Michelle, should we start a drive petition for HOV benefits for MA at  the
HYBRID GATHERING on Oct 11, Worcester Airport, and do you anybody else
interested?


Gilles Labelle
hybridcenterma@...

-----Original Message-----
From: kevin_r_f <kevin_r_f@...>
Sent: Oct 3, 2003 11:01 AM
To: MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MA-hybrids] Poll Idea

Should we generate a poll to see which section of MA we all live in ..
.

Choices along the lines of

Inside of 128
Inside of 495
Cape (south of 495)
Central MA (between 495 and 91)
Western MA (west of 91)
Other state

Kevin '02 Prius



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Gilles Labelle
IT and Hybride Center
Westboro Toyota
508-621-2217

Should we generate a poll to see which section of MA we all live in ..
.

Choices along the lines of

Inside of 128
Inside of 495
Cape (south of 495)
Central MA (between 495 and 91)
Western MA (west of 91)
Other state

Kevin '02 Prius

On 10/2/03 4:31 PM, someone else wrote:

> I'm looking forward to a Car & Driver comparison of the two.

MotorTrend compared the '03 Hybrid Civic and the '02 (same as '03) Prius.
Find the article with this link:
<http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0208_hybrid/index4.html>

There are a lot of pages -- don't be discouraged!

Of course the '04 Prius is a very different car, so you can't use a test
drive of an '01-'03 model to judge the '04. Guess we'll all find out soon
enough!

peace,
Linda
--
'03 Civic Hybrid
'01 Prius

Hi, I'm Frank from RI & I am a happy HCH owner - 5
Speed 05878 Opal Silver Blue -.  But, my loyalty to
Honda is stretched by the reports on the 2004 Prius -
it sounds like a real winner.  My mpg can't compare
with an Insight's, but it is pretty decent at 54.6 at
the pump over 11,000 miles.  I'm looking forward to
test driving the Prius, but I keep my cars for 10+
years so I don't anticipate buying.  Let us know how
you rate it.

Frank

-- "R. Kevin Moore" <kevin@...>
wrote:
> I'm Kevin from Natick, and I have a 2000 Insight

>
> No one here has or is interested in a Civic?  I
> haven't driven one yet,
> but I plan to test drive one back to back with the
> 04 Prius and see how
> they compare size & performance-wise.  I'm looking
> forward to a Car &
> Driver comparison of the two.


> My best,
> Kevin
>
>
>

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The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
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--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, "Michelle Vadeboncoeur" <mrv@k...> wrote:
> --- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, "kevin_r_f" <kevin_r_f@y...> wrote:
> > > What do you think?  Does it sound like a good idea?
> >
> > Could be a plan, sorry to say I'll be in WV that weekend.
> >
> > I think we need to start having prii flash mobs at the local Hummer
> > dealers. Set a time, circle the lot and ask what the hummer gets in
> > gas mileage. Just start a prius caravan going dealer to dealer. Hey we
> > have the advantage of stealth on our side.
>
> I'm still looking into the logistics of this...  since it's at an
> airport, they'd like pre-registration, and I don't know if they'll let
> people in "off the street" without someone affiliated with WPI to vouch
> for them...  (I am an alumnae, but...)

Things are looking better, for a gathering prior/coinciding with the WPI event. 
So
far looks like we've got a section of parking lot available to us for
parking, and there's a few of the Fly-in events/demos that are in the
airport (before security) that we can attend on our own.

More info to follow...

On 10/2/03 12:28 PM, kevin_r_f wrote:

> strange think about the honda site. It lists the insight as a 2003 and
> not a 2004. The civic hybrid is currently listed as a 2004.

The '04 Civic Hybrid is already at dealers for purchase.
>
> Someone with more insight care to shed some light ?

There has been talk on the Temple of VTec site that the '04 Insight will
debut soon -- removing the Monte Carlo blue from the lineup, and replacing
it with a navy blue, and with option for a tan interior rather than only
grey/black.

If you look at Toyota's website and click Cars > Prius, the '03 Prius still
comes up, too -- and we all know there's a newly redesigned '04 in the wings
-- but you have to click a link on the main Prius page to get photos or
information. The rest of the "Prius page" is still all about the '03.

I imagine both Honda and Toyota will get around to updating their sites soon
enough.

peace,
Linda

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, "R. Kevin Moore" <kevin@i...>
wrote:
> Honda still lists the Insight and is still selling them new, for
now.

Kevin,

strange think about the honda site. It lists the insight as a 2003 and
not a 2004. The civic hybrid is currently listed as a 2004.

Someone with more insight care to shed some light ?

Kevin '02 Moon Blue Pearl Prius

Hi Folks,

I live in Haverhill, MA and own an '03 Civic Hybrid CVT (auto).
I've owned for eleven months and have around 14,000 miles on it.

I love the car and currently get between 600 and 650 miles on each
tank (normal fillup puts in 11.8 to 12.3 gallons).  My driving is
probably 60% highway (60 to 70 mph, mostly 60 to 65) and 40% city
(30 to 45 mph normally).

Cheers, Brian

Honda still lists the Insight and is still selling them new, for now.

http://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Insight&bhc
p=1

If the new Prius is going to be selling at full sticker price for a
while, then I'd say there are 2 other great hybrids to strongly consider
first, or else be patient and shop around and be willing to wait a
while.

I paid full sticker for my Insight in early 2000, and I could have paid
$3000 less if I had waited 3 or 4 months.  Shouldn't pay more than $16
now, or maybe $17 tops with AC.  Contact the Honda Barn in N. Reading,
MA, or Bernardi Honda in Natick, if they have any in stock.  They were
selling so slowly that I think they stopped carrying them this year.

-Kevin


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Good morning Ken, sorry about not getting back to you, I had 3
unschedule(bushwack!) prius clients who wanted access to the Hybrid Center TIS 
informatin system on the Bluetooth technology, left around 11 pm tired, but it
was a hoooot!!

Anyway, a bunch of us are  completing an agenda for Oct 11 Hybrid gathering at
the Worcester Airport. Some of the events will be an astronaut flying a prius
battery fuel cell plane with many other plane historic plane and WWII pilots
included.

We will publish in the next few days the agenda!

In the event beside speakers,  we may have a prespec 04 prius appearance for us
to see only, right now, according to headquarters there is a 50/50 chance. I am
trying to blackmail them now if they deny us this opportunity ???

I look forward to meet with soon and please do not hestate to contact or email
me if you have any concerns or questions at this email or the
hybridcenterma@... address.

Regards,

Giles Labelle
IT and Hybrid Center Mgr.
Westboro Toyota
508-621-2217

-----Original Message-----
From: igoeco2001 <n2tia@...>
Sent: Sep 30, 2003 12:30 PM
To: MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MA-hybrids] Hi! New Member

Hi!
I joined this group despite living in SW CT.
(there aren't more than a small handful of Insights here)

and find the posted info on 04 Prius availability
very very useful.
I'm pleasantly but very surprised the Toyota dealers (in MA?)
are not gouging over MSRP tho.

I need another car, so will probably go for a 04 Prius,
and as soon as Honda quits production of Insights, ('05???)
take the Insight and preserve it in a time capsule
for future generations of bizzare car collectors.

My work frequently takes me up to MA,
so I will check out Westborough Toyota,
as the 'yota dealers in Fairfield County, CT
are, uh, not-exactly-buyer-friendly, to be polite...

I also look forward to gatherings in MA.

Ken, Blue Insight 5-spd # 01-479.




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Gilles Labelle
IT and Hybride Center
Westboro Toyota
508-621-2217

Good morning Bernie, I meant to answer your inquiry last night but got bushwack
by 3 persons who wanted access2004 prius TIS system on the bluetooth
intergration at our Hybrid Center and did not get home until 11 pm, long but it
was a heck of a lot of fun! (TIS= toyota info system)

The Hybrid Center promotes all technologies involving transportation that
reduces CO2 into the enviroment with practicality usuage.

The insight is a great inovative vehicle and it gets fabulous mileage. Currently
many Insight owners are extremely satisfied with this car and its technology,
but lacks room,practicality and it has unknown future.

The new 04 prius will almost meet the same gas mileage with more ease of use and
it will be more practical.
If you care to come, a bunch of us  are in the final stage planning a hybrid
gathering on Oct 11 at the Worcester Airport and I will make sure you come
introduce youl meet some of the Insight owners.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you any concerns or questions at this
email address or  at hybridcenterma@.... I have mine and about 12 more
2004 prius incoming in late Oct. if you cannot make the Oct meeting, let me know
if you want to test drire my prius?

Regards,

Gilles Labelle
Hybrid Center Mgr.
Westboro Toyota
508-621-2217

-----Original Message-----
From: Bernie Doehner <foxmoy@...>
Sent: Sep 30, 2003 8:02 PM
To: MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MA-hybrids] Reasonably priced Honda Insights in northern MA/Boston
area?

Greetings,

Sorry for "intruding" on your mailing list, as I don't own a hybrid yet, and
don't live in MA. I hope you might be able to help me find out about
a Honda dealer in MA who carries new Insights at a more reasonable price than
near MSRP (which is what I have run into shopping around in NH).

My name is Bernie and I live in Barnstead, NH near Concord. 3 years ago, when I
shopped for my Subaru (unfortunately a necesity here in the rural NH - the
Insight would be my second (fair weather) car) I consistently ran into better
prices in Massachusetts.

Thank you for your help.

Bernie
P.S. Does anyone know if there any design changes in the 2004 Insight? I think
it's just different color changes?

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Gilles Labelle
IT and Hybride Center
Westboro Toyota
508-621-2217

Bernie - I don't believe that the Honda insight is still available.  I believe
that it was replaced by the Honda Civic Hybrid last spring.

Remaining (new) Insights were selling for $15,000-17,000 last year from dealers,
but are not shown as available here in MA.

If your NH dealer is still selling them I would be somewhat concerned.

I suggest that you wait until Oct 17 and check out the new 2004 Prius.

I think you will be favorably impressed.

Jim Dunn
'03 Prius owner
('04 on order)

-----Original Message-----
From: Bernie Doehner [mailto:foxmoy@...]
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 8:03 PM
To: MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MA-hybrids] Reasonably priced Honda Insights in northern MA/Boston
area?


Greetings,

Sorry for "intruding" on your mailing list, as I don't own a hybrid yet, and
don't live in MA. I hope you might be able to help me find out about
a Honda dealer in MA who carries new Insights at a more reasonable price than
near MSRP (which is what I have run into shopping around in NH).

My name is Bernie and I live in Barnstead, NH near Concord. 3 years ago, when I
shopped for my Subaru (unfortunately a necesity here in the rural NH - the
Insight would be my second (fair weather) car) I consistently ran into better
prices in Massachusetts.

Thank you for your help.

Bernie
P.S. Does anyone know if there any design changes in the 2004 Insight? I think
it's just different color changes?

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Greetings,

Sorry for "intruding" on your mailing list, as I don't own a hybrid yet, and
don't live in MA. I hope you might be able to help me find out about
a Honda dealer in MA who carries new Insights at a more reasonable price than
near MSRP (which is what I have run into shopping around in NH).

My name is Bernie and I live in Barnstead, NH near Concord. 3 years ago, when I
shopped for my Subaru (unfortunately a necesity here in the rural NH - the
Insight would be my second (fair weather) car) I consistently ran into better
prices in Massachusetts.

Thank you for your help.

Bernie
P.S. Does anyone know if there any design changes in the 2004 Insight? I think
it's just different color changes?

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
http://shopping.yahoo.com

> Welcome to the group, glad to have more than just Prius owners in here!
>


Hey MA Hybridders,

I'm --dave in Northwest Connecticut.

My Hybrid Civic with CVT gets somewhat fewer miles per gallon than
most others for which I read reports, certainly in part because my
driving is almost entirely through hill country.  My car and I have
shared about 22,000 miles at about 44 MPG.  We have seen high 50s and
even 61 one afternoon on a drive out into New York, which might have
been mostly downhill.  Today I'm struggling to bump 43.9 into the 44s
and it does not look too promising.

Mine was the first Honda Civic Hybrid (HCH) sold in Northwest CT,
April before last, or so I was told.  There is some question of a
software update for the control systems and I will inquire about it
soon when I bring it in for an oil change.  Mine is #131 off the line
so might be eligible.

It is hard to imagine a car better suited to my driving and needs.  It
bores me to tears driving in non-hybrid vehicles, even as a passenger.
  Such a shame to brake to a stop using only friction...

I drove the Insight and Prius twice before settling on the Civic, but
the choice between the 5-seaters was very, very difficult.  The
features that differentiate them are all desirable, like the more
robust regenerative system of the Prius, and the fully-independent
rear suspension of the Civic.  In the end the ride-- the well-mannered
handling and braking of the Civic won me over, but I still envy the
Prius' stealth mode and other distinguishing characteristics that have
made it popular.

Last December I proposed and attended a hybrid meeting at Kent Falls
in Cornwall or possibly Kent, CT.  Three Priuses (Prii?) joined my
solitary Honda, and we all had a pleasant chat.  The bathroom
facilities were not open then, however, and some folks had driven
across the state; a young couple from Vermont even attended, so at
least a Port-a-Let or outhouse is a must for a hybrid congregation.

I have yet to find, scan, and post the film photos I took of that
gathering, but still promise to hunt them down before the year is out.

http://www.hybridautoclub.com/GE/PastEvents.aspx

Any gathering proposed here might well be posted at the above site,
too.  It already worked once in this area.  Late November and early
December might be a time when folks have more free time on weekends to
attend a get-together.

Safe Journeys, and Happy Electrically-Assisted Motoring...

--dave in CT
HCH #131 CVT Taffeta White
22k; 44 LMPG
45 psi front; 41 rear

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, "igoeco2001" <n2tia@a...> wrote:
> Hi!
> I joined this group despite living in SW CT.
> (there aren't more than a small handful of Insights here)
>
> and find the posted info on 04 Prius availability
> very very useful.
> I'm pleasantly but very surprised the Toyota dealers (in MA?)
> are not gouging over MSRP tho.
>
> I need another car, so will probably go for a 04 Prius,
> and as soon as Honda quits production of Insights, ('05???)
> take the Insight and preserve it in a time capsule
> for future generations of bizzare car collectors.
>
> My work frequently takes me up to MA,
> so I will check out Westborough Toyota,
> as the 'yota dealers in Fairfield County, CT
> are, uh, not-exactly-buyer-friendly, to be polite...
>
> I also look forward to gatherings in MA.
>
> Ken, Blue Insight 5-spd # 01-479.

Welcome to the group, glad to have more than just Prius owners in here!

I thought that I'd mention that there's a neighboring CT group that
you might be interested in:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/AltFuelVehicles-CT/

I'm Kevin from Natick, and I have a 2000 Insight with 58k on it now
(silver) and my lmpg is 59.  I just recently installed a cool new stereo
with Sirius sat radio, and a subwoofer which I built myself (pretty
small - it takes only 1/2 of the storage well).

My wife was considering either an SUV or a Hybrid Civic (go figure) but
instead got an 03 Audi A4 Convertible, which rocks, and gets great
mileage for it's 3800lb weight (1.8L 5-valve low-boost turbo with a CVT
transmission).

No one here has or is interested in a Civic?  I haven't driven one yet,
but I plan to test drive one back to back with the 04 Prius and see how
they compare size & performance-wise.  I'm looking forward to a Car &
Driver comparison of the two.

I must say that I'm disappointed that people still don't understand that
hybrids don't get plugged in.  Can you imagine my coworker just asked me
about charging it yesterday, and I've had my Insight almost 4 years.
ha!

Overall I'm a bit tired of my Insight.  The battery performance has gone
down a bit over 4 years, it's a bit noisier and drifts in lanes a bit
worse than before, even with air pressure and tire rotation & alignments
being kept up with.  I've investigated putting in sound-deadening
material from tweeter, but haven't done it yet.  The noise makes it hard
to enjoy the wonderful stereo I have now!

However I must say I love hybrid vehicles, and plan on getting another
one shortly.  I do believe that they will become more widespread, which
will be good for everyone.

My best,
Kevin


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi!
I joined this group despite living in SW CT.
(there aren't more than a small handful of Insights here)

and find the posted info on 04 Prius availability
very very useful.
I'm pleasantly but very surprised the Toyota dealers (in MA?)
are not gouging over MSRP tho.

I need another car, so will probably go for a 04 Prius,
and as soon as Honda quits production of Insights, ('05???)
take the Insight and preserve it in a time capsule
for future generations of bizzare car collectors.

My work frequently takes me up to MA,
so I will check out Westborough Toyota,
as the 'yota dealers in Fairfield County, CT
are, uh, not-exactly-buyer-friendly, to be polite...

I also look forward to gatherings in MA.

Ken, Blue Insight 5-spd # 01-479.

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, Michelle Vadeboncoeur <mrv@k...> wrote:
> http://www.wpi.edu/Admin/Alumni/Homecoming/03/flyin.html
>
> Saturday, October 11, 2003
> 1pm - 5pm
> Worcester Regional Airport
>
> AS part of the WPI Homecoming weekend, they're doing the "WPI Fly-In
2003"
> at the Worcester Regional Airport.  There'll be an aircraft display
> (vintage to modern), presentations, demos...  (Supposedly) free
parking,
> free admission, although adults will need a photo ID to get onto the
> tarmac if you wish to view the airplane displays.
>
> One of the demostrations is of the WPI E-Plane, a fuel-cell powered
> DynAero Lafayette III.  One of the designers owns a Toyota Prius, and
> based on what I heard at the "2004 Prius/Bluetooth" meeting last week in
> Westboro, the power from the fuel cell will be stored in a Prius'
battery
> (found in a salvage yard).
>
> I figure that there'll be things for the rest of your family to
do/see if
> they want to come along for a hybrid gathering.  If there is free
> parking, there should probably be enough space.  The airport terminal
> should serve as good cover if it gets too cold/wet or if
"facilities" are
> needed.
>
> What do you think?  Does it sound like a good idea?

I'll be away that weekend too, but once I'm back I'll have a better
idea of when/where would work for me.  In the meantime if I come up
with some bright idea on a good time/place to meet, I'll be sure to
suggest it here!

And, if we're lucky, by the time we do meet at least a couple of us
will have a shiny new '04 to show off!

-Eddie

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, "kevin_r_f" <kevin_r_f@y...> wrote:
> > What do you think?  Does it sound like a good idea?
>
> Could be a plan, sorry to say I'll be in WV that weekend.
>
> I think we need to start having prii flash mobs at the local Hummer
> dealers. Set a time, circle the lot and ask what the hummer gets in
> gas mileage. Just start a prius caravan going dealer to dealer. Hey we
> have the advantage of stealth on our side.

I'm still looking into the logistics of this...  since it's at an
airport, they'd like pre-registration, and I don't know if they'll let
people in "off the street" without someone affiliated with WPI to vouch
for them...  (I am an alumnae, but...)

Should this not happen, are there other suggestions as to where to
meet?  (There's only 2 Hummer dealerships in MA, so that'll be a short
trip... ;-) )

Just to note, there's always:
http://hybridcars.meetup.com/
http://prius.meetup.com/
http://civic.meetup.com/

> What do you think?  Does it sound like a good idea?

Could be a plan, sorry to say I'll be in WV that weekend.

I think we need to start having prii flash mobs at the local Hummer
dealers. Set a time, circle the lot and ask what the hummer gets in
gas mileage. Just start a prius caravan going dealer to dealer. Hey we
have the advantage of stealth on our side.

Kevin '02 Moon Blue Pearl Classic with 58K miles

http://www.wpi.edu/Admin/Alumni/Homecoming/03/flyin.html

Saturday, October 11, 2003
1pm - 5pm
Worcester Regional Airport

AS part of the WPI Homecoming weekend, they're doing the "WPI Fly-In 2003"
at the Worcester Regional Airport.  There'll be an aircraft display
(vintage to modern), presentations, demos...  (Supposedly) free parking,
free admission, although adults will need a photo ID to get onto the
tarmac if you wish to view the airplane displays.

One of the demostrations is of the WPI E-Plane, a fuel-cell powered
DynAero Lafayette III.  One of the designers owns a Toyota Prius, and
based on what I heard at the "2004 Prius/Bluetooth" meeting last week in
Westboro, the power from the fuel cell will be stored in a Prius' battery
(found in a salvage yard).

I figure that there'll be things for the rest of your family to do/see if
they want to come along for a hybrid gathering.  If there is free
parking, there should probably be enough space.  The airport terminal
should serve as good cover if it gets too cold/wet or if "facilities" are
needed.

What do you think?  Does it sound like a good idea?

On Sun, Sep 28, 2003 at 05:10:02PM -0000, Medfield98 wrote:
> Should the individual MA dealers know by now which ones they will be
> getting?

Theoretically.  All I know is that my dealer was able to tell me my car
is due in the first allotment in October. (/me does the happy dance again)

I'd assume from that that the dealers know at least about the first
allotment.

--
Randomly Generated Tagline:
"Isn't the phrase 'spicy hot wings' a bit redundant?"   - Theo

Should the individual MA dealers know by now which ones they will be
getting?

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, Michelle Vadeboncoeur <mrv@k...>
wrote:
> I've gotten some info on the New England region 2004 Prius
availablity.
>
> In this region, there are only 3 "accessory combination" packages
> available for Model 1224 (2004 Prius 5-door liftback, CVT-E).  For
the
> region, 92 Prius were ordered in August (for the September
> production/October arrival).
>
> 20% of the orders (18 vehicles) were for:
> Suffix AG = Combination packages AF + FE = MSRP $21340
> AF = Rear window wiper, side & passenger side and curtain airbags
> FE = 50 state emissions
>
> 40% of the orders (37 vehicles) were for:
> Suffix AH = Combination packages AI + FE = MSRP $22430
> AI = Rear window wiper, anit-theft system, garage door opener,
driver &
> passenger side and curtain airbags, JBl AM/FM/cassette/CD changer
with 9
> speakers
> FE = 50 state emissions
>
> 40% of the orders (37 vehicles) were for:
> Suffix AA = Combination packages BC + FE = MSRP $25755
> BC = Rear window wiper, anit-theft system, garage door opener,
driver &
> passenger side and curtain airbags, JBl AM/FM/cassette/CD changer
with 9
> speakers, Smart Entry and Start system, navigation, VSC, HID
headlamps and
> foglamps
> FE = 50 state emissions
>
>
> Color choices were for:
>
> Exterior color: 040 Super White
> Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 5%
> Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 5%
>
> Exterior color: 1C0 Millenium Silver
> Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 26%
>
> Exterior color: 202 Black
> Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 4%
> Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 7%
>
> Exterior color: 3Q3 Salsa Red Pearl
> Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 11%
>
> Exterior color: 4S2 Driftwood Pearl
> Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 18%
>
> Exterior color: 6S9 Tideland Pearl
> Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 11%
>
> Exterior color: 8S2 Seaside Pearl
> Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 13%

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, "Medfield98" <tripguy@p...> wrote:
> Both prior posters have '04 on order so was wondering if you were
> able to get a good deal or paid close to or at retail.
>
> Want a '04 bad with Nav system, etc and hoping we don't habve to
pay
> full price?
>
> What options did you all get?  Did your dealers know much about
> the '04?

Gilles at Westboro Toyota is very up on the Prius.  ;-)  He used to
drive a "classic" Prius, but just recently sold it while waiting for
his 2004 to come in (this October).

We're getting the loaded (BC) 2004.  There's some discount off of
MSRP (don't know how much), because we're a member of an
environmental group (Sierra Club, for starters).

Most places are offering the Prius at MSRP or a little less.  Avoid
any that are over MSRP.  Demand is high right now (most 2004 Prius
are all pre-orders of some form), but perhaps sometime into calendar
year 2004 production will catch up to demand and prices will come
down a bit.

2004 Prius production has been increased for next month, so that
should help!

I've gotten some info on the New England region 2004 Prius availablity.

In this region, there are only 3 "accessory combination" packages
available for Model 1224 (2004 Prius 5-door liftback, CVT-E).  For the
region, 92 Prius were ordered in August (for the September
production/October arrival).

20% of the orders (18 vehicles) were for:
Suffix AG = Combination packages AF + FE = MSRP $21340
AF = Rear window wiper, side & passenger side and curtain airbags
FE = 50 state emissions

40% of the orders (37 vehicles) were for:
Suffix AH = Combination packages AI + FE = MSRP $22430
AI = Rear window wiper, anit-theft system, garage door opener, driver &
passenger side and curtain airbags, JBl AM/FM/cassette/CD changer with 9
speakers
FE = 50 state emissions

40% of the orders (37 vehicles) were for:
Suffix AA = Combination packages BC + FE = MSRP $25755
BC = Rear window wiper, anit-theft system, garage door opener, driver &
passenger side and curtain airbags, JBl AM/FM/cassette/CD changer with 9
speakers, Smart Entry and Start system, navigation, VSC, HID headlamps and
foglamps
FE = 50 state emissions


Color choices were for:

Exterior color: 040 Super White
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 5%
Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 5%

Exterior color: 1C0 Millenium Silver
Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 26%

Exterior color: 202 Black
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 4%
Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 7%

Exterior color: 3Q3 Salsa Red Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 11%

Exterior color: 4S2 Driftwood Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 18%

Exterior color: 6S9 Tideland Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 11%

Exterior color: 8S2 Seaside Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 13%

What's a "Hybrid Center"?

--- In MA-hybrids@yahoogroups.com, Michelle Vadeboncoeur <mrv@k...>
wrote:
> Some information to pass along about Westboro Toyota's Hybrid
Center:
>
> The Hybrid Center has convinced Westboro Toyota to make all of
their TRAC
> vehicles (daily rentals) Prius, except for 1.  If the region
approves,
> that would be about 10-14 units in Feb/March.
>
> Also, for those who have been wanting to get manuals and such from
> techinfo.toyota.com (TIS - Toyota Information Services)...  The
Hybrid
> Center at Westboro Toyota will accomidate some limited inquiry by
> appointment.  Fast connection there at the Hybrid Center- great
option for
> those of you on a slow connection (like a dialup)!
>
> Gilles' cell (prius Hot Line) 617-480-3148

Both prior posters have '04 on order so was wondering if you were
able to get a good deal or paid close to or at retail.

Want a '04 bad with Nav system, etc and hoping we don't habve to pay
full price?

What options did you all get?  Did your dealers know much about
the '04?

We live in Plymouth, MA

Some information to pass along about Westboro Toyota's Hybrid Center:

The Hybrid Center has convinced Westboro Toyota to make all of their TRAC
vehicles (daily rentals) Prius, except for 1.  If the region approves,
that would be about 10-14 units in Feb/March.

Also, for those who have been wanting to get manuals and such from
techinfo.toyota.com (TIS - Toyota Information Services)...  The Hybrid
Center at Westboro Toyota will accomidate some limited inquiry by
appointment.  Fast connection there at the Hybrid Center- great option for
those of you on a slow connection (like a dialup)!

Gilles' cell (prius Hot Line) 617-480-3148

Hi Michelle!

I'm Eddie Yasi, and I live in Waltham, MA with my partner Russ.  We
own a Honda Insight and an '03 Prius.  We have an '04 Seaside Pearl
w/BC package on order from Herb Chambers Toyota in Boston.  We're
trying to decide which car to sell/trade-in for this purchase.
Normally it would be a no-brainer and we'd keep the Prius since it's
newer than the Insight, but we put a really top-notch stereo system
along with Auxiliary input for an IPod in the Insight, and Russ hates
the thought of giving that up.   Right now it looks like he'll keep
driving the Insight, we'll sell the '03 Prius, and I'll be driving the
'04. (woohoo!!!)  In a couple years we'll sell the Insight and Russ
will get whatever the latest and greatest is at that point.

Since I'm not a 'Pioneer', who knows when I'll be getting my '04.  I'd
imagine someone else locally will get one first, but, whenever I know
more about when mine's due I'll be sure to post it here!

Let me know if you do start arranging a local 'gathering', and I hope
to meet you then!

Take care,
Eddie

sorry, had to do that...

anyhow, welcome to the group.  :)

Feel free to lurk if you like, but some introductions might be a good
start.

Hi, I'm Michelle.
I live in Needham, MA
I own a 2001 Toyota Prius, Aqua Ice Opalescent  (info here:
http://www.kluge.net/~felicity/prius.php )
My husband has a 2004 Toyota Prius (Black) on Pioneer order, should
arrive in October (yea!)

I'd really like to see a gathering soon.  It's been a while since
I've been to one.

I hear of one in the works.  I think it's Oct. 11 at the Worcester
Regional Airport.  I'll let you know when I hear more.