07 touring or non touring & mods?

[jeffn]

Here's a question I hope hasn't been thrashed already: does Toyota's 07 touring option really make enough of a difference over non-touring that one wouldn't want to replace the touring 'upgrade' with beefier aftermarket parts? IN other words, does it pay to get the touring and do other upgrades or start stock and upgrade even beyond toy's 'touring' parts?

Sort of like Steeda and Rousch et al-they start with a base mustang and go well beyond a GT...

[Charles Suitt]

Hi jeffn

I have no clue as to WHERE you are. Suggest you establish a Signature and Profile since sometimes it is important for responders to know what part of the world you're in. Different "Packages" and "Options" are available in different parts of the U.S.

As for the Touring Edition, I closed the deal on my 2007 TE Nov 11, fully loaded and checking www.Toyota.com, found that the 'difference' between the 'Standard' and 'Touring' was $270, both being fully equipped. I believe the better wheels and tires are at least worth that difference. In addition, modifying a 'Standard' Prius would be complex, costly and could well void warranties.

[narf]

I just traded my 05 for an 07 touring, and I think they did a great job with the suspension tuning. Nice predictable handling, pretty tight, solid feeling but not too harsh. Unless you tune suspensions for a living I doubt you'd do as good a job. Plus, like others have said the price difference over a similarly optioned standard version is only $270.00. Upgrading springs, shocks, swaybars, and wheels yourself would cost over $1000, not to mention the extra stylin' spoiler

[Beryl Octet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(narf @ Nov 25 2006, 01:08 PM) [snapback]353948[/snapback]</div>

I just traded my 05 for an 07 touring, and I think they did a great job with the suspension tuning. Nice predictable handling, pretty tight, solid feeling but not too harsh. Unless you tune suspensions for a living I doubt you'd do as good a job. Plus, like others have said the price difference over a similarly optioned standard version is only $270.00. Upgrading springs, shocks, swaybars, and wheels yourself would cost over $1000, not to mention the extra stylin' spoiler
[/b]

That does sound like a bargain. The TRD kit is there for struts and springs, but I haven't seen any aftermarket sway bars, have you all?

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Nov 25 2006, 09:25 AM) [snapback]353936[/snapback]</div>

In addition, modifying a 'Standard' Prius would be complex, costly and could well void warranties.
[/b]

There you go again. You are spreading misinformation.

The federal minimum standards for full warranties provide that the warrantor must show that the problem associated with a warranted consumer product was caused by unreasonable use, including a failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in order to void them. (Wikipedia® - Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act)

In other words, the manufacturer must prove that the problem was caused by the modification before a warranty claim can legitimately be denied.

Besides, Toyota offers a wide range of TRD suspension modification parts for the Prius.

[Presto]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Nov 25 2006, 10:27 AM) [snapback]353961[/snapback]</div>

Besides, Toyota offers a wide range of TRD suspension modification parts for the Prius.
[/b]

I wish! TRD only has shocks and springs. The rest of the chassis bracing is provided by Tom's.

[Alnilam]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Nov 25 2006, 10:27 AM) [snapback]353961[/snapback]</div>

There you go again. You are spreading misinformation.

The federal minimum standards for full warranties provide that the warrantor must show that the problem associated with a warranted consumer product was caused by unreasonable use, including a failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in order to void them. (Wikipedia® - Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act)

In other words, the manufacturer must prove that the problem was caused by the modification before a warranty claim can legitimately be denied.

Besides, Toyota offers a wide range of TRD suspension modification parts for the Prius.
[/b]

I've just been following the "Touring" thing randomly as I'm not planning on getting one. But it seems I read somewhere that the Touring isn't offered with all the gadgets in all parts of the country. Personally, if I had to chose between the options or the Touring, I'd go for the options. They're a big part of what makes the Prius fun.

My '06, with BT brace drives just fine and I push it sometimes. I don't see the big thing with the re-designed spoiler. Just check and see what is available where you live.

[jeffn]

Profile done.

Charles, I'm sure you've read through posts in the Mods section so you must know that your car is upgradable.

Good to hear that Toy did the right thing suspensionwise and that owners are happy for a mere pittance too!

[Charles Suitt]

Hi jeffn

Yep, I'm aware that my 2007 T.E. Prius is 'upgradable' in many ways. I find it interesting that Toyota Motors apparently paid attention to what modifications and upgrades Prius owners were making since introduction of the 2004. Looks as if Toyota has incorporated many of these at factory or port level, like Leather Seats, Backup Camera, MP3/Wma connectability, Mud Guards, 16" wheels & better tires - to name a few. Looks like Toyota said "We or our dealers might as well make the profit on those!"

I can't think of an "upgrade" on my '07 TE that would interest me... at least not yet since I only have 2½ weeks and less than 400 miles on it so far.

[stvpriustouring]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(narf @ Nov 25 2006, 10:08 AM) [snapback]353948[/snapback]</div>

I just traded my 05 for an 07 touring, and I think they did a great job with the suspension tuning. Nice predictable handling, pretty tight, solid feeling but not too harsh. Unless you tune suspensions for a living I doubt you'd do as good a job. Plus, like others have said the price difference over a similarly optioned standard version is only $270.00. Upgrading springs, shocks, swaybars, and wheels yourself would cost over $1000, not to mention the extra stylin' spoiler
[/b]

Good choice. I bought my 2007 Prius Touring about a month ago. Yes the price difference is only $270 with all the upgrades, bigger tires and good suspension. Now with the many dealerships having Prius surplus in their stock every month, you can easily negotiate the price as close to the standard Prius.

However, in California, my dealer told me Toyota is phasing out the Touring very soon. He claimed the reason was consumers were not happy about the wheel covers. I am not persuaded of what he said. Does anyone know about this?