Got the call, my Prius is coming soon!

So the dealership called today and they found one Prius that matches my wants for their allocation. It's a Classic Silver package #7. They are going to install the leather themselves (well port installed really), as they have been doing for the past two model years (leather was available in the SE since the 2004 model). The quality of the leather is exceptional, so I'm not worried about the after-factory work.

Anyhow, it should be arriving on December 17th. On December 18th I should be installing the 17" wheels, stiffening braces, suspension braces, and a few electronics. Pictures soon to follow.

 

My Explorer has 17" rims too, but it also has 5" of suspension lift and 33" tires. It really does need a step to get in (fortunately they were built in). After climbing into this for 5 years, I'll practically be falling into the Prius...


Yes, I'm very excited. I'll install the rims myself (tires already mounted of course), as well as the AIC-100i. I may also go ahead and order some suspension and frame braces.

Then, after just getting the Prius, I decided I'm going to do without it for about a week while I have a rear seat entertainment system installed for the kids. Two headrest mounted screens and DVD player, and now thanks to Toyota including the audio jack in the center console, the audio will be integrated without using an FM transmitter. I'll probably have them repalce all the speakers and add a subwoofe as well while it's there.

Big, big plans for the little car.

 

Yes, I was waiting for a package #8. However, the SE will not be getting any for many months, so I decided not to wait. I was told by my delaer that it would be a dark grey leather as I specified, not the lighter grey. I also asked about the door panels and such, and was told that yes they would be leather as well.

As for the pictures on the website, I try to use them as an absolute reference, as often times they are way off. Best bet is to go into the delaership and ask to see the samples. Then you can really see the colors. I'm going to go back in next week to finalize details and make sure it's all exactly as I specified. So far I think it'll go well, with no nasty surprises.

 

I also decided on the Tc rims. Got them on eBay for less than the price of the tires if I ahd bought them myself. Anyway, they are a bit heavier than the stock wheels, but I'm not overly concerned. I was going to buy some really lightweight 17" rims from Rays Engineering, but I'll probably wait for that. Going to use the cash for a nice rear seat entertainment system for my kids instead.

 

No need. The wheel diameter is increasing, but th tire sidewall is decreasing, giving nearly the same outside diameter (in this case 24.47" stock and 24.63" aftermarket). For the combo I got, the difference in circumference is only +0.47". As far as speed is concerned, when the speedo says 60 mph, I'm only travelling 59.64 mph. Not big enough to notice. There is no need for any recalibration.

 

I don't know about othe areas. Since the SE region already did leather, they'll just keep doing that for now.

 

Well, the truck that my Prius is on has been delayed down in South Florida somewhere. It should be here by Monday or Tueasday at the latest.

So far I have some 17" wheels and a BT brace waiting in my garage. Lot's more to come...