Just got a call from my Prius dealer. I'm next on the list and they offered me a metallic silver with ivory interior and package 4 from a deal that fell through on them. They went on to say that my unit has been "allocated" (whatever that means) but will not be exactly what I ordered.
I ordered a black with gray/burgundy interior and package 6. The one allocated to me is black with ivory interior and package 6. Any of you care to comment on ivory versus gray interior?
Also, any comments on the value of the difference between package 4 and package 6? I know what the differences are but am interested in the opinion of those who have first hand experience with the voice-activated DVD system, the JBL audio system and the HomeLink systems that are part of package 6.
I'd be suspicious; silver is not available with an ivory interior.
Personally, I think the ivory interior should be available only with the white, driftwood, and tideland colors--but that's personal aesthetics. It all boils down to whether you like the combination of exterior and interior colors and how long you're willing to wait to get the combination you prefer.
Homelink is a convenience; it means you don't have to clip a garage-door opener to your visor. Of course, if you have anything else that can be controlled by homelink, that puts another light on the matter.
When I had a single-disk CD player (in a previous car), I rarely listed to CDs in the car; I find that with the six-disk player, I listen to CDs a lot more. I tend to set it to random play, so it chooses a disk at random and a random track from that disk each time a track finishes playing. You also get the added convenience of a cassette player. I'd be just as happy, though, with the standard speakers.
After having had DVD navigation systems for the past four years, I wouldn't want to have a car without one. Voice activation, though, is not ready for prime time.
I agree with Michele. I don't want to go back to a car without GPS. If you plan just to commute with it, however, GPS may not be worth to you the extra $2k or so of the $3k the GPS makes up for the group 6 option package. I haven't used the CD changer, but my wife does. I prefer the XM radio I installed. You have to weigh the $ impact versus the value you feel you would get. Everyone's value set is different. I also value the bluetooth feature of package 6 and will be using it next year with a new cellphone. I think BT will be commonplace in cars in two years. Although it is nice to be able to get the "fully loaded" version of a car so you don't have regrets later, it is not always worth it. In 1986, a new Toyota 4Runner I bought was so stripped, it didn't have a radio, clock or even an antenna. One option I did buy was a back seat. I ended up installing some factory options later, but at the time I saved $4000 over a fully loaded version. Only problem with your choice is you would have probably have to go aftermarket if you decided you want to upgrade to package 6 options later, which would possibly even allow you to have newer or better technology than we currently have now.
BTW, per Toyota and other sites, the Silver only comes with the Gray/Burgundy and not the Ivory/Brown interior.
AM Package #4 -- includes driver and front passenger seat-mounted side and front and rear side curtain airbags [2]; Smart Key System; and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, integrated fog lamps and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [4] $2,075.00
BC Package #6 -- includes driver and front passenger seat-mounted side and front and rear side curtain airbags [2]; anti-theft system and auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror with HomeLink® [3] universal transceiver; Smart Key System; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, integrated fog lamps and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [4]; JBL 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer, nine speakers in seven locations and FM diversity reception; and voice-activated DVD navigation system [5] with hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth TM [6] technology $5,065.00
Why black? Around here black cars come unglued from the heat. My old Ford headliner fell down as well as the rubber gaskets coming off. Thing was hot as hell in the summer and had to run the air in the winter (air-cond. was always running at max and I don't think the Prius would be too keen on running the thing constantly). Had a bottle of water and a towel to cool off the steering wheel so I could touch it. Looks nice when it's clean but looks bad quick when the dust settles. Now the local gangs like to take pot-shots at mainly black cars. Couple I know have their windows shot out already (both black: car and truck).
I live in north central Minnesota where heat is only an issue in late July and August. Here, we worry more about heating than air conditioning and black's ability to absorb the rays is a definite plus, as is black's contrast with the snow, especially with driving in bad winter weather.
I've decided to stick with the level 6 toys not because they are worth the extra money but because they are convenient and fun. I still have this problem with the interior color. Since I posted this message I took a long look at both the ivory and grey/maroon interior and the grey maroon definitely goes better with the black exterior. Besides, when I climb in with dusty jeans, it won't show the dirt.
Although Toyota offers the black exterior with either interior, I'm told my dealer's "region" only delivers black with the ivory interior. I wonder why they didn't mention this six months ago when I placed my order? They are trying to swap the car with one from another region.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.