Should I get package 3 or 6?

As ones who have just purchased a Prius Package #3, we also had to decide between the #3 or #6. The car is used as a comute car in the San Francisco area, with no worries of snow or ice. We don't have a need for the Home link and Bluetooth. The Halogen Headlamps are just fine as is the standard radio/cd. The Security system can be activated anytime in the future. Even without the VSC you still have 4 wheel ABS. So for us, the package #3 made sense, and kept $2400 in our pocket. Good luck on your decision

 

For me, it will be #6. I think the VSC alone is worth it -- even in good conditions I understand it provides a significant benefit to vehicle control in the event of an avoidance maneveur. Autodimming mirror and homelink are kind of nice too. It's your money though - do what you can afford / live with.

 

I never saw this posted anywhere, but it was what I wanted to see when deciding on a package. It's the delta prices and options between packages:

$650- GY #1- Driver and Passenger Side and Curtain Airbags (your basic TRAC car)
+$175-HE #2- Rear Camera, AM/FM CD 6 Speakers & MP3, Smart Key System
+$650-HF #3- All the airbags
+$350 -HG #4- Vehicle Stability Control
+$1381 -HI #5- JBL, CD Changer, 3 more Speakers, Bluetooth, Security Alarm & Homelink
+$625 -HK #6- HID's, Front Fog & Driving Lamps
+$1900 -NL #7- Navi
+$1160 -NW #8- Natural Leather Seating Material

 

As you can see, the biggest "bargain" (for most of us, I think) is the second cluster
---SK, mp3 capability and rear camera for $175. Compare that with what you get for almost 10 times as much---CD changer, Bluetooth, fog lights, etc.

For me, #3 is enough (would rather have #2, but not sold here). The main consideration for me would be VSC, and its effectiveness is controversial at best (see other thread).

 

I didn't see the thread on VSC, but the highway safety institute recommends it with the same fervor as side-head airbags. 50% risk reduction in mortality in single car accidents.

 

See "Power lost on slightest spin of tires". Some assert the VSC is badly-enough designed to CAUSE accidents. Others argue the opposite.

 

Jack, do you mean TRAC instead of VSC? What I got out of that thread was that TRAC was causing the problem. As I remember it, one person postulated that VSC might contribute in some cirmcustances, but that TRAC was the primary reason. I don't remember that theory getting much backing.

 

Whoa. Someone wondered if the reason some people reported that their traction control was over-zealous and some people didn't was because some people had VSC and some didn't. Anyone who understands how VSC works, and anyone who's owned a Prius with VSC can tell you that it's simply not true. I, for one, have been through 1+ winters in NH with a VSC-equipped Prius and have not had any TC-related problems.

VSC has been shown in many studies to be a very very important safety feature. It has been lauded as the most significant safety feature since the seat belt (way more important than air bags). I think that it's dangerously irresponsible to spread fear and uncertainty about such an important feature without any grounds.

I know that $2400 is a lot of money, and I think it stinks that the #4 package isn't available everywhere. But I urge anyone considering whether or not to buy VSC to do so based on facts, not hearsay.

 

This thread is about the TRAC issue which is there to protect the MG1 (or is it MG2) This is not the VSC. The 'Power loss on slightest spin of tires' will happen with all models of Prius. VSC on the other hand is a significant improvement in handling safety. Various flavors of which are more or less standard in Europe. It is only beginning to penetrate the US market.

My one regret regarding our Prius is that we did not wait for a VSC equipped model.

 

My bad. I read only a couple of posts there, partly because it was so contentious, and got a mistaken impression. Sorry. h34r:

 

I can only say that as a Prius owner of just a couple of days we are pleased with our Package #3 purchase. The sound system seems to do the job. (automobile "sound systems" have come a long way from a single speaker in the dash and a AM radio!) If Package #4 was available in California, that would have been my choice, but alas, it was not. Buy what you can afford and what meets your driving needs. Whatever you choose, you will get the great gas mileage, low emissions, and technologically advanced, well built car! Good luck

 

The only difference between package 4 and 5 that I can afford and I feel importaant to me is "antitheft system"

So the following question is very germane.

<<
you mentioned the anti-theft can be activated any time in the future. Do you know how much it would cost to do that? And what is it, exactly? Is it just car alarms?
>>

Any one help with an answer?


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