Looks like I'm gonna take the plunge... test drove 03, 05 prius and 06 FEH... FEH is definetly my favourite of the bunch...05's are still available here with a $5K discount.. is there a big difference between the 05 and 06 FEH? any tech probs solved etc or is the 05 the same?

With Guns, Trucks and Beer, Who Needs Women?

There are several threads that address this very issue so for more info you can do a search.

In general though the '05 and the '06 are identical as far as operation. I drove the '05 for a few months before I got the '06 and have been driving the '06 since. I have been getting better milage in the '06 but that could be due to knowing how to drive it better.

The '06 has a passive anti-theft system, the '05 does not.

The '06 has a few options that weren't available in the '05s. Both of mine are identical as far as operation and equipment level so I can hardly tall the difference except the '05 has a stereo I took out of my '04 when I traded it in. The stock single CD system sucks but only if that stuff matters to you. I don't have the Nav/Audiophile in either one.

If you can find a well equipped '05 and can get a good deal on it, you should definitely consider it, IMO.

thanks... that's what I wanted to know! $5000 is a whole lotta beans!

With Guns, Trucks and Beer, Who Needs Women?

I paid almost exactly the same money for both of mine. The '06 does have the side impact airbags and an "oil change monitor" which is next to useless.

The '06 models are available with step bars and moon roofs, neither of which do much for me.

I am surprised there are any new '05 available. If they are discounting them that much they want to move them. Work a good deal and then ask the salesman about the anti-theft system. Then when he admits it has nothing but the "perimeter alarm" try to get him to take more off. That is my only major disappointment with the '05 is the lack of a passive anti-theft system. If you do end up with an '05, don't let them B.S. you about needing $50 keys, either.

Good luck with the decision making.

thanks for the pointers..

I dont care that much about an anti theft system. steal it if ya want.. I have insurance!

With Guns, Trucks and Beer, Who Needs Women?

heated front seats are available in the 06 premium interior package (tho i didn't really want the leather, which is part of it). those looked pretty desirable to me since michigan winters can be pretty darn chilly in jan/feb.