REALLY trying to love the III

I have a IV (base) now and am getting a 2nd Prius V w/AT (hopefully) by next week. We love the leather that comes with them (lumbar), the 3 door is a must for us, and the home link (you could add it yourself for about $250, ebay).

But if you want leather then get the IV and do not consider the III, the extra options with the IV well make up the difference (this has been discussed before).

Good luck

 

I second that emotion!:high5:

 

Like you, the only two models we were looking at were the III and IV. We decided on the III b/c we didn't want leather (too sticky during summer) and the other options we didn't care enough about to the justify the price. We did NOT know that SKS was only for the driver door. We terribly WANT the SKS for the passenger and rear hatch as well and I think we would have tolerated leather.

This is why I LOVE the 3 door SKS. With the Prius I just keep the key in my pocket or the wife in her purse. When we are together, she likes to hold the key but likes me to drive. In together situations, she either has to take the keys out to unlock or has to walk with me to the driver side so I can touch the handle; to lock she has to take the key out and lock. Also, I tend to put things in the car and take things out of the car. In those cases, I either have to take the key out and unlock or have to go to the driver side and touch then go to the hatchback to load/unload. Then when done, I have to take key out or go to driver side and touch to lock. When carrying things, it makes it difficult.

This is not related to the III or IV but what I wish Toyota did was have a touch system similar to their key system. Touch unlock area of the handle once to unlock that door (driver if on driver, passenger if on passenger or hatch if on hatch) OR double-tap the handle to unlock all. For security purposes, I like it that the touch only opens that door (not open all doors so kept it this way). This way when the wife is by herself, and opens, no one can hide on the other side and jump in. When we are together though, I can just double-tap the handle and it will open all doors without. Right now, I either use the key twice or handle then use the switch on door panel near power windows to unlock her side. Yes, we have been so long that I forgot how to be a gentleman.

 

The touch pad for the hatch is now located under the lip (above the licesne plate). You can't see it, but reach under and you'll find it. The unlock pad is rectangular, and then to the right of it is a smaller, round pad...which will lock all doors when pushed.

 

PS on SKS - what I really miss is having a way to open the door with NO key like I did on my 2000 Ford Exploder (Explorer : ). It had a five number combination pad on the door. Apparently I am in the extreme minority but again, I don't care if I have to push the fob to open the door IF I am holding the key. I do care about having to hold the key when I am going to a water park, etc. (where I don't want to rent a locker).

 

Truly understandable. I have heard some similar views. But you also have to consider how often you go to the waterpark? I do believe there is some sort of WATERPROOF small bag that someone referenced once on here, but can't find it at the moment. You may want to do what some suggest. Put the FOB in a Altoids can, covered in foil. The foil seems to be important and keep it in your glovebox or something. Take the EMERGENCY key off the FOB with you which is not damaged by water. Of course don't lose that or when you return to your vehicle....you will...you know! But it sounds like the Altoids Mint Tin and foil does work....

Good Luck!