we can't find Package 5 Non-touring here... so

[pola]

We're thinking of getting a Garmin or other portable Nav. system for a package 3 or 4 Non-Touring.

Is there any reason to get package 4 over package 3 ?
It's confusing re: the price difference... they look like they are similarly priced. ???
Are HID headlights that great on package 4 ? They don't come on package 3.
We don't use Bluetooth. It looks like the main difference betw. package 3 and 4 is the HID headlights.
How many of you have the 'extra mile option' ?

Thanks very much,
pola

[JimN]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pola @ May 12 2007, 07:30 PM) [snapback]440760[/snapback]</div>

We're thinking of getting a Garmin or other portable Nav. system for a package 3 or 4 Non-Touring.

Is there any reason to get package 4 over package 3 ?
It's confusing re: the price difference... they look like they are similarly priced. ???
Are HID headlights that great on package 4 ? They don't come on package 3.
We don't use Bluetooth. It looks like the main difference betw. package 3 and 4 is the HID headlights.
How many of you have the 'extra mile option' ?

Thanks very much,
pola
[/b]

The pricing confusion is due to Toyota's sliding scale price reductions on the option packages. Higher packages have higher discounts. This may very well result in a more fully equipped car costing less than a lower one. I don't have HID lights and don't miss them. Those that have them love them. HIDs will cost more when they need to be replaced.

I don't know what the "extra mile option" is so I suspect it is a dealer or port add on of dubious value.

[pola]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ May 12 2007, 07:02 PM) [snapback]440766[/snapback]</div>

The pricing confusion is due to Toyota's sliding scale price reductions on the option packages. Higher packages have higher discounts. This may very well result in a more fully equipped car costing less than a lower one. I don't have HID lights and don't miss them. Those that have them love them. HIDs will cost more when they need to be replaced.

I don't know what the "extra mile option" is so I suspect it is a dealer or port add on of dubious value.
[/b]

Thanks, Jim, for all your help tonite.
I'm trying to recall which Garmin nav. you use.
I will look back into the posts.
do you use a magnifier on it ? where did you install it ?
thanks again !
best,
pola

[FloridaWen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pola @ May 12 2007, 08:30 PM) [snapback]440760[/snapback]</div>

We can't find Package 5 Non-touring here... so we're thinking of getting a Garmin or other portable Nav. system for a package 3 or 4 Non-Touring.
[/b]

pola, why not "wait" a few weeks for EXACTLY (package 5, NON-Touring) what you want in the exact exterior color and interior you want ??

Here in Florida, these NON-Touring Prius's are coming in like 5 to 1 over the Touring......... just be patient and get EXACTLY what you want.......... you will have it for many, many years to come and will definitely regret making a "quick" or "wrong" decision........ believe me, we did just that and are haunted every day by the bad decision !!

[pola]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 13 2007, 04:32 PM) [snapback]441245[/snapback]</div>

pola, why not "wait" a few weeks for EXACTLY (package 5, NON-Touring) what you want in the exact exterior color and interior you want ??

Here in Florida, these NON-Touring Prius's are coming in like 5 to 1 over the Touring......... just be patient and get EXACTLY what you want.......... you will have it for many, many years to come and will definitely regret making a "quick" or "wrong" decision........ believe me, we did just that and are haunted every day by the bad decision !!
[/b]

Hi and thanks... but the package 5 Non Touring does not even get shipped to the Gulf States.
I was told by several dealers.
For some reason ALL the package 5's that get brought into the Gulf States are Touring.
Thanks for your help.
I think one dealer said he might be able to order it for me, but it could take a few weeks... also the more we thought about it, the more we thought we should just go wtih package 3, since we can get a portable GPS nav system.

Thanks again, best wishes p.s what did you get, and why do you regret it ?


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pola @ May 13 2007, 05:14 PM) [snapback]441261[/snapback]</div>

Hi and thanks... but the package 5 Non Touring does not even get shipped to the Gulf States.
I was told by several dealers.
For some reason ALL the package 5's that get brought into the Gulf States are Touring.
Thanks for your help.
I think one dealer said he might be able to order it for me, but it could take a few weeks... also the more we thought about it, the more we thought we should just go wtih package 3, since we can get a portable GPS nav system.

Thanks again, best wishes p.s what did you get, and why do you regret it ?
[/b]

Actually, he said it might take MORE than a few weeks.



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 13 2007, 04:32 PM) [snapback]441245[/snapback]</div>

pola, why not "wait" a few weeks for EXACTLY (package 5, NON-Touring) what you want in the exact exterior color and interior you want ??

Here in Florida, these NON-Touring Prius's are coming in like 5 to 1 over the Touring......... just be patient and get EXACTLY what you want.......... you will have it for many, many years to come and will definitely regret making a "quick" or "wrong" decision........ believe me, we did just that and are haunted every day by the bad decision !!
[/b]

Hi and thanks... but the package 5 Non Touring does not even get shipped to the Gulf States.
I was told by several dealers.
For some reason ALL the package 5's that get brought into the Gulf States are Touring.
Thanks for your help.
I think one dealer said he might be able to order it for me, but it could take MOPE THAN a few weeks... also the more we thought about it, the more we thought we should just go wtih package 3, since we can get a portable GPS nav system.

Thanks again, best wishes p.s what did you get, and why do you regret it ?

[JimN]

Pola, I have a Garmin 320 which can be considered rather low end (old echnology). In researching specs I would suggest a Garmin C530 ($322.65 at amazon.com), C550, or C580 or a Nuvi (also Garmin) 200 through 650. Prices can range up to $700. When I was looking, amazon.com and garmin.com had the best prices.

My unit sits in the top cup holder as mounting and removing the bracket on the window or windshield was a pain. Actually it mounts easy. The removing is a pain. It runs on its own battery so I can use it walking around an unfamiliar city or transfer it to the other car. I'm not a heavy user but have found it to be pretty accurate. When not in use it rides in the armrest.

From what I read the price difference between a touring and standard model at the same trim level is minimal. (Compare the features, not the package numbers). I would take a Touring to get the preferred color. All the advanced options sound great but if you don't want (or won't use) them then why pay for them? I originally was looking for a top end car (everything but leather) but am happy with my lower package. When I thought about it, I didn't want half the stuff in the packages and really didn't need the rest. Based on what I read on the site here I have no regrets.

[FloridaWen]

Hi and thanks... but the package 5 Non Touring does not even get shipped to the Gulf States.
I was told by several dealers for some reason ALL the package 5's that get brought into the Gulf States are Touring.

This sounds (in my opinion) totally ridiculous that only NON-Touring get shipped to the Gulf States, but I am not going to say it is true or false as I live in Florida and we have a different Toyota "distributor" called "S.E.T." which is South East Toyota. They cover Florida, Georgia, Alabama, N. Carolina and S. Carolina.
You can go onto the web site (as I have been doing): http://buyatoyota.com and do a SEARCH for the vehicles coming into port within a certain radius of your zip code. I do not know what colors you wanted, but just out of curiousity I did a "locate search" for 2007 Prius and got 565 total. Out of that were 487 NON-TOURING and then I narrowed it down to NON-Touring with PACKAGE #5 and it gave me these results with 24 being "available" (this does NOT mean that they are not already allocated or "sold" but you would have a great chance that some are NOT sold as of yet.... remember, they are on their way to port (Jacksonville, Florida) or have recently arrive at port:
(2) Seaside / Gray
(3) Seaside / Bisque
(4) Driftwood / Bisque
(2) Silver Pine Mica / Gray
(1) Silver Pine Mica / Bisque
(4) Red / Bisque
(2) Red / Gray
(3) White / Bisque
(2) Gray / Gray
(1) Black / Gray

[/quote]
Thanks again, best wishes p.s what did you get, and why do you regret it ?
[/quote]

We "settled" for a HOUSE here in Plant City, Florida (about three years ago during the Florida housing "frienzy" !!) that the Realtor sort of "talked-us-into"....... it was a bit older than we wanted, needed some work in and out, and the lot lines were small making the houses very close together. You could smell food (and cigar smoke) from your next door neighbor as well as hear every word of their conversations when on the outside Lanai or windows open. It had a nice pool and was on a great pond (lots of wildlife) but needed lots of work as I said. One year and $40K+ later I did most of the work myself....... then the "Family from Hell" moved in right next door with FOUR screaming kids (ranging from 5 to 14 years old) that had, what seemed like, "24/7 pool parties", kids throwing firecrackers and just "screaming, screaming, screaming" KIDS.......... my Wife and I just moved out of an "Active Adult" (NO KIDS) Community in Leesburg, Florida to this house because our commute to work in Tampa was over 1 1/2 hours each way. We ended up selling this house (Plant City) at a "loss" and moving down the road to an area of this Community that was more "adult friendly" with a little more "space" between houses and "older" (no kids) neighbors that take very good care of their houses and yards.
Aren't you sorry you asked ??

[pola]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ May 13 2007, 09:50 PM) [snapback]441424[/snapback]</div>

Pola, I have a Garmin 320 which can be considered rather low end (old echnology). In researching specs I would suggest a Garmin C530 ($322.65 at amazon.com), C550, or C580 or a Nuvi (also Garmin) 200 through 650. Prices can range up to $700. When I was looking, amazon.com and garmin.com had the best prices.

My unit sits in the top cup holder as mounting and removing the bracket on the window or windshield was a pain. Actually it mounts easy. The removing is a pain. It runs on its own battery so I can use it walking around an unfamiliar city or transfer it to the other car. I'm not a heavy user but have found it to be pretty accurate. When not in use it rides in the armrest.

From what I read the price difference between a touring and standard model at the same trim level is minimal. (Compare the features, not the package numbers). I would take a Touring to get the preferred color. All the advanced options sound great but if you don't want (or won't use) them then why pay for them? I originally was looking for a top end car (everything but leather) but am happy with my lower package. When I thought about it, I didn't want half the stuff in the packages and really didn't need the rest. Based on what I read on the site here I have no regrets.
[/b]

Thanks, Jim ! what you say makes sense, we'll see what prices we can get and where...


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 14 2007, 06:06 AM) [snapback]441536[/snapback]</div>

This sounds (in my opinion) totally ridiculous that only NON-Touring get shipped to the Gulf States, but I am not going to say it is true or false as I live in Florida and we have a different Toyota "distributor" called "S.E.T." which is South East Toyota. They cover Florida, Georgia, Alabama, N. Carolina and S. Carolina.
You can go onto the web site (as I have been doing): http://buyatoyota.com and do a SEARCH for the vehicles coming into port within a certain radius of your zip code. I do not know what colors you wanted, but just out of curiousity I did a "locate search" for 2007 Prius and got 565 total. Out of that were 487 NON-TOURING and then I narrowed it down to NON-Touring with PACKAGE #5 and it gave me these results with 24 being "available" (this does NOT mean that they are not already allocated or "sold" but you would have a great chance that some are NOT sold as of yet.... remember, they are on their way to port (Jacksonville, Florida) or have recently arrive at port:
(2) Seaside / Gray
(3) Seaside / Bisque
(4) Driftwood / Bisque
(2) Silver Pine Mica / Gray
(1) Silver Pine Mica / Bisque
(4) Red / Bisque
(2) Red / Gray
(3) White / Bisque
(2) Gray / Gray
(1) Black / Gray
Thanks again, best wishes p.s what did you get, and why do you regret it ?
We "settled" for a HOUSE here in Plant City, Florida (about three years ago during the Florida housing "frienzy" !!) that the Realtor sort of "talked-us-into"....... it was a bit older than we wanted, needed some work in and out, and the lot lines were small making the houses very close together. You could smell food (and cigar smoke) from your next door neighbor as well as hear every word of their conversations when on the outside Lanai or windows open. It had a nice pool and was on a great pond (lots of wildlife) but needed lots of work as I said. One year and $40K+ later I did most of the work myself....... then the "Family from Hell" moved in right next door with FOUR screaming kids (ranging from 5 to 14 years old) that had, what seemed like, "24/7 pool parties", kids throwing firecrackers and just "screaming, screaming, screaming" KIDS.......... my Wife and I just moved out of an "Active Adult" (NO KIDS) Community in Leesburg, Florida to this house because our commute to work in Tampa was over 1 1/2 hours each way. We ended up selling this house (Plant City) at a "loss" and moving down the road to an area of this Community that was more "adult friendly" with a little more "space" between houses and "older" (no kids) neighbors that take very good care of their houses and yards.
Aren't you sorry you asked ??
[/b]

Oh dear, talk about stress - yes, I'm sorry I asked ! (lol) but at least you are out of there !! and things can always be worse... at least you have your health...right ? thanks a million for the very helpful info. today... will copy it and save it... will be calling dealers today, and will investigate this.. THANKS again.
so much


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pola @ May 14 2007, 09:16 AM) [snapback]441635[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, Jim ! what you say makes sense, we'll see what prices we can get and where...
Oh dear, talk about stress - yes, I'm sorry I asked ! (lol) but at least you are out of there !! and things can always be worse... at least you have your health...right ? thanks a million for the very helpful info. today... will copy it and save it... will be calling dealers today, and will investigate this.. THANKS again.
so much
[/b]

CORRECTION : Only TOURING, package 5 get sent to Gulf states...

[FloridaWen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pola @ May 14 2007, 11:17 AM) [snapback]441635[/snapback]</div>

CORRECTION: Only TOURING, package 5 get sent to Gulf states...
[/b]

Out of curiousity, what "states" are considered (by Toyota) the "Gulf States"....... obviously Texas is one, but what others and WHAT PORT do these vehicles come in to ??

Just a curious question......... WHY are you so dead set "against" the TOURING ?? Wider tires and a bit stiffer suspension definitely helps in those Texas flooded roads during the "rainy season" just as we get here in Florida (June - November). Some like, some "hate" the HID headlights, but they are great in FOG !! So why not get TOURING with Package 5 and get a dealer to give you a great price telling him you are "setteling" for the Touring and it is not exactly as you want............ or, seriously, BUY a NON-Touring, if that is what you really want, in Florida, really.... get the exact colors (in and out) you want and the exact package. Pick it up in Florida and drive it slowly (break-in period) back home to Texas. Rent a one-way rental down here, do it during the week and get some "discount" through AAA or other means. Get in touch with the dealer I used in Tampa. Actually there are several here that have so many Prius's in NON-Touring. See, we want TOURING, so here WE are the minority !!
By-the-way......... which exterior color did you chose ?? And gray or bisque interior ??

[pola]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ May 14 2007, 10:05 AM) [snapback]441683[/snapback]</div>

Out of curiousity, what "states" are considered (by Toyota) the "Gulf States"....... obviously Texas is one, but what others and WHAT PORT do these vehicles come in to ??

Just a curious question......... WHY are you so dead set "against" the TOURING ?? Wider tires and a bit stiffer suspension definitely helps in those Texas flooded roads during the "rainy season" just as we get here in Florida (June - November). Some like, some "hate" the HID headlights, but they are great in FOG !! So why not get TOURING with Package 5 and get a dealer to give you a great price telling him you are "setteling" for the Touring and it is not exactly as you want............ or, seriously, BUY a NON-Touring, if that is what you really want, in Florida, really.... get the exact colors (in and out) you want and the exact package. Pick it up in Florida and drive it slowly (break-in period) back home to Texas. Rent a one-way rental down here, do it during the week and get some "discount" through AAA or other means. Get in touch with the dealer I used in Tampa. Actually there are several here that have so many Prius's in NON-Touring. See, we want TOURING, so here WE are the minority !!
By-the-way......... which exterior color did you chose ?? And gray or bisque interior ??
[/b]

Hi again, Wen,
Gulf states are on the Gulf of Mexico... i need to look at a map..(lol) sorry.
We like the ride of the non-touring better.... we felt too many bumps on the Touring.
We think we JUST found a dealer nearby who can order what we want !
We are going to see them today.
We'll keep you posted !
He wants silver, I want silver pine mica. probably gray interior, which shows less dirt. probably will put seat covers on them.
both cool colors for Texas. i am taking the Edmonds report to see what kind of price break we can get... i told him we would fly out of state to get what we wanted and this did the trick ! (lol) but it remains to be seen re: what kind of price we'll get since they have to order the cars... i am hoping for 25K AFTER Tax, title, license, since MSRP is 26K and invoice is 21K, at least according to Edmonds.. i may be dreaming but we'll try. Now will call the Houston dealer to see what he can do,.... take care,

Thanks again,
pola

[quote]
P.S. we'll probably put better tires on them after the first year or so.