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New Guy in Newport News, VA

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by LessGass, Mar 9, 2008.

  1. LessGass

    LessGass New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2008
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    Location:
    Newport News,VA
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Hey All,
    Looking at buying a 2008 Prius to supplement my 2006 Pontiac (Holden) GTO (Monaro). You should see the guys at the dealership start to salivate when they think I'm trading in the Goat...Hee Hee!!! Anyhoo.
    I will be garaging the Goat and using the Prius as my primary around town and weekend commuter to and from Durham, NC where my Wife is attending school. I believe it was here that I saw the final date to order a Prius, but can't seem to find it now. Also, the VA region does not have the Touring, but the dealer says I can order one. Can anyone validate that for me? Finally, is there an appreciable difference in ride quality between the Touring and the regular Prius? Thanks in advance for the help and look forward to learning about the vehicle and owning one soon. Have a great one, Brian
     
    #1 LessGass, Mar 9, 2008
  2. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

    Joined:
    May 1, 2006
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    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Welcome, Less, from a few miles to your west!

    I can't answer your questions about the Touring model. I've never driven the Touring model, so I can't evaluate any differences in ride. As for availability, you might call other dealers in your area (or elsewhere, either McGeorge or Haley in the Richmond area, for example) to see if yours is shooting straight. I know of at least one PriusChat member in central VA that has one: Green Hokie. However, I don't know for a fact that he bought it around here. And he's had it for awhile, so things could have changed a lot since he bought it.
     
    #2 JimboK, Mar 9, 2008
  3. rochesteruser

    rochesteruser Cruzin' in Rochester MN

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Rochester
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    2008 Prius
    I tested both the Touring Model and Normal Model and I really liked the way the Touring Model handled the curves and twisty windy roads I test drove that day. Touring is the way to go for ultimate performance driving.
     
    #3 rochesteruser, Mar 9, 2008
  4. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

    Joined:
    May 3, 2005
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    Location:
    USA | Oregon | Portland area | 97004 |
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Welcome to PriusChat, Brian! If you can get the Touring, look at the price difference between it and the standard model. Also, think about how you'll be driving. If you will be driving the "curves and twisty roads" that rochesteruser likes, you may want the slightly stiffer suspension of the Touring model. I love my Prius, but I don't think anyone but rochesteruser would call it ultimate performance driving. Both models are improved, in my opinion, by the BT Tech stiffening plate. I like the slightly softer ride of the standard model for around-town and freeway driving, but I immediately added the BT plate and changed to better tires.
     
    #4 Bill Merchant, Mar 10, 2008
  5. Rockville1

    Rockville1 Silver Pine Mica

    Joined:
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    Rockville, MD
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    Personally, I couldn't justify the extra dough on the touring model (but leather seats was money well spent!). I'm mostly an urban driver though, so I didn't need the tightened suspension.

    I grew up in Hampton, VA by the way.
     
    #5 Rockville1, Mar 10, 2008
  6. LessGass

    LessGass New Member

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    Location:
    Newport News,VA
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    Thanks to all for the feedback. I am currently stationed in VA and will be going home every weekend to Durham, NC. The drive is about 180 miles one way and all highway. I will drive both the 1224 and 1226 just to compare. The rest of my driving will just be scooting around town. I have the GTO for "ultimate performance driving".:D:D:D Thanks again, Brian
     
    #6 LessGass, Mar 10, 2008
  7. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Can I assume that means you take I-64 to Richmond (or to I-295/VA895), then I-95 to I-85?
     
    #7 JimboK, Mar 10, 2008
  8. LessGass

    LessGass New Member

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    Location:
    Newport News,VA
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    Other Non-Hybrid
    Coming from Newport News, I take 664 to 58 West to I-85 South to Durham. Then highway 70 SE to the house. Maybe 160 miles is a better estimate. If you know a shorter route please share. I hate going on 58 E/W.
     
    #8 LessGass, Mar 11, 2008
  9. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Hmm, none come to mind right off. I thought that you perhaps found it a bit faster taking the interstate the whole way. And then if you did, I'd give you a wave as you pass through the Richmond area. ;)

    The silver lining is that at the lower speeds you're running on the non-interstates, the Prius' fuel economy will be better.

    Be glad US58 is four lanes the whole way. Years ago when I was working in Emporia, it was mostly two lanes between there and Suffolk (I think). It had the nickname of "Suicide Strip" because of the number of fatal motor vehicle crashes.
     
    #9 JimboK, Mar 11, 2008
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