First post so I hope it's in the right place. What specifically does "Touring Package" mean? How does it differ from "Package 6" in the Gen 2 Prius? Does it add or subtract any features that Gen 2 have? Thanks
AS I am in the UK I cannot report on the different package levels in the US, but I know the touring version has the firmer suspension and 16 inch wheels as used in the UK and Europe as against the 15 inch wheels on other gen2 models in the US. John (Britprius)
Forgetting my manners, welcome to PC, lots of information and helpful people here so any questions just ask. It can be very helpful if you put your location in your avatar as PC is world wide and different countries and regions have different variations and systems on the Prius so making diagnosis and advice more accurate if at leased the country of origin is known. John (Britprius)
It adds: 16" Alloys with P195/55R16 rubber Longer rear spoiler (Type B) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps Foglamps Here's the list of the packages 2G Prius (2004-2009) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat
Before buying, personally verify the features that Tideland lists above. In the used car market, the fraction of Prii labeled as Touring is far larger than the fraction Toyota actually built. I believe the Touring wheels also have 7 spokes, compared to 6 spokes on the regular Gen2 wheels. 5 spokes indicates Gen3 wheels.
Sometimes dealers will swap the wheels but if you look in the driver door jam there is a sticker that has the original tire size. If it shows 185/65R15, it is not a touring model. If it shows 195/55R16, it is. Also if you crawl under the rear of the car and look at the rear shocks they will have red and pink stripes and blue paint on the springs. I have attached a picture of mine. My car is a 2007 with 127k miles so the stripes are a little faded. Also the touring model wasn't available until 2007. I have seen many 2004-2006 cars advertised as touring models.
Sorry, I'm not clear on that..... Are they 16, 17 or 18" wheels. And when you say plastic wheel trim do you mean plastic hub caps?
Yes 16 inch wheels with plastic hub caps (wheel trims in the UK). Standard fitting for all gen2 Prius in the UK. John (Britprius)
Uh... all headlights burn out. As for big bucks, depends. One can get Philips D4R Xenon HID Headlight Bulb, Pack of 1 : Amazon.com : Automotive (sold straight from Amazon, not a 3rd party) for $46.46 currently.
The big bucks is the $200 that the dealer charges to put the bulb in. Not everyone can manage the bulb replacement.
the Touring wheels are 16 inches and they will bolt on the Gen III also. But, the standard tires ( I think 195x55) can be hard to find in a LRR size.
That's why many of us that hve 16 inch wheels use 205/55/16 tyres. Much greater choice of tyres, cheaper price, and much lower RR. Also gives the advantage of greatly improved handling of the Prius. John (Britprius)
They're 195/55R16 specification. The alloy wheels are finished in gunmetal grey with the silver-painted plastic wheel cover that gives it the final look you see above. Here's how they look like without the plastic cover. From another PC member...
