Standard to Touring mods

Hi Sam,

#1 - I'm not aware of anyone who has converted their Standard Prius to the Touring Prius' front stabilizer bar, rear stabilizer bar, rear shocks and rear springs.

#2 - From reading the tire threads it does seem to be the consensus to get wider and better tires. But I think if you took an actual poll, you will find that only a small minority of PriusChatters have actually widened and upgraded their OEM tires (unless they wore out their OEMs).

#3 - The Prius handles fine for me in the snow. But I live in New York City, and I upgraded to Goodyear TripleTreds in the wider 195/60/15 size.

 

I think Tom's advice is good. I hoped to get a Touring model last April after driving a rental for a week while out of town. When I finally purchased one in town it was the base model with all the bells an whistles. I am unable to tell the difference in the handling or ride. I understand Consumer Reports went goo goo over the Touring model but I couldn't tell you what the difference would be. Maybe I should drive it like a race car driver around a track or something...but then I wouldn't get over 50 mpg's. Since I live in a cold climate I am concerned how the traction control will work in the snow and I do plan on upgrading to wider tires when I replace them years down the line. Perhaps someone has an experience with Prius in the snow, with or without traction control. Its really my only concern...I loved my Highlander every time it snowed...and that was about it...this car is really so interesting and fun to drive...Terry