I'm buying my first Prius and note that the Prius V lists for $1,470 more than the Prius IV but only adds 17 in wheels and tires, LED headlamps and integrated forg lamps. This seems like a lot of money for this and I wonder if there is more to the picture like a heavier suspension on the V. Does anyone know why the great price differential. thanks Ron
I don't think that is correct, you need to purchase the $4,500 advanced technology package (which includes navigation) to get the hight tech safety features you mentioned. The advanced technology package is ONLY available on the most expensive Prius V for now, so you have to pay $31,770 total MSRPif you wanted those features. Toyota Vehicles : Toyota Announces Prices for 2010 Prius / Toyota Wheels are actually an expensive product, plus the LED headlights have an auto-leveling feature so it's not as simple as replacing the bulbs. Personally, I don't think it's worth it, especially considering you are already paying for the $2,800 leather seat option. I'm not too happy with the packages as offered, the 2009 tiers were much better and I imagine the consumers will agree and the 2011s+ will have more reasonable choices. There are too many things bundled together where you are 'forced' to pay for expensive things to get a legitimate option. To get the lighting upgrade many want for safety you must compromise tire size (affecting ride, turning radius and MPG) and pay $5200. In this economy, many will pay half the price to upgrade their seats aftermarket to heated leather and live without their air molecule treatment and Rain-X. All my opinion of course, only time will tell.
LED headlights are not cheap. Remember they come with the washers as well. The steering wheels also has a better electric motor.
LEDs aren't cheap. If you want to retrofit one from the LS600h L into your LS460, you're looking at US$5,000 for the parts.
Yeah, $1470 is alot but for an upgrade from 15" wheels with covers to these 17" and LED not HID headlights, it's actually reasonable. Oh, and fog lamps which we know just don't cost all that much in reality. And as accordingly has pointed out, the extra safety features self park etc are only with the $4500 advanced technology package... They are not standard on the Prius V. I'm sure Efusco knows that, he just forgot to mention it.
I think accordingly got this one right, Evan. The bump from IV to V includes "just" those items listed. I suppose the LED lights would cost enough to cover that gap, but you'll never "recoup" those costs in use. The 17" wheels aren't the only thing to bump up the cost, because those low profile (215/45 R17) tires are not cheap! I didn't see the value in the V over the IV, but I wanted the Adv Tech package more than the sunroof, hence my PP order. Pretty pricey, and very little chance that it will hold all of that value. I'd better be lovin' this car for a LONG time!!
It gives you the "ability" to get a high tech package with a lot of neat safety and convenience features that would only be found on a car costing several thousands of dollars more than a fully loaded Prius.
