My wife's aunt went shopping for a Solara convertible tonight and came home talking about a Prius. The dealer had one for about $24K - the basics (option package D I think) - where you get side airbags, smart key, and CD player.

She then asked me my thoughts about the Honda Civic Hybrid and well, to tell you the truth, I didn't know much about the car....

But it looks like she can get a fully equipped (with NAV and that's important to her) Civic Hybrid for about $24K including destination. From what I can tell, the mileage is slightly worse than the Prius but that is more than offset by the $4K difference in the two cars (if both are equipped with NAV). I also notice the Prius has a bunch more cargo space.

So if YOU were helping out the wife's aunt, which car would you pick and why?

I would go with the Civic Hybrid. Its IMA ( Integrated Motor Assist ) drivetrain is not quite as versatile or as efficient as that of the Prius, ( though some advancements have been made on the latest version ) but It has a FAR more conventional dash and gauge setup that will probably be much easier for your in-law to get used to...especially, as if with most drivers, she is used to a more conventional dash layout. However, if you look at a new 2006 model Civic Hybrid, its dash is less conventional than the 2005 model...it has that odd two-tier digital ayout with some gauges way out ahead and some more conventional right behind the wheel. Still, I would take it over the Prius. The Civic Hybrid, IMO, also has more solid-feeling doors, more substantial-feeling sheet metal, a more precise-feeling to its hardware, and, of course, is somewhat less expensive to buy and a little easier to make a deal on.
However, there is no question that the Prius has a more advanced drivetrain and, unlike the Civic, can run on electric power alone for short distances.....that's why it is so efficient in the city, where the electric motor takes over more of the time. The Civic Hybrid basically just shuts off the gas motor ( after warm-up ) at stops and uses the electric motor as a power backup as needed and to function as a starter.

I would have to say that I am biased. I hate the Civic with a passion (long story). I would have to go for the Prius.

I have rented the Prius about three times, and I have enjoyed what it offers. It is pretty comfortable, but it is rather weak and noisy at higher speeds. Definately better for city driving rather than long trips. I wish there were some more luxurious amenities, but then again, this is a Toyota, not a Lexus.

The Civic hybrid is a bit more driver friendly. Although it is slower/weaker than the Prius, there is a bit more control. Handling is made for the Civic market: a bit more involved for a younger generation than the eco-lovers' Prius' market (young people buying Civics versus older people buying Prius). But then again, you don't look for hybrids for high performance. This is why I lean (a lot) more towards the Prius.

I think your aunt made the right decision. Judging by the market it caters, the Prius would probably make her more happy than the Civic. Unless if your aunt likes to ride it hard and fast... :rolleyes:

If you want to read up more on the 2 & comparisons, try www.greenhybrid.com -- those hybrid enthusiasts have lots to say.

Apparenlty, despite what the sticker says, the 2 get similar mileage. According to their database, the Civic is slightly higher.

I would go for the Civic only bc I see the Prius everywhere. Altho, the Civic has some gawdy rims.

I rather be seen in a civic than a prius. The prius looks ehh...undescribeable. lol

At least with the civic, you can get some EX rims and it'll look like a normal civic. the hybrid rims looks like they were pulled off from one of the 70's car.

The Prius makes much more of a statement than the Civic. If your wife's aunt wants to
show off driving a hybrid, then they Prius us the obvious choice. It's also a hatchback
which comes in handy.

The Civic looks like a normal car. I personally love the stying of the new Civics.
The wheels on the hybrid are definitely different, but they look futuristic. I'm with mmarshall.
I would get the Honda because you will probably get a lot more for the same amount
of money.

Motor Trend and every magazine has stated Toyota is by far the leader in hybribs. THe Prius won over the Civic most recently in Motor Trend, the Camry over the Accord. (I posted scans I think).

The Prius is THE Hybrid, well before the Camry. The Hondas are okay but not the best.

Prius has the 'cool' factor but is so hot right now, it's hard to get a good price (i imagine)...but it has SmartAccess, etc...

honda hybrids arent all that reliable either

ive heard of some horror stories of lemon insights
honda probably (shouldve definately) improved their hybrid technology but from what im reading all over the place, Toyota is still the leader in hybrid technology

all taxi firms that buy hybrid all buy prius

Why is she buying an Hybrid vehicle? Civic and Prius are pretty different vehicles.

Prius is more expensive, but it also offers a lot more space (class above), its more unique, it has better mpg, better acceleration, smoother powertrain, better brakes, etc, etc.

Civic is more conventional, and cheaper.

Prius also has a lot more equipment as it is an "class above" vehicle, which is why it is more expensive. Prius for 4k more has a lot more equipment than Civic "fully equipped".

Prius is weird. Civic hybrid is dull. Take your choice. :D

Why is she buying an Hybrid vehicle? Civic and Prius are pretty different vehicles.

Prius is more expensive, but it also offers a lot more space (class above), its more unique, it has better mpg, better acceleration, smoother powertrain, better brakes, etc, etc.

Civic is more conventional, and cheaper.

Prius also has a lot more equipment as it is an "class above" vehicle, which is why it is more expensive. Prius for 4k more has a lot more equipment than Civic "fully equipped".

What class do you consider Prius in?

Does the Civic offer leather? Does the Civic offer Smart Key/ push button start? Does the Civic offer HID's? Maybe that will give some idea of class level.
I like the Civic much more than the Prius style wise but thats about it. My vote is Prius.

I too rented a Prius and let me tell you that extra cargo space sure came in handy. I will say this though that long swoop down roof line sure creates a blind spot out back.

I would say Prius. Although Honda Civic Hybrid is very good also, but if I am looking to buy a hybrid car I would buy the Prius. The Prius just stands out more from the crowd as a hybrid car.

Why is she buying an Hybrid vehicle? Civic and Prius are pretty different vehicles.

Prius is more expensive, but it also offers a lot more space (class above), its more unique, it has better mpg, better acceleration, smoother powertrain, better brakes, etc, etc.

Civic is more conventional, and cheaper.

Prius also has a lot more equipment as it is an "class above" vehicle, which is why it is more expensive. Prius for 4k more has a lot more equipment than Civic "fully equipped".

That is a very good question - to be honest, she was thinking that at 60MPG, she would (and these are her words) "barely have to put fuel in it". I explained to her that in the real world, she would probably not be getting close to that mileage. I also explained to her that if she wants to be truely sensible, she should consider a Camry 4cyl or Accord 4cyl. But she seems intrigued by the Hybrid concept/hype.

What I don't understand is that the actual dimensions show the cars almost the same size - yet the actual passenger volume shows as more with the Prius. Is it all in the rear-seat area?

Prius is weird. Civic hybrid is dull. Take your choice. :D
Prius may be weird to some, but study shows those who actually spend their money to buy these hybrids instead of just talking about them mostly want their hybrid to look more distinguishable instead of looking just like a plain jane regular car, weird or not . . .

Prius may be weird to some, but study shows those who actually spend their money to buy these hybrids instead of just talking about them mostly want their hybrid to look more distinguishable instead of looking just like a plain jane regular car, weird or not . . .

Yes, they want to show their contempt for those that don't drive hybrids. ;)

What class do you consider Prius in?
The passenger volume of the Prius puts it in a mid-size class

And I would go for the Prius, the dash lay-out is different but nothing to hard to get used to in a few minutes. And styling is a tie since I think they are both ugly and the Civic looks to have the same design shape as the Prius. But if she does want the nav for 24k I guess the Civic will be the car to get

Toyota = Prius = :thumbup: = biased opinion

CV

Prius = Better

Civic = Better Looking

I drove the Prius when it first came out and was impressed with how advanced the car was. It was like something from the future the first time I drove it. I still can't get past the looks of it but I was definitely intrigued the first time I drove it.

Performance is lacking however and we decided we would wait until a new generation of hybrids hit the market. I need more power but I still want to get 50mpg+.

We later decided on the Corolla because it looked better, offered better performance, decent mpg, and was a steal with a family discount. I would recommend a Corolla as a good hybrid alternative.

Looks like she is going with the Prius. Went to the Honda dealer and apparently they had no Civic Hybrids in stock (even though the website showed 8 of them). New sales lady who knew nothing - they were a bit rude as well.

Down the street to another Toyota dealer where she runs into the guy she bought cars from 15 years ago. He is obtaining the Red Prius she wants (supposedly).

She asked if she was doing the "smart thing". I told her the smart thing is a 4cyl Camry/Accord - but she would be one of the 600,000 people who bought one of those two cars this year and I know that is not her type. So we shall see how she likes this thing!

Looks like she is going with the Prius. Went to the Honda dealer and apparently they had no Civic Hybrids in stock (even though the website showed 8 of them). New sales lady who knew nothing - they were a bit rude as well.

Down the street to another Toyota dealer where she runs into the guy she bought cars from 15 years ago. He is obtaining the Red Prius she wants (supposedly).

She asked if she was doing the "smart thing". I told her the smart thing is a 4cyl Camry/Accord - but she would be one of the 600,000 people who bought one of those two cars this year and I know that is not her type. So we shall see how she likes this thing!
Honda dealers can be rude (well all of them can)... I remember when I was poor student, we were looking for used car, went to Honda dealer, saw an new S2000, went there to look at it, salesman just went by and told us dont even look at it, they are all sold out... too bad 2 years later on they couldnt get rid of them ... he also showed us an ford in "perfect condition", which had flat battery and 2 blown tires. Finally, run us out of the lot when we laughed in his face :-).

Well, I can give you some reasons to go with the Prius. It will be biased since I own one but I"ll try to be as neutral as I can since your aunt, or rather you are looking for opinions and not an owner's report.

Prius:
- sheetmetal - yes, it's thinner than most cars (you can "dent" the car in a lot of places such as the rear quarter panels and the roof) but the reason why it can be this thin is that it's using Ultra-High strength steel vs the "conventional" high tensile steel that's used in most cars today. Result? less material, less weight but similar strength and crash safety

- battery - more powerful than the Civic and allows for up to 2 miles in EV mode.

- same exterior dimensions but bigger interior - clever packaging allows Camry size interior with Corolla sized exterior (it's actually 3 inches SHORTER than the Corolla). Rear seats fold flat and so do both front seats (which allows you to carry surf boards and other long items).

- more equipment - SKS, bluetooth, nav, VSC, leather, backup camera, of which only one is available on the HCH.

- greater potential for increased fuel economy - drive it normally and it gets great mileage. Learn to drive efficiently and you can unlock its full potential. Case: Drivers in my area (at least those I've stopped and talked to) get about 5-5.5L/100km (42-47mpg). Me and a few other fellow Prius drivers can get as low as 4.2L/100km (56mpg).

- safety: standard 6 airbags (for 2007), LED brake lights, TRAC and Brake Assist. Optional VSC, HIDs and (useless) foglights. Engine immobiliser is standard, alarm is optional and the GBS is an accessory.

- flat underbody for improved aerodynamics - front wheel spats, front and rear underbody cover, rear skirt and a curved roof surface contribute to low 0.26 Cd

- tons of storage space - two gloveboxes, large centre console box, in-dash compartment, hidden drawer, seatback pockets, front door pockets with bottle holder, underfloor and side cargo bins/compartment

Cons:
- no height adjustable driver's seat
- poor foglights
- cheap OEM tyres (ask for an exchange for better tyres like HydroEdge or ComforTreds)
- slab side makes it jittery in strong crosswinds (BT brace solves that)
- no telescoping steering wheel

HCH:
- less complex system so lower price - IMA is waay less complicated than the HSD system and yet still manages reasonable mpg gains.
- more traditional sedan shape - some people prefer a sedan with a boot (trunk)
- flat rear floor - as small a detail as this may be, it makes quite a bit of difference back there
- wider tyres (195 vs 185 on Prius)
- telescoping steering wheel
- easier to achieve posted mileage

Cons:
- no folding rear seat
- slower acceleration despite equal hp and more torque and a lighter weight (~12 secs vs 10.5 secs)


Both:
- pseudo heads-up for instrumental panel which allows for easy reading of vital information
- AT-PZEV rated - SULEV + zero evaporative emissions
- lightweight alloys

Update
Her "old" Toyota dealer was not honest with her. Apparently EVERYONE wants the red Prius with options -and telling her that he could get one in a week using his silver base one was a lie.

She found another dealer that had a red one with decent options (not all she wanted but more than base) and picked it up. Then she promptly left for Greece for the summer. I'm curious to hear about the car, once she gets back and starts driving it.

Update
Her "old" Toyota dealer was not honest with her. Apparently EVERYONE wants the red Prius with options -and telling her that he could get one in a week using his silver base one was a lie.

She found another dealer that had a red one with decent options (not all she wanted but more than base) and picked it up. Then she promptly left for Greece for the summer. I'm curious to hear about the car, once she gets back and starts driving it.
heh, hopefully she isnt long in greece or someone is driving the car... smart entry needs to be turned off if you are going to be away for more than an month...

Honda dealers can be rude (well all of them can)... .

That's ( finally ) starting to change. Honda dealers, especially in the 1980's, were once notoriously arrogant. But their competition is much greater now, particularly from Toyota and Hyundai, and they can no longer sell cars by treating people like cattle.
When I reviewed the Honda Fit a couple of weeks ago, the sales rep I saw there was SUPER-nice. If they were all like that the sales buisness would be far better off. I took a bunch of his cards......If anyone I know wants this car ( or ANY Honda product ) you can bet the monthly rent I'm going to refer people to him.

I voted for the Civic Hybrid. Despite what the EPA ratings say, real world mpg is about the same (47 mpg for the Civic and 48 mpg for the Prius, according to greenhybrid.com).

Actually, I don't care for either car. If I had to, I would choose the Civic simply because I just can't stand the center-mounted instrument panel on the Prius.

I voted for the Civic Hybrid. Despite what the EPA ratings say, real world mpg is about the same (47 mpg for the Civic and 48 mpg for the Prius, according to greenhybrid.com).

Actually, I don't care for either car. If I had to, I would choose the Civic simply because I just can't stand the center-mounted instrument panel on the Prius.
???

The current Prius has the unit in front of the driver, you're talking about the old Prius which had a centre cluster but even then it was at the base of the windshield, not upfront like the Echo/Yaris

heh, hopefully she isnt long in greece or someone is driving the car... smart entry needs to be turned off if you are going to be away for more than an month...

Really? or the battery goes dead? Do they show that in the manual or something or do you need to have someone do it (she can put gas in the car but that is about it).

Let me know
Thanks!

???

The current Prius has the unit in front of the driver, you're talking about the old Prius which had a centre cluster but even then it was at the base of the windshield, not upfront like the Echo/Yaris

???

The current Prius has everything oriented toward the center. There is that strip at the base of the windshield, but in front of the driver, it's pretty much just dash plastic. I hate that look.

http://www.toyota.com/prius/interior.html

Really? or the battery goes dead? Do they show that in the manual or something or do you need to have someone do it (she can put gas in the car but that is about it).

Let me know
Thanks!
yeah, its little button under the steering wheel. She can restart the battery as in every other car, so it is not going to be an big problem. All is in the manual.

Similar is with GS and IS, except that their batteries are 3x more powerful.

???

The current Prius has everything oriented toward the center. There is that strip at the base of the windshield, but in front of the driver, it's pretty much just dash plastic. I hate that look.

http://www.toyota.com/prius/interior.html
If you actually sat in the Prius, you'd know that the speedo is in front of the driver (a bit to the right by like.. a few cms). Most of that strip is blank. The major of the lights/warnings are to the LEFT of the screen. The only warning to the right of the screen is the Passenger Airbag warning and passenger seatbelt warning.

The speedo and such are actually pseudo heads-up. What you're looking at is actually a mirror image.

07 Prius will offer a sport tuned package(16" inches wheels, tuned suspension, bigger spoiler) with HID and foglights for $895 added to the base price. The base price is being increased by $495. Side curtain air bags will be standard.

If you actually sat in the Prius, you'd know that the speedo is in front of the driver (a bit to the right by like.. a few cms). Most of that strip is blank. The major of the lights/warnings are to the LEFT of the screen. The only warning to the right of the screen is the Passenger Airbag warning and passenger seatbelt warning.

The speedo and such are actually pseudo heads-up. What you're looking at is actually a mirror image.
because he never sat in one, he has no clue what he is talking about... as you said, there is nothing in the center but 2 warning lamps for the passanger...

07 Prius will offer a sport tuned package(16" inches wheels, tuned suspension, bigger spoiler) with HID and foglights for $895 added to the base price. The base price is being increased by $495. Side curtain air bags will be standard.
That would the "Touring Edition" which is similar to the Touring Selection in Japan. It includes the Euro P196/55R16 alloy wheels with wheelcovers, sport tuned suspension and the Type B extended spoiler (~ 1" longer).

btw spwolf, are you the one that bought a bus for a project or did I confuse you with someone else on PC?

That would the "Touring Edition" which is similar to the Touring Selection in Japan. It includes the Euro P196/55R16 alloy wheels with wheelcovers, sport tuned suspension and the Type B extended spoiler (~ 1" longer).

btw spwolf, are you the one that bought a bus for a project or did I confuse you with someone else on PC?

Does it help the handling with this package. I notice that for almost the same price as a prius with hk or pack 6 the camry hybird(base) can be had. I am interested in that because of the power it has and the ability to get 30 plus miles per gallon.

No idea. The vehicle isn't in the dealers yet so we don't know how much tuning Toyota did with this new "sport suspension". The Camry Hybrid is supposedly smoother and more comfortable than the Prius. It should be since it's riding on independent MacPherson struts all around while the Prius gets a more compact (and cheaper) semi-independent Torsion Beam setup.

If you're not trying to go for all our fuel economy, then the Camry Hybrid should do well for you. It looks more "normal" and the layout is more conventional. You do give up cargo space (but I heard it's well shaped) and the pass through is only on the right side (for skis and snowboards instead of carpets/rugs and bookcases). So it depends on your priorities. I've been trying to get my hands on a Camry Hybrid to test drive but all have been pre-sold.

I don't know the availability here either. I see ads saying they have Cam Hy available There was a prius w/#7 that was available and the salesman said he had it. But I was undecided on navigation so I didn't pursue it.

After discussions with my wife, she is all for the TCH because of it's conventional layout. The gas mileage is doable since it's a pretty good size car. It's the same size as the GS300 we have. Unbelievable. I would like the HID that are optional on the Prius and the back up camera. Oh well, maybe, I can do an illegal aftermarket hid later on. Or maybe I'll get a prius for the HIDs. :woot: :woot:

I went for the Prius because the Camry Hybrid wasn't available at the time and I prefer a hatchback so that I can carry more stuff if the situation arises. It also makes sleeping/resting in the car more comfortable haha

I have a hatch myself..it's a little hatch though. I think the TCH will carry just as much as a Prius unless the seat is folded down. I think that's good enough for my purposes. The best part will be able to run AC without having the ICE on. That will be a treat.

Did you buy the extended warranty or maint contract?

Civic.

Go for the 1.8 gets a little less MPG 30/40 for less money and is well tested product.

I have a hatch myself..it's a little hatch though. I think the TCH will carry just as much as a Prius unless the seat is folded down. I think that's good enough for my purposes. The best part will be able to run AC without having the ICE on. That will be a treat.

Did you buy the extended warranty or maint contract?
ahh, well then you're covered for most of your transportation needs. Like I said, early reports from new Camry Hybrid owners say that the cargo area is well shaped so you can utilise most of the 10 cu ft.

Yep, that's a new feature with the HSD system. The A/C compressor is electrically operated and runs off the HV battery giving you cool air while the engine is off. However, don't be too heavy on the A/C or you'll drain the battery pretty quickly in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

I have the standard factory warranty. I know in US you guys can bargain on the extended warranty (and there's a special offer at PriusChat for the Platinum Ext. Warranty).

ahh, well then you're covered for most of your transportation needs. Like I said, early reports from new Camry Hybrid owners say that the cargo area is well shaped so you can utilise most of the 10 cu ft.

Yep, that's a new feature with the HSD system. The A/C compressor is electrically operated and runs off the HV battery giving you cool air while the engine is off. However, don't be too heavy on the A/C or you'll drain the battery pretty quickly in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

I have the standard factory warranty. I know in US you guys can bargain on the extended warranty (and there's a special offer at PriusChat for the Platinum Ext. Warranty).

I did see the extend warranty at Priuschat. Do you think it's necessary?

As far as the air, there is an econ mode button for AC, does that work? Do you have that in your 05? I was in Vancouver two weeks ago and I saw a few Prius cabs. Pretty cool.

I am in the process of checking with dealers on availabiilty. If I can take delivery by Sept 30, I can get the U.S. federal tax credit of $2600.00. Did Canada offer anything like that when you bought your car?

Oh, and I found out that some ppl have already put in aftermarket hids in their seventh gen Camrys. Apparently, the halogon projectors accept the hid bulbs quite well.

That I'm not sure. I've never bought extended warranties before (but then again, all our family cars have been Toyotas). The problem is that Canada's ext. warranty is probably different from the one in the States and I haven't had the time to look over it. Also, it's rather expensive up here.

The ECO mode is new for the Camry Hybrid. We do not have that feature. The Greater Vancouver area is just littered with Prius cabs. Nearly every company has at least one (of course Yellow Cabs has probably 30 or 40). There's also one Camry Hybrid cab already.

Yeah. Back when I bought it, the BC Gov't offered $1,000 or 30% of the PST whichever is less. Just my luck, a few months after I bought my Prius, the gov't changed it to $2,000 as it currently stands.

We've had two toyotas, and one lexus, and we barely needed anything but the hybrid components could be very expensive to replace so I might get it but I can wait unitl my warranty is about to expire before I need to make that decision.

I thought the Prius cabs were pretty cool, and I didn't really think too hard about a hybrid until I noticed the difference in heat and air quality when cars were present on the street. I am not green but I thought this would be my part in helping and get good gas mpg at the same time.

Bummer about tax credit. I am trying to beat the clock right now. It's time for me to call some dealers.

because he never sat in one, he has no clue what he is talking about... as you said, there is nothing in the center but 2 warning lamps for the passanger...

Err, of course I've sat in one. Many, many times. It would be nice if you didn't say things that you have no knowledge of. Also, just a tip, comments like "he has no clue what he is talking about" just make you sound immature and arrogant without any basis. ;)

Anyways, what I AM talking about is that the dash of the Prius is unconventional, and has an "everything oriented/symmetrical toward the center" look. I am not talking about the placement of the speedometer, nor am I talking about the ergonomics (which is fine). What is in front of the driver is mainly an expanse of plastic. It is that look that I cannot stand.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Images/View?id=TYT2005122257776

We've had two toyotas, and one lexus, and we barely needed anything but the hybrid components could be very expensive to replace so I might get it but I can wait unitl my warranty is about to expire before I need to make that decision.

I thought the Prius cabs were pretty cool, and I didn't really think too hard about a hybrid until I noticed the difference in heat and air quality when cars were present on the street. I am not green but I thought this would be my part in helping and get good gas mpg at the same time.

Bummer about tax credit. I am trying to beat the clock right now. It's time for me to call some dealers.
I know what you mean. The hybrid components are warranted for 8 yrs/100,000 miles (might be longer in california) so the extended warranty is for the other stuff. I believe the hybrid components are the electric motors, inverter and HV battery. Not sure what else is in that category.

Neither am I but because I know I'll have to use the car to get to places, I'd rather do it knowing that I'm spewing out less emissions and saving money on fuel doesn't hurt either. You don't realise it until you drive in an underground parking lot with the window down. I moved my car in my friend's underground parking with the window down but once he started his car, the air filled with toxins and it took a while before it dissapated.

Yeah.. as long as you get it by Sept, you should get the full credit.

I know what you mean. The hybrid components are warranted for 8 yrs/100,000 miles (might be longer in california) so the extended warranty is for the other stuff. I believe the hybrid components are the electric motors, inverter and HV battery. Not sure what else is in that category.

Neither am I but because I know I'll have to use the car to get to places, I'd rather do it knowing that I'm spewing out less emissions and saving money on fuel doesn't hurt either. You don't realise it until you drive in an underground parking lot with the window down. I moved my car in my friend's underground parking with the window down but once he started his car, the air filled with toxins and it took a while before it dissapated.

Yeah.. as long as you get it by Sept, you should get the full credit.

I am thinking I might go for a Prius now because I might get more into real estate on the weekends and the hatch would be perfect for hauling signs around. I would like the power but maybe taking it easy would better for me. And I gues the funkiness of the Prius is part of its appeal.

Some people posted that the CA covers the hyrbid components longer as part of the emissions cover. I think 10 years/150k miles but I need to double check that.

Now, it's time to crunch some more numbers.

Well the power on the Prius is adequate. It's just enough to get you where you want to go and pass people but there's little reserve (top speed is 109mph... maybe 106mph). But then again, why would you accelerate hard in a Prius anyway? Take it easy and it'll save you a lotta stress lol.

Whichever route you take, feel free to PM me and I'll be glad to help out with any questions you need.