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Does anyone think the panel gaps on their Gen III are "larger" than what they should be?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Chris129, Jul 10, 2012.

  1. Chris129

    Chris129 Junior Member

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    Friend of mine bought a Gen III Prius and many of the panel gaps (between windshield pillar and front fenders, between spoiler and rear quarter panel, between hood and front fenders, etc.) seem larger than what they should be. We estimate they are at least 1/2 -3/4 centimeters.

    Looked at another Gen III Prius another friend of mine owned today and the gaps are much, much tighter.

    Any observations on you other Gen IIIers? Thanks!
     
    #1 Chris129, Jul 10, 2012
  2. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Mine look large but they arent 1/2 a centimeter, they look like all the others I have seen.
     
    #2 gliderman, Jul 10, 2012
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Mine are no larger than my wife's 2007 Honda Accord, or most other cars that I see.
     
    #3 jdcollins5, Jul 10, 2012
  4. Chris129

    Chris129 Junior Member

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    Wow interesting... the build date on my friend's car with the problem was shortly after the disaster they had in Japan, so I wonder if that had any effect on quality control. Toyotas and Hondas are usually pretty good with panel gap and alignment, so we were totally surprised with this Prius' seemingly large panel gaps! Will do more research and see what we find.

    Thanks guys!
     
    #4 Chris129, Jul 10, 2012
  5. Erikon

    Erikon Active Member

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    Since the assembly process is heavily automated, there shouldn't be a noticeable variation. If the factory got hit by power outages maybe computers weren't calibrated properly? Still, I doubt they would send out cars that were that badly misaligned!
     
    #5 Erikon, Jul 11, 2012
  6. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Was it purchased new? Could it have been in a wreck? New car dealers do not have to disclose repairs if it is below a certain % of MSRP, depends on your state law.
     
    #6 Jonny Zero, Jul 11, 2012
  7. Brett.

    Brett. Junior Member

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    My biggest pet peeve with the prius interior, is how the glove box, and the storage box above it do not line up. The dash line inside the car differs right where they meet causing every passenger in my car to say:

    "Do you know your glove boxes don't line up?"

    or

    "Why doesn't the glove box door close all the way"

    to which I reply, they are fine, they just look stupid.
     
    #7 Brett., Jul 18, 2012
  8. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    I was going to sit in another Prius when I go pick up my plates to see if it has the same alignment issue with the two glove boxes. So it is by design hmmm.
     
    #8 Jonny Zero, Jul 18, 2012
  9. Curiousgb

    Curiousgb New Member

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    My lower box won't lock on the right side because of the misalignment.
     
    #9 Curiousgb, Aug 16, 2012
  10. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

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    Oh my gosh! Will you people stop your complaining and just enjoy the D$!#M car. Look at all the money your saving at the gas pump for crying out loud. Man, if we lived back in the cowboys days you'd be complaining that your darn wagon doesn't line up perfectly too!
     
    #10 Fore, Aug 16, 2012
  11. Curiousgb

    Curiousgb New Member

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    If I spend 20+k on anything I have some modest expectations that things work.
     
    #11 Curiousgb, Aug 16, 2012
  12. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Especially from a maker previously known for good fit and finish.
    Between the eco plastic and the panel alignment issues (I just noticed the air bag pad / horn button in the steer wheel is mounted a little off center too), this car reminds me of a cheap GM from the mid 1990's.
     
    #12 Jonny Zero, Aug 16, 2012
  13. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    I can't complain. The fit and gaps on the inside and outside of my car are fine. Must have been assembled in the middle of the week. :D
     
    #13 El Dobro, Aug 16, 2012
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