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What (if any) mods?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by macphile, Jul 24, 2011.

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  1. macphile

    macphile New Member

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    I realize this is a pretty open-ended question. :) I've never had any mods done to a car before, and the only aftermarket items I've ever bought for a car were a sunshade, floormats, and wipers.

    But I wouldn't mind sprucing up my Prius a little. I've jokingly considered getting flames down the sides. :) the only thing I've gotten so far are a sunshade and a blingy license plate holder. The car is silver, btw, and I think I want to keep a silver theme.

    What else should I consider?

    I'm fine with the leather and steering wheel, and i have no special needs, like a dog or a bike or anything. I wondered about headlight bling lights (admittedly not a useful addition) but am not sure if I could install it. I know wheels are a popular option, but honestly, they all look like wheels to me. I don't know how one can see a wheel and know it'll look cool on the car and better than what they have?
     
    #1 macphile, Jul 24, 2011
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Check through the forums here, you'll see alot of what people have modded. It depends on how much you want to spend and how crazy you'll want the car looking. If you want to do stuff that's not going to cost an arm and a leg, look into changing out the parking/rear license plate/interior lights with LED bulbs. You could also purchase the illuminated door sills and install them as well. There are threads on here with instructions on how to do both things I mentioned.
     
    #2 Paradox, Jul 24, 2011
  3. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    You already have the factory 17" wheels. No need to upgrade them as they're among the best looking wheels out there that fit the Prius body. You already got LED headlights, no need to "bling" them up unnecessarily.

    Items to consider: turn signal side view mirrors (and interior LED upgrade to match the puddle light), tints (lighter shade on the silver color is best IMO), shark fin, illuminated door sills, front side marker bulbs that match the LED headlights and also Philips Silver Vision bulbs in turn signals to eliminate the fried egg look

    Stay away from wood dash (no Bisque interior with Silver and it doesn't go the sporty steering wheel) and chrome lower door mouldings (too blingy on silver and inconsistent with the silver theme).
     
    #3 32kcolors, Jul 24, 2011
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    You could add the lower bodyside mouldings. It's stainless steel (I think?) and matches well with silver. It also has a small "HYBRID" logo on it.

    [​IMG]
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jul 24, 2011
  5. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    Usually the add-ons people get either improve looks or function, sometimes both.

    For me the upgrades we got were mostly about function, to improve handing and somewhat MPG.
     
    #5 cyclopathic, Jul 24, 2011
  6. drewskovitch

    drewskovitch New Member

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    what kind of upgrades would those be?

     
    #6 drewskovitch, Jul 24, 2011
  7. SlowTurd

    SlowTurd I LIKE PRIUS'S

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    on sale this week only at Target

    $4,999,999

    [​IMG]
     
    #7 SlowTurd, Jul 24, 2011
  8. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Take a look at my signature and see if you can get any ideas.
     
    #8 LulzChicken, Jul 24, 2011
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Scangauge, lowering springs, floormats, etc. :)
     
    #9 F8L, Jul 24, 2011
  10. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    The problem is those lower door mouldings don't go that well with the stock 17" and would look much better with aftermarket rims. Not to mention being on the chrome side despite stainless steel and the OP wants to keep a silver theme. Chrome + silver = gaudy.
     
    #10 32kcolors, Jul 24, 2011
  11. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    I just got my car on Friday and just purchased the OEM Fog Lights, a Scan Gauge II, Windshield Sun Shade all From the Store here on Prius Chat.

    I am also installing a stereo system (see my numerous threads in the Audio section) with (1) Amp, 2way component set up front, rear coaxials, and a sub in one of the cubby holes in the hatch area.

    I am also getting new rims and tires (Drag DR-19's I believe in 17 or 18").
    [​IMG] (Just in case the photo doesn't show up) Here

    Also I am thinking about getting lowering springs as well and need to look more into those as well.

    Ryan
     
    #11 vidoprof, Jul 24, 2011
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Slow down, Ryan.

    You'll mod your car so quickly that you'll run out of stuff to do to it then get bored. : p
     
    #12 F8L, Jul 24, 2011
  13. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    I am SURE someone once said... There is always something to be done.. If not I will take credit for it. :)

    I kinda just want to get it pretty good right off the bat, since I have time now.. Come 2-3 months I won't.. so I like to have it all set up the way I want it so I can just enjoy it.. :)

    Now the question is.. 17's or 18's? Hrmm
     
    #13 vidoprof, Jul 24, 2011
  14. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    18s Mmmmm!

    Although you have more LRR tire choices with 17s.
     
    #14 F8L, Jul 24, 2011
  15. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    18s 4sho.
     
    #15 macmaster05, Jul 24, 2011
  16. macphile

    macphile New Member

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    Thanks, everyone. She took her first trip to the grocery store today, and I definitely could use a cargo hold net or something for that, I think. :)

    I've noticed that I have a hard time hearing the turn signal when it's on, and of course, the display is a bit more to the right of where my civic's was, so anything that would make it clearer to me that the signal's on would be good. I like the side mirror idea, but I have a bad history with knocking my driver's side mirror off because I park by a pole at home. Any major expenses on the mirror would make those knocks more painful. I suppose alternatively, I should stop knocking my mirrors...

    I'm a big Swarovski fan...I would never do like some people and cover it, but a plate holder or other little accents might be ok.

    On a side note, one downside over my civic I've found so far is a shortage of flat surfaces on the exterior. I'm used to being able to set things on the trunk. And the hood is way too sloped for anything to stay put.
     
    #16 macphile, Jul 24, 2011
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Just as a heads-up. Don't put anything heavy on the spoiler ;). You've been warned. :)

    Really? I thought they looked better with the 17s than the 15s and I thought stainless steel and silver work better than say Barcelona red and those mouldings. lol. Crazy that our views are totally opposite :D.

    Ok, how 'bout blacking out the mirrors (shiny or matte paint). Might work better with white, though.
     
    #17 Tideland Prius, Jul 25, 2011
  18. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    See this post. I just think the wide spokes look distracting with the mouldings.
     
    #18 32kcolors, Jul 25, 2011
  19. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I forgot the most important mod of all. Clear bra!!!

    If you hate rock chips and want to keep your front end looking clean then this is one mod you can't pass up. I wish I had done it when mine was new.
     
    #19 F8L, Jul 25, 2011
  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    +1. My hood and bumper are chipped beyond (DIY) repair :(.
     
    #20 Tideland Prius, Jul 25, 2011
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