Can anyone tell me if there are still Touring models being produced? I've heard Toyota has stopped making them, and I'm having trouble finding the color I want from any local dealers.

For those of you who have the Touring edition, do you wish you had bought the non-Touring model??

Thanks for the info!!

The touring model is an overpriced option that is not worth the expense. So if it is gone I for one and glad. As you can easily make any Prius into a touring version for much less money than Toyota wanted.

How exactly would you do that? The Touring has larger wheels and tires, HID headlamps, fog lamps, and a suspension that is tuned for a more sporty response - I assume through different spring/shock/anti-rool bar settings. The components are designed to complement each other. I am interested in how you propose to do this for less than the $900 uplift over the standard model that Toyota charges.

Are you serious? Sounds like you know nothing about cars or mods to them.

Worked on 'em all my life - hence my question. Maybe you do not have an explanation of how you would accomplish all those modifications as well as the factory, for $900.

I bought a non-Touring, loaded (except leather) this weekend

If I could have found the color combo I wanted, I would have paid a slight premium to get the color I wanted. I eventually found one, but it would have cost me $2k more to get my color. I did not believe the "upgrade" was worth it, and I simply didn't want a Blue, White, Green or Tan car (which I could have gotten for the same price as the non-Touring).

My Prius has everything the Touring has, except larger wheels/tires; larger rear spoiler; whatever suspension components are in the touring

I don't know how easy it would be to change my Prius into a "near"-Touring model. I'd have to buy new larger wheels/tires ($400?) and not sure what I'd have to do to the suspension. I can't imagine the little frame stiffeners are going to accomplish everything that Toyotoa does in the factory, but I'm not saying I wouldn't buy them.

I'm happy with what I have, but would be interested in making the cornering a bit stiffer. Will probably just stick with the small wheels/tires.

Well I'm surprised you believe it can't be done with after market parts for much less.

There was mention of a "stabilizer bar" in the Touring Edition specs - would that be trivial to tie into a normal Prius? I don't know anything about modding cars but that one sure sounds like serious work.

Prius 2006, bought September 14:

Actually it is really easy.

Over the years I have found that any performance option auto manufactures come up with can be done by any home garage mechanic. And aftermarket parts are usually better and less expensive.

What's involved? I'm curious to find out what your view of "easy" is as these things are always relative.

Prius 2006, bought September 14: