Some build\modification questions- packages make no sense

If you think $395 is expensive for red, VW and Toyota in Europe ask upwards of $800 for special colors.

This is for VW Passat:

 

Red auto paint is more expensive. Toners to make red cost more. If you buy paint to repaint your car a red color, it will cost you about double of a white or black color. The extra for the red is justified, in my opinion. It would cost you more than $395 difference for a red color if you bought it from a paint shop. Seems to me the manufacturer is absorbing some of the cost.

 

Red is the color they use a lot for ads too.

Regarding OP's questions:

1. Speculation: would the spare battery cavity is the same size across all the models and therefore can fit a spare in the 4/4t?

Probably, but expensive to accomplish, due to the both the cost of the spare and all the plastic/foam pieces.

2. Do you think that if you buy the fog light\LED assembly they can be installed in the 4? I suppose they wont be automatic DRLs and will need another switch for activation much like putting fogs into the gen3 4.

Again, likely doable. Be careful what you wish for: I have third gen stock "fog lights", they're pretty much useless, just look nice.

3. Why would they totally exclude a HUD from all touring models? I do not care much about a moonroof but one would think touring would be driven on longer trips so the hardware would support the ability for less fatigue.

Who knows. Personally I don't like sunroof/moonroof at all, HUD would be nice I guess. I despise the centered-on-the-dash instrumentation.

4. Are these back to oil filters or still with the oil canister- also no mention on if there is another oil change trap door to contend with.

That'd be interesting to know. Please, some DIY'r with 2016: have a look? Good time to start rust protecting while you're under there.

I'd suspect the engine bay underpanel is very similar. FWIW, I take the whole thing off, for every DIY oil change, not that hard. Also, I like the oil filter canister, it's a step in the right direction, as far as recyling is concerned.

5. Same MPG rating for 15 and 17 in wheels? really? I don't think so. Are the 17" magic Toyota wheels?

No. They just have one rating, but I'm sure the 17" wheels impose a slight penalty. Maybe not so much as third seeing how the rims appear to be a lot lighter. Don't like the look though.

6. Are there any differences in screen size across any of the models\packages the way the upgraded nav\sound system of the gen3 was .9" larger than the standard screen?

No ideas.

 

Up until recently , I think , the only charge for color was the Blizzard White Pearl $395 .. when I read the specs for 2016 gen 4 ..it seemed they added another color as an option also.

I haven't looked at the spare tire yet, previously was looking for a used plug in advanced..just for LED headlights, HUD , better speakers , and the dynamic cruise control... Now it looks like a pkg 3 with ATP . The park assist looks interesting for the wife ..but I don't think that was available in the Advanced plug in before ..this will have a moon roof to boot.

I would pay for the special color ..the Blizzard really pops with limo tint windows .

Kenny

 

When we were buying a third gen in 2010, the blizzard pearl was an extra $250 (Can). Pretty steep inflation going on; seems partly they've found a cash cow.

 

Manufacturers have discovered that enough people are will to pay more for certain colors so they charge more.

Where have you been since 2007? The 16" wheels on the Touring will cause a hit. The 17" wheels on the V since 2010 cause a hit. For testing purposes the difference isn't significant enough for a different rating.

The industry has changed. I guess too many people complained about too many used oil filters in the garbage dumps.

The new Prius probably has a door in the bottom panel to accommodate an oil change. Hopefully it will be more durable. I don't know when mine broke off and it really doesn't matter. maybe the dealer will have one up on a lift so you can take a look for yourself. If not just crawl underneath the car in the showroom.

While you're at it, pop the hood to see how easy it is to change the air filter and drop the glovebox to see who easy it is to change the cabin air filter.

Toyota has their reasons for what they did or didn't do. Chances are that the Prius isn't going to be a perfect match for everyone. Can't please everyone.

 

I just now checked on the local toyota website for the Plug-in since it's still on sale (they removed the normal version):
White: free
Blue gray: $570
Pearl white: $800
Silver: $570
Blue: $570

So color fees were there 100% for the last gen too, as they are with all cars. Metallic and other fancy colors are usually extra afaik with all the cars.

 

That's a bare faced cash grab. Here in Canada, in 2010, was only the Pearl White had an extra here, and it was $200~250. Not sure now.

 

Well, fully loaded PiP gets up to $52,000 without incentives, $44,000 with.
What's $500 for the paint.
You have to consider that we have much higher VAT (25%) and import tax (20%), plus some other taxes.

 

Red wasn't even available

 

There is no red prius in Europe that I know, hell this is first time I ever heard they existed. See: Search Results

 

The color red always cost more than other colors.

 

When I saw the hypersonic red it was obvious that the color is an unusually glossy, intense red with a lot of depth. It reminded me of the candy apple red multi layered paint jobs on the custom cars I saw when I was a teenager. It is striking and well worth the extra charge.

I think that the painting process involves an extra step at the factory as well.