Hello! This is my first post but I've picked up so much great information here over the past few weeks. My husband and I have two options that we can pick up next week (both in time for the full tax credit). Both are priced a bit over MSRP but we can probably talk them down. 1) 2006 seaside pearl package #4, $24,680 smart key, side airbags, vehicle stability control, mp3 capabilities, rear camera 2) 2007 barcelona red touring edition #1, $23,849 same options as above plus tuned suspension, larger wheels, HID headlights and fog lamps BUT NO vehicle stability control We've seen video of SUV test drives with and without VSC and know it could potentially make a big difference. Has the Prius VSC system been proven to work to its full potential? Is 2006 the first model year to feature VSC? Other than that feature, we would prefer the 2007 red touring edition. We've never seen the seaside pearl in real life and the dealerships are 3 hours away. I'm strongly leaning toward refusing to buy a car without VSC but my husband wants the 2007 touring. We've called all the dealerships in the state and a touring with VSC could not get to us before the end of the month. We don't want to miss the full tax credit, plus we just sold his car and can't go too long sharing one. Any thoughts? This process is driving my crazy; I just want my Prius.
2004 is the first year with VSC and it's the updated Vehicle Stability Control (vs. the old Vehicle Skid Control from 03 and older on Camrys, Avalons etc). Most have said the HIDs are a good feature and you already have the side/side curtain airbags. In addition, the Touring seems the better bargain. I'd get the 07 since it's cheaper AND it's the newer model (unless they give you a nice discount on the 06 for "wasting" a year). Seaside blue is a very solid blue, almost like the sky on a clear summer's day.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pearly @ Sep 16 2006, 04:46 PM) [snapback]320587[/snapback]</div> The 2006 price for a package 4 looks very good. I would make sure the tax credit also applies to a 2007. I don't know why it would n't, but I would just make sure.
I'd go for the Barcelona 07 - I can't see choosing a car based on VSC. We have the 06 Barcelona - I love the color, but would also love the better suspension and the larger wheels. The side airbags would be what I'd be willing to pay more for, but you get that either way.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Claudia @ Sep 16 2006, 04:38 PM) [snapback]320638[/snapback]</div> I beg to differ, it can make the difference between life and death. It is as important as anti-lock brakes. The federal government is about to require that stability control systems become standard equipment on all new cars.
another vote for VSC, yes the govt is moving towards making a feature like it required, less rollover and control , mine came on the other night in the rain and except for the flash on the dashboard I noticed no differnece in handling so that says to me it made it handle better in flooded roads. Personally as someone who has been in a bad car wreck,antything that helps prevent an accident is a huge plus!!!!!!!!!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Sep 16 2006, 04:50 PM) [snapback]320642[/snapback]</div> I strongly agree. Get VSC. Checking toyota.com, the price of a Touring Edition pkg#2 (the lowest priced option with VSC) is 24,825. Since that's just $145 more than the 2006 Standard Edition pkg#4 you described, perhaps the TE pkg 2 is the way to get both style and safety.
Just as . . . “I will never buy another car that isn't a hybrid or ZEV†. . . “A God as my witness, I will NEVER buy another car which doesn't have VSC.†(Toyota's name for Electronic Stability Control). After playing around with the VSC in an empty, snowy, frozen ski resort parking lot . . . I BELIEVE!!! Within the confines of the fairly large parking lot, I was not able to make the car lose control. I know there are those who are non-believers . . . but that is their thing. Those in the know say that VSC is the greatest advancement in occupant protection since seat belts and air bags. THAT should tell you something! Don't confuse VSC with Traction Control, or Anti-lock Brakes . . . not the same.
Thanks for the replies! It's very helpful to know about your personal experiences! I agree that the 07 Touring is a better deal but I think we will go with VSC. Price is not an issue (up to 27K) but unfortunately no Touring package 2's are available anywhere near us by the end of the month. Hmm...maybe we should try calling out of state dealerships.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pearly @ Sep 16 2006, 08:48 PM) [snapback]320725[/snapback]</div> That sounds like a good idea. From this corner of the country, Tennesee looks pretty close to Virginia and according to toyota.com TE pkg 2 is offered by the dealers there.
