Don't purchase less than a Package 4 Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PsyPrius @ Apr 16 2006, 09:58 PM) [snapback]240685[/snapback]</div>

I got the Pkg 0 because it was what I could afford. Can't say that this doesn't make me feel queasy. I've been driving over 30 years, never needed side or front air bags for that matter. I've logged about a million miles... so,,,

- running on borrowed time

or

- very careful

 

oh no, the comment about the neck protection scares me, I fractured mine in 1988 and have never been the same. I'm in saving mode for this car- this is about the only thing I've read that might make me think twice.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Apr 16 2006, 09:54 PM) [snapback]240761[/snapback]</div>

Well, according to a quick google the Prius does have WIL "whiplash impact lessening" seats. I guess the insurance institute is saying they don't work very well, in spite of their marketing panache.

Look for WIL seats in this link

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PsyPrius @ Apr 16 2006, 06:58 PM) [snapback]240685[/snapback]</div>

I agree that I think the airbags are essential - however, that means Pkg 1, at least in our part of the country....less than $700 over base MSRP. With the carpet mats, ours was just under $23,200 on the sticker.

We went to the dealer with the intention of buying a base, or "Pkg 0" car, but in addition to the two of those, he had one P1 car, and that's what we got.

During a visit to the local bodyshop this month, I saw a Prius that had been T-boned by a Jeep SUV - claimed closing speed was just under 40 mph. Point of impact was just behind the driver's door - all side and head bags deployed, but even so, the intrusion in the rear passenger compartment was enough that if anyone had been sitting back there, they would have gone to the hospital with potential internal injuries, and probably a need for knee reconstruction - it was pretty ugly. The car was totaled, of course - buckling in the roof, in addition to the massive side damage.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PsyPrius @ Apr 16 2006, 09:58 PM) [snapback]240685[/snapback]</div>

================================================================

I must have missed something? what safty features are on package #4 that are not on Package #3? :huh:

 

"a Prius that had been T-boned by a Jeep SUV "

and why are these dangerous, gas guzzlers on the road? They serve no purpose. C'mon, it's common sense. How many casulties/injuries/environmental damage will it take?

The stats are out there. Why no action to get them off the road?

 

Because this is America - land of the free.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(finman @ Apr 17 2006, 09:37 AM) [snapback]240878[/snapback]</div>

They are there for people to tow with, last I checked you really can't tow 1200lbs with a prius in the middle of winter.

I agree they can be unsafe, but no more so than another other 3000lb item coming at you at 40MPH, a lot of it has to do with the driver.

Safe driving habits are more important than what we drive, and a lot of people are not safe on the roads any longer.

Phil

 

They had it on the news last nit the prius was hit from the side, it looked like the dummy broke it neck and the glass flying around wasnt comforting the offset frontal crash was much better..

The news said the prius with side airbags was rated at 4 stars with out air bags it was poor ie no rating...

My wife saw the news segment she said it was on the 2006 model only. She then stated that maybe we'll get the camry next ...

The chevy mini van the rear seat break loose on side impacts, nice!

the safest 2006 vehicle was the KIA Sedona mini van.. (scary)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PsyPrius @ Apr 16 2006, 09:58 PM) [snapback]240685[/snapback]</div>

I think you mean Package #3. I had originally ordered/requested a Package #4, which includes VSC, but there just weren't any to be found down here. I finally gave up hope, and settled for the Package #3, which still has the full airbag package, just no VSC.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(philwojo @ Apr 17 2006, 08:50 AM) [snapback]240914[/snapback]</div>

Just for the record, your Prius weighs 3000 lbs. It took some searching, but I found a 4WD Jeep Commander carries almost 4800 lbs. of gross vehicle weight, and that's before you add passengers and cargo.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Apr 17 2006, 11:55 AM) [snapback]240954[/snapback]</div>

My point was that at 3,000lb the Prius is just as dangerous if you are hit by it as a 4,800lb car (suv). Can the heavier one do more damage sure, but I don't want to get hit by either of them going 40MPH no matter what car or truck or SUV I am driving in.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(finman @ Apr 17 2006, 10:37 AM) [snapback]240878[/snapback]</div>

Any pedestrian hit by a car would have the same argument to remove all cars from the road. I guess it's all relative as to how dangerous an SUV is, my neighbor was hit by a guy on a bicycle and was killed. She might have heard a SUV coming and avoided it.

 

well when I broke my neck I was in a ford escort, hit by an oldsmobile, offset head on, no air bags, never helps to be the smaller crash. I dont' remember what happened that night.

 

If you look at the other Toyotas, about half of them had a "poor" rear-end crash rating. None had a "good" rating.

It seems like cars are designed to pass whatever the new crash test is. When just frontal tests were done, most did poorly. Then they were designed to pass the test. Then came side tests. Then offset tests, etc. At first cars did poorly, then better.

As with the other tests, if people start caring about these "whiplash" test we will see cars being designed to pass them -- especially Hondas, Toyotas, and other manufacturers that put safety as a priority.

But no matter how many of these tests cars are designed to pass, the real world will throw us a loop, and people will die in unforeseen circumstances. You go out for a drive, you might get creamed. You stay home, you might break your neck.

All we can do is try to make informed decisions and purchase cars that have proven safety features. The Prius has a lot of good test results, especially when compared to other cars. But it's not perfect.

I imagine in a decade or so we'll look back at all the so-called safety measures in 2006 and think "how did I survive in that death trap?", much like looking back at the seat-beltless kids jumping around the family station wagon 30 years ago.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusguy04 @ Apr 17 2006, 11:47 AM) [snapback]240942[/snapback]</div>

Why? 90% of Prii are sold with side curtain airbags and with the airbags the rating in good, the highest. I have a 2005 and expect that test to be valid for the 2004-2006 since they are pretty much identical in body.

What makes her think a Camry would be any safer? And would that be a hybrid Camry?