I haven't been able to get any delaer down low enogh on a 2009 Package 2 so now I'm considering a base model which they are advertising everywhere at $19,995 plus tax, DMV and tags. I know I lose back up camera, stability control and IPOD connection. Do I lose anything else? Does stability control make a big difference? Can the IPOD connection be added after market? Call will be used for commuting 50 miles rt each day. Thanks Tom
I think the one they are advertising does have keyless entry. Is that considered a package 1 and not a base?
from the toyota.com website: Package #1 -- includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover and seatback pockets [*] Package #2 (savings of up to $1,000) [1] -- includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover, seatback pockets, AM/FM CD with six speakers, auxiliary audio jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, Smart Key System [2], backup camera [3] and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [4] Keyless entry is not necessarily the same as the Smart Key System (SKS). Keyless often means that the keyfob has a button to unlock the car. SKS unlocks the doors and allows the car to be started without removing the key from your pocket. Much more convenient and very addictive once you have used it. The auxiliary audio input allows you to use any player with an earphone jack to be wired into your car audio. My 2 cents worth is if you can buy a package 2, its well worth the small amount of extra money for the added features provided. I never considered any other package when I bought my '08 in July last year.
Don't worry about the ipod integration, its not truly an ipod jack, just an aux input. And I'd agree with direstraits71, in that package two is worth the additional cost. It is, imo, what really makes the prius a "cool" car. I mean aside from the awesome drive train. :-D
Woops, should've been more clear on the SKS. I agree about getting package 2 though. When you read a lot of reviews that talk about how the Prius has a lot of features typically only found on higher end luxury cars, a lot of that comes from what you see in Package 2. The higher packages beyond that are mostly icing on the cake.
Thanks to all. I do agree. Now I just have to try and get them down on the price or wait until the 2010 comes out and hope they still have my color. Thanks again!
Tom, what happened with the CityWorldToyota.com dealer in the Bronx that I told you about that is advertising a Package 2 or 3 for $20,999? Stability control is considered to be the (or one of the) most significant safety advancement since seat belts.
