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Help! Where to start!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Mrs. Pulse, May 12, 2011.

  1. Mrs. Pulse

    Mrs. Pulse New Member

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    Hi
    Im about to purchase a black 2011 Prius 3, and I in LOVE with this site and what you all have done with your cars. They looks SOOO great! Now I need some help to get mine looking cool as well, where do I begin?
    New wheels, Tinting, and then that underbody kit thing? :confused: my god, I dont even know what its called, clearly IM NEW to all this and Im a female so I'll need any advice you can offer.
    Links, places to buy, what to buy, etc.
    Im in the Worcester, MA area - please please any/all help, ideas, suggestions are welcome! :)
     
    #1 Mrs. Pulse, May 12, 2011
  2. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    Hi Mrs. Pulse. Welcome to PRIUSchat! I know you're excited to get started. What I would do is while you're getting used to your car, take some time and read back through the forums here and see what others have done. You'll get some really good ideas on what you may be interested in doing.
     
    #2 Mark57, May 12, 2011
  3. Mrs. Pulse

    Mrs. Pulse New Member

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    Thanks Mark - i could be on here for weeks! its addicting! so many things to do.
    So glad I found this site.
     
    #3 Mrs. Pulse, May 12, 2011
  4. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    In the beginning, I lurked for quite a while and spent a couple of weeks reading through old threads. There's a lot of great information and I learned a lot by reading through threads that were several years old and then coming forward in time. It seemed like every thread lead me to another great thread. Yes, it IS addicting.;)
     
    #4 Mark57, May 12, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  5. javilesi

    javilesi Junior Member

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    Hello Mrs Pulse,

    It will all depend on your budget, yet most if not all modifications are for aesthetic reasons (as opposed to performance). Other PriusChat readers please bash me in for making such statement.

    That said, I also got a version 3 which I ended regretting just a wee bit. Are you considering at any time replacing the stock stereo for say a Navigation System? If so, you are pretty much locked at getting Pioneer since it is the only brand that will support the lower buttons on your steering wheel (Voice Command, Call Hang up, Call Pick up). With any other brand you will lose most if not all of that functionality (in my opinion, if you are to do anything to your car, it should not lose any of its current functionality). My Pioneer is good, but I get the feeling that the Kenwoods are better (the grass looks greener on the other side).

    The version 2 seems more of a blank canvas for people that want to upgrade/mod their stereos.

    This is what I have done to mine so far:
    PriusChat Forums - javilesi's Album: My continues Mods

    Peace
     
    #5 javilesi, May 12, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Regarding the steering wheel buttons, have you looked into modules offered by Peripheral? They usually allow you to keep steering wheel controls on most vehicles using any headunit.

    Like Mark stated above. Spend some time using the search function for mods that interest you. You will learn a lot very quickly. That being said, people usually start with a stereo upgrade or wheels and lowering. Personally I would have a clear bra type of paint protection on the front of the car as your first mod. The paint chips easily and before you know it your front end will look like hell.
     
    #6 F8L, May 12, 2011
  7. Ragz

    Ragz Active Member

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    I just installed the Rosen and all the steering wheel controls work
     
    #7 Ragz, May 12, 2011
  8. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Welcome aboard! If you have not, read your owner's manual cover to cover... a lot of good information in there.
     
    #8 spiderman, May 12, 2011
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  9. Mrs. Pulse

    Mrs. Pulse New Member

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    I like the rims wheels you have. I plan on buying some for my summer tires and then also buying a set of 4 winter ones too. Did you put those rims on the tires that came with the car? sorry not sure how this all works! going tonight to put deposit down.
    Going to have them put on lower door molding, auto dim mirror and remote started, i think i'll do the rest after market........
     
    #9 Mrs. Pulse, May 12, 2011
  10. Mrs. Pulse

    Mrs. Pulse New Member

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    will do - thanks
     
    #10 Mrs. Pulse, May 12, 2011
  11. ocblackpriusii

    ocblackpriusii Junior Member

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    For me the best money spent was to get the windows tinted. It doesn't cost much and makes a big difference in comfort and appearance (especially on black).

    As far as wheels and lowering it depends on what you want out of your Prius. I have 17" wheels and also lowered using Eibach springs. I am very happy with the result but I would also be fine with the OEM wheels and springs if I didn't have the money to spend.

    It's easy to get carried away, proceed with caution :)
     
    #11 ocblackpriusii, May 12, 2011
  12. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Welcome!

    Modifying cars is fun but a big undertaking. The amount of time it can take is astonishing. For a beginner like yourself, it can take months or years before you figure things out or develop a discrimating taste, depending on how quickly you pick things up. I suggest choosing a theme for your car and looking at a lot of pictures to determine what you like and don't like. By theme I mean, do you want your car to look like a Japanese racer/tuner? Or are you looking at minor modifications that people may not notice? Experienced modders optimize their cars' apperances by choosing parts that match well together.

    Also, how much money, time, and thought you put into your car is how much you get out. If you spend $2000 for JDM (Japanese market) racing rims, a matching body kit, and coilovers (that lower the car) it'll look better than a set of $400 rims from tirerack with a set of lowering springs (no offense to any of us). Are you willing to spend some money?

    Again, research research research is the key. It usually just takes time. Also, car parts aren't cheap, so unless you have a boatload of money, you want to try to get it right the first time.

    I wish all women were as excited as you about modding. Dang...
     
    #12 macmaster05, May 12, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  13. Davidstephen

    Davidstephen New Member

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    #13 Davidstephen, May 12, 2011
  14. Mrs. Pulse

    Mrs. Pulse New Member

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    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Update: so I went tonight and to my surprise ended up with Winter Gray Metallic. They had one in the showroom, a Prius 3 (which i was looking at), with light gray leather seats installed (heated), I drove the black for the test drive but ended up buying the gray as I just loved it! I got the remote starter, and lower door molding - Im going to get windows tinted right away and then SLOWLY get other things done. As many have recommended, i need to take my time and do research! thanks everyone! IM SOOOOOOO EXCITED!
    no more $75 fill ups at the gas station!
     
    #14 Mrs. Pulse, May 12, 2011
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