd go with the touring, it seems like a real bargain, but I lean towards better handling more than ride comfort.

05-04-2007, 09:01 PM	#4
Husker4theSpurs Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 232 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Touring Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	You get the HIDs on all Pkg #4 and above on the non-Touring model as well. Good point for you pola ... if you don't want all the goodies like Nav or leather (#5 & #6 pkgs ... I think #4s are a little harder to find???), yet still want HIDs the Touring may be the way to go. Good point Beryl

05-04-2007, 10:29 PM	#5
bigmahma Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 222 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I drove the touring and non-touring editions back to back several times - Played a game with myself and had the salesman lead me into a prius - not knowing if it was a touring or non touring.. I was able to tell the difference.. It responds differently, tighter turns on corners - if you drive with any gusto - you will appriciate the suspension. And it doesn't cost much more.

05-04-2007, 11:05 PM	#7
Husker4theSpurs Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 232 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Touring Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Pola ... if you think you want the HIDs, the pkg #4 non-Touring has them ... that is one w/o Nav, Leather. You probably know that though ...

05-05-2007, 12:06 AM	#8
mschrank Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 20 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Picked up my Touring about a week ago. Very solid & tight. The upgraded suspension and 16" wheels make it worth it. Plus you get HID headlights & Foglights. Had a Chrysler 300 M before W/perfromance pkg. The Prius does not take a back seat to the 300M in any way. Room, handling, and quiet interior make it a standout. And of course the mpg! I'd surely go for the Touring w/leather pkg6.

05-05-2007, 12:27 AM	#10
justifyd Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 61 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The best way to answer your question is to go test drive both, just like you did. Just pick whichever one you like better. I went with the Touring mainly because I could get the options I wanted with a lesser package and significantly lower sticker price than the base. After that I found out about the better stock tires, a very nice bonus. I've never been in a base model; after analyzing the feature differences of the two setups, I never felt the urge to reconsider. Handling is a subjective thing. Some will tell you it's tight and harsh, others loose and soft, and still others just about right. To me, the Touring is a respectable mix, favoring the harsh side just a little to try to cut down on body roll and improve handling. Then again, the harshness could be due more to the poor road conditions I encounter on my daily commute than the temperament of the suspension itself. Whatever the case, I'm plenty satisfied. BTW, the base model has 15" wheels, while the Touring has 16". Since the Touring tires are a lower profile (195/55 I think), I suspect your sales guy was trying to point out that the actual outside diameter (and hence circumference) of the two tires is roughly the same. Someone had the revolutions-per-mile (RPM) for each size and I believe they were pretty darn close; you might find those numbers if you do a search. Just thought I would clarify that and head off any potential "the Touring has 15.25 inch tires?" questions. - Justifyd