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My Prius tire mystery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Harry73, Dec 21, 2013.

  1. Harry73

    Harry73 Junior Member

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    So, I totaled my 2009 Prius a couple of weeks ago and just replaced it with a 2008 with fewer miles. It was listed as a Touring. I checked the struts and they were white and red, spoiler is bigger, HID lights, drives with stiffer suspension than my recently deceased Prius... so far so good. Then I noticed the tires. It appears someone has replaced the 16 in wheels with the regular Prius 15 in wheels. I hate those tires. Why they put a plastic edge on alloy wheels is beyond me.

    Do you think someone changed them out to help with MPGs or give a slightly softer ride? I'm at a loss. It just seems so stupid. I hate the look of them. Help me feel better and not get buyer's remorse. o_O

    I just checked the sticker on the inside of the car to see what tire specifications it listed. It indeed lists 15 inch tires. I'm so confused.
     
    #1 Harry73, Dec 21, 2013
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, the motivation may have been to improve fuel economy. Or maybe the prior owner damaged some of the wheels and decided that it was less expensive to replace with 15" wheels/tires.

    If this really bothers you so much, then spend $1K on a set of 16" wheels/tires, or return the car. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Dec 21, 2013
  3. Harry73

    Harry73 Junior Member

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    It isn't so much the tires as much as I wonder if it is truly a Touring. I can always get new wheels... but I hate being duped!
     
    #3 Harry73, Dec 21, 2013
  4. Gorilla97

    Gorilla97 Junior Member

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    What does the title say? Mine says touring in the vehicle description
     
    #4 Gorilla97, Dec 21, 2013
  5. Harry73

    Harry73 Junior Member

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    The title doesn't say it is a Touring, but then again there is no blank for a trim description either.
     
    #5 Harry73, Dec 21, 2013
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Well, the struts and the spoiler sound like they are correct. Those components plus the 16" wheels are the only differences between Touring vs. non-Touring.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Dec 21, 2013
  7. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Surely asking any dealer to look up the VIN will resolve the issue.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #7 Britprius, Dec 21, 2013
  8. Harry73

    Harry73 Junior Member

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    The dealer said they got their info straight from Toyota. I got it from Carmax. Is there a consumer contact number where I can check the VIN myself?
     
    #8 Harry73, Dec 21, 2013
  9. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Being from the UK I cannot help with a contact number, but here we can register with Toyota UK and get such information directly. There must be a similar organisation in the US, or alternatively contact Toyota customer services to see if they can help.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #9 Britprius, Dec 21, 2013
  10. Harry73

    Harry73 Junior Member

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    I am going to try that, I was just hoping someone would have experience and know the direct line or verification procedure.
     
    #10 Harry73, Dec 21, 2013
  11. salguod

    salguod Member

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    I'm not sure the dealer can tell. When I registered my Touring (I've got the wheels and spoiler, never checked the strut stripes) at the Toyota owner's site, it didn't show as a Touring. There have been a few people buy Prii from Toyota dealers that were listed as Tourings but were not.

    That said, you've got most the important bits - the struts & spoiler. Wheels are the easiest to change. You might have luck fighting with Carmax, but I doubt it.

    You might be interested to know that the Touring alloys also have plastic covers. I don't know why.
     
    #11 salguod, Dec 21, 2013
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