I actually ordered my Prius in late December but I'm wondering... As we know (and I know from reading the posts) a few options are not available that probably will be available on the 2002s so I seek your input.<br><br>1. Cruise Control (I know there is a retrofit kit planned that isn't the expensive entire steering column replacement thing). Who knows when the kit will be available?<br><br>2. Six changer CD. Is this now an option or do you have to do it yourself as I've seen in the posts?<br><br>3. GPS. I'm a dweeb. I want it. No wiring for it on current models or do the later 2001 models have the necessary wiring?<br><br>4. Any mechanical changes to the 2002s? At gazzoo.com they describe some differences in the 2001 and 2002 models (a bit lighter, stays in stealth mode at higher speeds, different braking feel, higher compression engine resulting in improved mpg, smaller battery size, etc.). Is this site describing the Japanese version or are these changes for the US version as well?<br><br>5. When does the 2002 order process begin?<br><br>Thank you all for your informative posts. I've been reading them for the past month and I know I am more knowledgeable than the salesperson that I took along on my test drive. <br><br>Hoping I'll be an owner someday!<br><br>Michael<br>Portland, OR

I was also wondering when the best time to order for the 2002 would be. My first thought was that Toyota wouldn't want to tell us that, since we may all wait, rather than ordering now. But on second thought, with a four month backlog, it may serve them well to have that happen.<br><br>-elph

Michael - I am curious how your found that information about the differences in the 2002 model at gazoo.com - at least in English! I am debating about waiting for the 2002 model instead of ordering immediately. <br><br>I searched the English part of the site for that kind of information without any success. I would like the cruise control and Toyota's online help person advised me that it would be available as standard in the 2002 model - they also noted that the introduction of the 2002 model would be in the Fall. Other than that they had no information for me.<br><br>I like the idea of the lighter weight and the higher speed sleath mode. I'd also like larger tires and a center arm rest. If I need to read the site in Japanese I'm in luck as I have a Rotary Scholar that I'm the advisor to here in town and will get her to read it for me.<br><br>Don Friedman

Don:<br><br>Go here for the English version:<br><br><a href=http://gazoo.com/eng/ target=new>http://gazoo.com/eng/</a><br><br>Here's where the auto information is.<br><br><a href=http://gazoo.com/eng/auto/frameset.asp target=new>http://gazoo.com/eng/auto/frameset.asp</a><br><br>You'll find the Prius down the page a bit. Click on the "Sales Point" button to get to the info I quoted. I'm now concluding that the changes are between the US and Japanese versions. I did not find specific model years listed upon rereading the info as I inferred in my original post, only "new" vs. "current". <br><br>Other clues:<br><br>After looking at the diagram of the battery. The "new" battery they show looks like the same form factor that is in current US Prius cars. We know power is greater in the US version which is what shows in the "Improved Power Output" diagram. <br><br>In addition the two ICE engines they compare are a three cylinder (current) vs a four cylinder (new). Obviously we have the four cylinder here so I think I might have sounded a false alarm at least from that info.<br><br>As to my other questions, I spoke with my salesman today and he indicated that installing the six disc changer is no problem. <br><br>Information from this group indicates there will be a cruise control kit that is more likely to be fairly priced than the current entire steering column replacement solution. I can live with that.<br><br>As to GPS, info I've read here says that the wiring is not on the 2001s. That question from me was more of wishful thinking hoping they had maybe begun wiring them up in the later builds. My salesman told me there would probably be a kit for the GPS as well but he's basing that on the fact there is a button for it (scientific eh?). I'd be more inclined to believe the group here. Any new information out there?<br><br>Assuming the mechanical differences between the 2001 and 2002 are nil (besides the few avaialble options) I think you'd only be missing out on the GPS on a 2001 (unless there really is the wiring) and possibly side impact air bags.<br><br>I'm sticking with my current order. <br><br>Prius: Just Deliver It To Me<br><br>Michael<br>Portland, OR

After seeing the website and comparing the data, that is my conclusion also.<br><br>Regards,<br>Don

Michael - thanks for the clarification. I had deliberatly overlooked the data on the Pirus because of the date it was posted. I am glad that the kinds of modifications you were referring to aren't on the table as now I can place my order immediately rather than wait. At my age I have some patience but my 16 year old son has been promised my Accura when I get my new car and you can imagine his inpatience.<br><br>I'm in PA getting about 18 mpg with the Accura so even the low end of the Prius's performance in the cold will double my mileage! And I'll be driving around in something interesting to talk about instead of just another gas guzzler with great "breathing" leather seats.<br><br>Thank again.<br><br>Don Friedman

No problem. Thank all the kind people here for their commitment to information on this great car. I'm excited to get mine but I know I have a couple more months before satisfaction.<br><br>I went to another Toyota dealership yesterday just so I could sit in one and show the kids the car Dad ordered. I need to find more dealers so I can get my Prius fix while I'm waiting. Don't want to wear out my welcome at the dealer I ordered from (three visits already).<br><br>MG<br>PDX