There is a very active Prius club at <a href=http://www.egroups.com/group/toyota-prius target=new>http://www.egroups.com/group/toyota-prius</a> . A person by the name of &lt;shaddad@w&gt; who seems to be a Toyota official announced that "...There are no factory options currently, though in the beginning of 2001 Toyota will offer Navigation, Cruise, and Side Airbags". S/He did not followed up on this topic when other people inquired about it.<br><br>I know the Prius program manager is monitoring this Yahoo club. I wonder if someone here can provide more information on these options. I'm trying to decide if I should wait a few months, but I don't want to wait too long or have to pay too much extra.<br><br>Thank you very much!

The Edmunds and eGroups discussion boards have been mentionned several times and are really helpful. I believe Shaddad and NorCalPrius (on this club) are one and the same person. He has posted many details about options both here and on the Edmunds board... check them out for further info. According to Shaddad, the options do not depend on the model year but the people on the Prius web site say that GPS, Cruise and Side Impact Air Bags will only be available on the 2002 Prius model.<br><br>Benjamin

Hmm... the answer I got from Toyota's online chat people was a polite "no comment".<br><br>My goal is to drive a Prius with these three options (or at least the first two) by May 2001 for under $22K. If anyone from Toyota could give me a hint as to whether or not this goal is realistic, I would be extremely grateful!

My answer from the Prius web site people was "these options will be available for 2002 models." They are listed in the dealer books as available at the end of this year, so your goal seems realistic (although I do not know the price of the GPS).<br><br>Benjamin

Regarding option availability, let me again repeat the background behind the issue and the current status.<br>During the first several months of prodution, option capacity was restricted. Specifically, on cruise to less than 35%.<br>From a marketing strategy, our first priority was to secure the most aggressive pricing to launch the car and the technology. Keeping the price under $20,000 was a significant motivation.<br>Navigation, for instance is in excess of $2,000.<br>Additionally, we really wanted to reinforce the car's persona as an urban vehicle where its performance is optimized.<br>For consumers like yourself who have expressed disappointment and frustration with this strategy, I can only offer that we monitoring the input from the various chat groups, our CR 800 phone lines and our dealers.<br>Purchase requests which are finalized from about 8/1 forward will be fulfilled from October production. Option availability will not be possible on these October production units.<br>PM

The fact that the navigation would cost more than $2K is very important information. Thank you, Priusman! This helps me a lot in deciding whether to wait or not. Do you have any cost estimate on cruise or side airbags?<br><br>Speaking of the urban persona, I wonder why the Prius doesn't have side moldings.

Hi Priusman,<br><br>Last march I gave a 4k deposit to my local dealer to get on a waiting list for a Prius. I was told that I was first in line to get one from that dealership. I asked if there was anything else I needed to do and was told no and that they would probably be getting cars in August.<br><br>When the on-line ordering site came up I filled it out just for grins and brought it to the dealership. I then got an e-mail from Toyota on July 19 stating that my request was received and I could expect my vehicle in 3-4 months. I called the dealership about this and they said that August delivery was probably not likely.<br><br>Is it possible to order a car not using the on-line ordering site or am I likely in for a long wait?<br><br>Thanx!<br><br>PS The navigation price info makes me feel alot better about being an early adopter!

:: Last march I gave a 4k deposit<br><br>This is just a fellow customer's observation: Your dealer probably didn't do squat for you, other than collecting interest on your $4K. The norm is $500, by the way. The dealer was supposed to enter existing orders in late June, before online ordering was open to the public. And if they had done that, you should have a very good chance getting it in August. In fact, you could be driving your Prius already.<br><br>Now, your standing in the queue is probably no different from someone who put down a $500 deposit on July 19.

Please read Message #395. So, when do you think the 2002 model begins? January 2001? I'm more confused than ever.

When I get the car, I'll be taking it to a place called The Specialist in town to see whether they can add things like a 6-disc CD changer, NAV and perhaps TV and internet access (along with an improved sound system).

When will Option availability be possible:<br><br>Colors- the blues?<br><br>Cruise control, remember city dwellers are often 10-30 miles for communting, and cruise control is used on freeways, and trips?<br><br>Can the Navigation be added later, or must it be ordered with the car?<br><br>Basically when can I expect to get a light blue, with cruise control and navigation if it can not be added later?

iam,<br><br>No current timetable for the release of colors or options. Current orders (from today)will be delivered to customers in November +. So it won't be seen in calendar '00.<br><br>PM

Prius is a 2001 model. Typically the 2002 model will not be scheduled for production until very late 3rd quarter or early 4th quarter of calendar 2001. Because of the mid year intro (as opposed to a traditional fall intro) Prius enjoys an '01 production run slightly longer than the norm. PM

Regarding options - I had decided to get a car with leather seats for the first time in my life, but I fell in love with the Prius. My dealer told me that leather can be added after-market but installers work from kits. Does Toyota make the kits? If so, will they make Prius kits available soon? <br><br>If Toyota is indeed watching these groups for ideas, please register mine for those leather seats. It's too late for me, but others in that targeted age group may be looking for a little bit of luxury with the green!<br><br>Cheers,<br>aquaprius

For info on leather availabity, you can contact<br><br><a href=http://www.classicsofttrim.com/ target=new>http://www.classicsofttrim.com/</a><br><br>They should be able to help, as they are in the process of preparing leather for the Insight, and will also be doing a set for the Prius.<br><br>Nick Czaruk

Thanks for the info on leather installers. I've sent them an email. I've ordered the environmental plates, I have a leather contact - I just need the car!!