rear seats?

[why?]

one thing you need to check out is the differences of the car in your region. Different toyota regions get different packages.

for instance, in new england and the northeast the all weather package was standard, as as well as (i think anyways) some sort of different suspension.

each region will also have different packages that they have more of, and some combinations that they will not carry at all.

as for negotiating, you can never have enough info. use all the websites, edmunds, kbb, nada, etc. the more info you have, the better you can do.

also don't be afraid to negotiate every single little thing. the salesperson might get annoyed, but you are trying to get the best deal you can, and these things aren't cheap.

[osmoq]

Originally Posted by MadMax

If you ask me, power windows are not necessary in a car that is small enough that it is easy to reach over and roll the passenger window down from the driver's seat. But I have a 2-door hatch, so no back windows to speak of.

GOOD CALL about the windows...I totally didn't even think about that in the context of getting a 2-door. And yeah, if I can reach the other side, it's not a big deal at all. All right, no longer considering power windows. :)

Cruise control, still probably...I'll mostly just be doing a little commuting, but I'm definitely planning on some road trips, long ones and some weekend trips, so cruise control would be nice, and will probably pay off. I did see that DIY thread...that terrifies me right now, but if I don't get it with the purchase, I have a feeling I'll be back to that... :)

Originally Posted by STC

Yeah, me too! I’m a minimalist when it comes to material things. After crunching the numbers, for me the best value came out to the Convenience Package... middle of the road. I did add two Option Accessories (Tachometer and Mats). I live in the North East; the Convenience Package comes with the All Weather Guard Package... good for winter and harsh conditions.

I think that's around where I'm leaning at the moment. At least the All-Weather Package. I'll actually be moving up to the New England area next year, right now I'm midwest -ish. I do want it to be a little more hardy than average. I guess ideally, I'll negotiate for the convenience package. Thanks for the info.
And yeah, if anyone can point me to some threads about the actual buying process, that would be great, too (or any more comments). I'll have a look around for some more info, too. (I am so new at this...I really don't think I even comprehend the attitude...I can fake it, though. :) ) I'm going to try to have a friend take me for some test drives early next week.
Do I just like ask if they'll add a package?

Originally Posted by why?

one thing you need to check out is the differences of the car in your region. Different toyota regions get different packages.

I do need to look at that a little more carefully - that might have been why I was getting the conflicting reports. I've mainly been looking in my area, though.

Thanks again everyone!!