a few newbie questions :)

[Danny Hamilton]

521317[/snapback]</div>

The car operates fine in bad weather.

Some people have complained that the aerodynamics of the car cause them to have to fight strong crosswinds more than other cars, others have said that they didn't notice any difference as compared to other cars they have driven. To some extent that will depend on what cars you had driven on a regular basis previously. Also, some people have found that their alignment wasn't right and that in strong crosswinds the car handled much better after fixing the alignment. Personally I have not noticed any reduced handling as compared to the 4 cars I have previously owned.

Some people have complained that the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability control kick in too frequently for them when they drive in wet/slippery conditions, others have said that they didn't notice any difference as compared to other cars they have driven. To some extent that will depend on what cars you had driven on a regular basis previously. Also, some people have found that replacing the stock "Goodyear Integrity" tires with "Michelin Hydroedge" tires has significantly improved the handling in less than optimal conditions. Personally I have not noticed any reduced traction as compared to the 4 cars I have previously owned.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

Honestly, I'm not sure what data is available on this. Lightning tends to be unpredictable, but I wouldn't expect the car to be any more likely to be hit by lightning than any other car of similar shape and size. I'd expect that the damage to the exterior would be similar to any other car. Some of the computer systems in the car might need to be replaced. I'd feel as safe inside the car as inside any other car, but you have me wondering now if the repair costs would be any higher, and whether such damage would be covered under my insurance policy.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

That depends on what you mean by "dies". If SKS system is no longer receiving 12V power, then you would have to lock/unlock the doors manually. If you run out of gas, or something else mechanical breaks, then yes, the SKS should still work to lock the doors.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

Manually, yes. From inside the car with the button that is mounted in the arm-rest, yes. From the SKS buttons on the outside of the car, No. From the buttons on the SKS key fob, I'm pretty sure not.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

There are three small black squares on the exterior of the car (driver door, passenger door, and hatch). Any one of them can be used to lock the door with SKS. If a key is left inside the car and the SKS sytem is turned on, then the car will refuse to lock the door when you press one of these black squares. Many of us make a habit of always pressing one of these black squares when we exit the car. If any door, or hatch, is not fully closed, or if any SKS key is left inside the car, the car will emit a long beep and won't lock the doors. This acts as a great warning that you need to address some issue before you walk away.

However, I believe you can lock the key in the car. When the car is off, if after you open the door you lock the door with the button in the armrest of the door, I'm pretty sure that it will lock and remain locked when you close the door. I might try this when I get a chance today. I'm not sure if this works while the car is "On", I'll try that as well, and if nobody else has responed, I'll post the results of my attempt later this evening.

[i]Edit: Fri. Oct. 5]
$28,100 for a magnetic grey with package 6 only. Is that a good deal?

Just for the car? That seems about $3k higher than I paid for my new 2007, 6 months ago. I can't remember what's included with the various packages. Does the package 6 include the factory leather? Is the touring model available in 2008? If so is this a touring model? Mine was the highest package without leather and was not a touring. If this is a touring with leather then is sounds about right. If it's the same as mine, then either the market has heated up more than I had realized in the past 6 months or else you might be able to find a dealer that will offer you a better price.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

Are the carpet matts worth the $200?
[/b]

To me, yes. To you, I don't know.

[Husker4theSpurs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 02:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

We got a price quote, it's the best one that I've gotten so far, for $28,100 for a magnetic grey with package 6 only. Is that a good deal? I'm sure that's before all the "extra" costs are added on. We'll probably be having to special order it because the internet manager couldnt find the one we wanted around the area.[/b]

Sticker on the car is $27,535 I believe (Pkg 6 non-Touring) ... all-weather mats can be had on e-bay for $90 I believe.

[tlaine]

Wow, thanks for the great replies.

I'm not really all that paranoid of lightning.. well I am, but I try not to be.. I was just generally curious as how the electronics of the car handled lightning storms since we've been having a few. And, that video was.... well.. I just hope it dosent give me nightmares! :P

The price quote was for a non-touring 2008 prius with package 6, and yeah, it's with the leather seats, which I keep stressing to my hubby that I REALLY want leather seats!

One question my husband wants me to ask is what the sound shield/proofing does? He looked all over and couldnt find a better description of it.

Thanks again for all your replies.

[Husker4theSpurs]

Sounds like a bogus (worthless) extra they threw on the car and accounts for the higher MSRP.

[AtomicDog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 4 2007, 03:30 PM) [snapback]521317[/snapback]</div>

What would happen if it got struck by lightning?

[/b]

It goes back in time?

[auricchio]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tlaine @ Oct 5 2007, 09:08 AM) [snapback]521789[/snapback]</div>

And, that video was.... well.. I just hope it dosent give me nightmares! :P [/b]

But the main point was that he was unhurt and so was the car. Most of the tension was waiting for the strike, and that was heightened by the suspenseful editing of the video piece. (The only thing missing was music to make you even more tense!) And remember that he was struck multiple times in that test area. It's very unlikely you'd be hit twice.

One question my husband wants me to ask is what the sound shield/proofing does?[/b]

That sounds like a dealer add-on. It's best to inquire about it, then research the company that provides the material and/or service. If it sounds bogus, don't buy it.

[richard schumacher]

Dealer add-on extras are all worthless. When the add-ons pimp comes around just sit there, smile and say "no" until it goes away. They may try to wait you out, so take a book or a magazine.

[Bear68]

Although I have yet to see a Prius struck by lightning, I have repaired several other models which got the Big Jolt. I had a Highlander which got the shot through the right rear wheel speed sensor ring, (found the burn mark) and a Corolla which had 10 inches of it's manual radio antenna blown away. I can only guess tht it was cut and hope that the 10 inches of metal rod did not simply vaporize. Lightning plays havoc with electrical systems since it usually goes through the car in reverse of the normal 12v positive system we use. My best advice is keep full coverage insurance which will cover "acts of nature" and protect your wallet......

[lgamber1]

about the price: i'm not sure what the going rate is in your area, but we just purchased a 2008 package 6 for 26,400. so, that quote really does seem high to me. i think you should try to get a better deal! congrats on your car purchase. i think you will totally love it.

[Doc Willie]

One more thing. Many of us feel that the stock tires are not really adequate. If you can, have the dealer install 195R60 tires (bigger thatn the stock US tires, but standard in Europe) of better quality such as Goodyear Triple Treads. Or take it to a Goodyear dealer before 1000 miles and trade them in. This will much improve the handling of the car.

There are plenty of threads about tires on this board.