#4 vs. #7??

I could live without the VSC, but I think the side airbags are a must-have when available. Why don't you buy the #4, and drive it until your #7 comes in...you should then be able to sell it or trade it in for what you paid. (I'm doing this with a #0 right now...can't wait to get my #7 with the gray interior)
rob

 

Are we talking '04 model year or '05. Toyota changed the numbers so that the '04#7 is now the '05#4. See this link:2005 scoops

 

MN

Get the 7. Having lived in MN I would think a driver would need all the help we could get. Have the 9 and couldnt be happier.

 

I agree, get the #7 (AM).

$1k for a univeral remote, alarm and the smart entry? That seems a bit over the top. The package #7 stuff seems closer worth the bucks. And you at least get the smart entry as well.

 

I agree with all previous responders. Get the #7.

One interesting observation: When comparing the European crash tests (which used a side-airbag-equipped Prius) with the US/NHTSA version (which used a base model Prius without the side curtain airbags), a difference was noted on side impact & head injury ratings. Not surprisingly, it favored the side curtain airbag-equipped Prius. Prius got a 4-star (out of 5) on the NHTSA site, but a "perfect" score for the Europeans because of this. Search this site to find other postings, links, & discussions about these findings.

And, the VSC system does make it considerably more difficult to "skid" the vehicle, as other users have also posted on this site.

 

Is the VSC worth it? YES YES YES!!!!! Maybe if you lived in a warm place it would be unnecessary, but with ice 7 months out of the year, it is very very nice to have. (Mine also is a #7 "AM")

And speaking for myself, I'd never accept a car without the maximum possible air bags. Chances are, you'll never need them. But if you lose that bet, it'll be the best money you ever spent.

 

I read somewhere that in Europe almost everyone gets ABS and any vehicle control system that's offered.

But for some reason, American's tend to shy away from both of them. Though that is changing some with ABS.



Just a comment.

Another thing. You pay for something good once. Then you live with it for years.

 

The only 2 packages I told the dealer I wanted are those with VSC and side airbags. I've never been in an airbag popping accident and I hope I never am, but the more real safety features to save me or my family the better.

And, having done a 180 twice (in ABS equipped FWD cars) going slowly down icy roads with no traffic (whew!), if I get "the call" for a Prius without VSC, I'm not buying it.

I ever get in a situation where the VSC needs to save me from doing another 180, I won't have to disappoint my daughter: "No honey, we can't do that AGAIN!" Kids, they just don't understand. :roll:

Get the AM package.

 

The Home Link mirror can be installed by the dealer. My #7 has it and the dealer threw it in. Took them a couple hours to install it. Works great. Bob

 

Good choice!

Personally, I feel the upgraded headlights and fog lights are well worth the additional cost. I haven't had the "opportunity" the try out the VSC or the side airbags (and hope I never get the chance).

 

HID and fog lamps aren't worth $2K.

 

Its not 2k its a 1k difference between #4 and #7 for the 1k more you get side airbags,fog lights,HID, and VSC. I had the same choice Toyota only ships #4 #7 #9 here I got the #7

 

I didn't want fog lights or HID. We seldom get fog, and I don't like to blind oncoming drivers. But it's take it or leave it. That's how Toyota operates. And it was worth it to get the air bags and VSC.

The VSC kicked in once in a left-hand turn. I didn't realize the intersection was icy. The VSC alarm came on, the car slowed down a bit but continued a perfect turning arc. My pulse shot up from 60 to 80. And I avoided serious embarrassment at the very least, and maybe an accident. Who knows?

Other times it kicked in I think it was just being overly sensitive. And once I made it kick in on purpose, making a sharp turn in an empty, icy parking lot.

I'd recommend nothing but an AM or BC anywhere there's ice, just to have the VSC.

 

If you have snow, ice and major rain VSC is worth it. Each one of these is a major safety improvement.

 

Ah sorry, I was just thinking of the AM and base model prices.