I’m a 2015 Prius Five owner and I’m about to purchase a 2021 Prius Prime Limited. I’ve got it narrowed down to 2 cars, from different dealerships (also different states), same color combinations, one has body side moldings and one doesn’t. Almost every car I have ever driven has had them. Trouble is, I don’t like the way they look on a Prime (in pictures. We have very limited inventory here and I haven’t seen them in person). I’m wondering if I will regret if I don’t get the one with the moldings? I’m also buying out of state, remotely so I can’t compare in person. The one without the moldings has door edge guards. Pricing is very similar with the one with the moldings priced a little less, and shipping will be cheaper.
The body side mouldings are a dealer-installed accessory so if you miss having them, you can always get them installed later.
Congrats on your good taste! No, the molding looks stupid on a Prime in person. Visually, it messes up the sleek, shark-like lines. I don't have the molding *and* I have the door edge guards instead. Now I can't recommend you pay extra, but mine came with the illuminated door sills. Metal as heck. Love 'em.
The car I am looking at without the moldings comes with door edge guards. I like the illuminated door sills too. Did you install them yourself?
It is a personal choice. I got them because at the time, my office parking lot was quite crowded and there were some people who where not careful when opening their doors. I negotiated them as part of the deal when I got my Prime. I also had them on my 2017 Prime and 2012 Prius.
If you don't like it, why pay for it. Yeah, as said above, it is an easy stick-on molding you can always add later. If you DIY, it will be half of the price of what TOYOTA charges on a new car.
I hate car dealers. Pretty much decided I want the car without the moldings. It will wind up being a few hundred bucks more than the car that has the moldings, and shipping will cost more as it is several hundred miles further away. Asked for a price sheet on Friday and info on shipping. It’s a mom and pop type dealership, from what I gather, was promised the info on Saturday (didn’t get it) then this morning. Told the guy I need it today as this is my only day off to do the deal. Still nothing. I might go with the car with the moldings. I’ve been researching this for almost 3 months. Trouble is, I’ve caught the guy in a few untruths (he quoted me $74 for tag and registration and it took several times to get the correct number. I knew it was several hundred dollars more. He also told me I would have to come there to do the deal. It’s a really good price but idk if it is going to stick or if I will get many more added fees. Decisions, decisions.
Moldings are a bless... they are the only barrier against serial others-car-door harassers,a harmful species unfortunately spread all over the globe.
Perhaps, if door curvatures/protuberances on an adjacent vehicle align properly with the moldings. There are other real world parking lot "uh-ohs" to also contend with, notably shopping carts and the like. They likely will prevent some mishaps and, if ya' like the style, then go for it!.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good aftermarket side moldings? I see some on ebay, but they are meant for the older 2010-2015 Prius' and I'm not sure if they will fit on the 2021 Primes.
No, I'm not really that mechanically inclined! But someone on the forum has posted detailed instructions on how to do it. The cost from the dealership is pretty expensive.
Would you happen to know who it was that had detailed instructions? I have a new molding that I want to install. Thank you.
Illuminated Door Sill install on Gen4 Prius | PriusChat I don't know if the instructions would work for your generation, though?
I attached some on my '05. They are still on and look great. Best thing I can tell you is that I have no idea if the protected my car at all. Via Prius Chat for Android
