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2012 Prius model IV vs. V - mods

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Big Steve, Apr 6, 2012.

  1. Big Steve

    Big Steve ramblin wreck

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    Ignoring option packages the differences between the IV & V seem to only be three things:
    1. Headlights (halogen vs. LED)
    2. Fog lamps
    3. 17" wheel size.

    Am I wrong or can't all these be accomplished on a IV with stock Toyota parts. For the first two, I would be surprised if Toyota had a different wiring harness. Can I but the appropiate parts from the service desk to make the mods?

    For the wheels the fix seems to b an obvious change, no? If so, why would I want the larger wheels?

    Sorry if these are naive questions from a newbie. I have seen many pots about mods, but I don't think any cover this/these question.
     
    #1 Big Steve, Apr 6, 2012
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Wouldn't the MSRP difference between the model Five and Four ($30.6K vs. $29K, or $1.6K) be less than the cost to do the 3 things you listed? My guess is that just the LED headlights alone would be more than that. Why go through the cost and hassle? Plus, unless things have changed for '12, the Five has more responsive steering.
     
    #2 stream, Apr 6, 2012
  3. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

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    On my 11 the wheels and tires would cost you more than the final price I paid for the five upgrade. The LED''s .... once adjusted .. are worth the price of the upgrade. The FL are worthless IMO. You could only get the AT package on the five. No sunroof.

    Also the LED headlights require the headlight washers -- so the bumper is different plus those components and the switch/relays in the cabin to make them work. You must have the washers w LED's -- Just like HID's the lights do not get hot enough to melt and snow and ice -- you need the washer fluid with a foaming agent and deicing solution.
     
    #3 yeldogt, Apr 6, 2012
  4. Big Steve

    Big Steve ramblin wreck

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    1. As stated, with the V I could not get the sun/solar roof.
    2. Fog lights not worth it? I love them on my Outback, especially on back roads.
    3. I see the problems you mention w/ LEDs. How do people solve that with the LED mods I see on here?
     
    #4 Big Steve, Apr 6, 2012
  5. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    I must have missed that in your original post. :confused: ;)

     
    #5 stream, Apr 6, 2012
  6. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Sure, but the LED headlight is $800 a pop so they'll run you $1600 to retrofit. Might as well get the Five.

    Also, the Five has headlight washers, although quite useless depending on where you live. You don't actually need them.
     
    #6 32kcolors, Apr 6, 2012
  7. Big Steve

    Big Steve ramblin wreck

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    Sorry Stream, I meant as Yelgogt stated... I would not be able to get sunroof. I now have IV w/solar coming. Already thinking about mods.
     
    #7 Big Steve, Apr 6, 2012
  8. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Got it.

    Enjoy the new car, and let the modding begin!

    There are lots of online parts sources that are typically significantly cheaper than the dealers, so I'd suggest searching online and then see if your local dealers will price match--some will--if not, buy online.
     
    #8 stream, Apr 6, 2012
  9. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Just stick HIDs in the Four headlights. Much cheaper and they do quite well in the projector headlights.
     
    #9 32kcolors, Apr 6, 2012
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yup, the LED headlight retrofit will cost you at least, if not more, than the asking price between the IV and the V (or Four and Five).
     
    #10 Tideland Prius, Apr 6, 2012
  11. Big Steve

    Big Steve ramblin wreck

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    What is the proper "grammar" here?
     
    #11 Big Steve, Apr 6, 2012
  12. Econ

    Econ Member

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    You forgot the head light washer
     
    #12 Econ, Apr 6, 2012
  13. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Both are pronounced "four" and "five," as IV and V are Roman numerals. It's just that Toyota used to label these trims IV and V in 2010 and have since switched to Four and Five since 2011 to avoid confusion with v (pronounced "vee") for the wagon.
     
    #13 32kcolors, Apr 6, 2012
  14. danielizzle

    danielizzle Eco Swag

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    I've always wanted to see a comparison shot betweed LED and HID see whats the big difference. The HID seems the most reasonable considering its only a buck fifty.
     
    #14 danielizzle, Apr 11, 2012
  15. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    #15 ny_rob, Apr 12, 2012
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