Hey all, new to the forums. I may be driving off with a 2012 Prius Four in Sea Glass Pearl w/dark gray interior this weekend if all goes well. Question for peeps in the know: can the Toyota VIP security system be installed by weekend do-it-yourselfers like myself? I know the unit is available for sale as a standalone accessory online. I've read the installation instruction and notice a couple of steps near the end that calls for a technician to jack into the diagnostic port and turn on some options via software. Is this required and are Toyota techs the only folks who can enable the software options? (If that's the case, I may just add it at the dealership.) Thanks for all answers!
You can install the VIP system- but the dealership needs to activate it. There's a lot to the install- you really sure you want to mess with your brand new car? Many here feel the Prius doesn't need an alarm system- partly because of the engine immobilizer (via fob) system and they just don't seem to be desirable targets for theft overall.
Thanks for the info. I come from 2005 Acura RSX Type S and have done quite a lot of installs myself (and documented most of my guides for other enthusiasts). I see it as an opportunity to learn more about how things work the way they do in the car. At the end of the day, if the dealership still needs to activate it, I'll just have em install it. Now I'm debating between the SGP or Barcelona red, lol. Hopefully all goes well this weekend so I can be an active part of the community
Hello Steve, I just traded in my 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ for a 2012 Prius 3 in Winter Gray (it's actually my wife's car I took over her Land Rover). I absolutely love it. Definitely recommend it it. The one we have has the solar panel on the roof which looks pretty cool (and helps keep the car cool here in SoCal). Hope everything goes well for you.
Thanks for the feedback! My next question is, is the solar roof package on the Four worth the additional 3400 investment?
The solar roof on the four also carries with it (part of the whole package) the HUD, Premium HDD Nav and Safety Connect. So you'll have to figure in those to your evaluation of the $3400 question. I'm grappling with a similar decision between a three with solar roof and a four with "deluxe" solar roof, which brings along those other options. I want the solar roof, but I don't think I want to pay over $5000 extra, for heated Softex seats, the HUD, Premium NAV, and Safety Connect between the solar three and the solar four.
lol, I'm going to have to test drive both out and see if the features warrant the extra cost. I've gotten several decent quotes from local SoCal Toyota dealers so far. Just 1 more day to go
Today I became the proud owner of a Winter Gray 2012 Prius Four . The color look so much better in person vs. photos. Look forward to learn all I can about the Prius and be a contributing member :yo:
Steve, I have mine just overa month and love it. Not sure whether you went with the solar package. I am very happy with mine. The HUD is fantastic. Lots 'o luck and fun with yours.
Congrats! Got to love Winter Grey! I call it my "mood car", the color changes according to the light. A good group of folks here on priuschat. Look through the forums for lots of good information. Anything you want to know, just ask away. BTW think about joining Fuelly as away to track your mpg's and to share the ups and downs with the Prii community. But don't sweat it if the first few tanks are not stellar. One there is the break-in period, and the "learning curve" in getting the best mpg's out of the Prius.
Thanks everyone for your comments. The Prius is definitely a change! Got a couple of folks at work asking what I think about it and even one shopping around for a Prius (so far, I'm the only Prius let alone hybrid driver at work. I'll use my car to sell him, lols). I need to get use to the higher seat profile vs. the old Acura RSX. Don't mind the slow acceleration either lol. Definitely love all the amenities that the Prius comes with which the RSX lacked! I've decided to stick with the Four base after heavy consideration on the Five and Four + Solar roof package. I didn't think the solar package justifies a $3,400 markup in my driving habit, but it sure looks cool! I've already put in a couple of orders for some accessories, i.e. 10-pc interior LED replacement lights by exLEDusa (I had them on the Acura and they are great, even wrote a comprehensive review about them) shark fin antenna cargo net cargo organizer Toyota first aid kit Carmate Prius cup holder tray (that goes in the lower cavity of the center console) Next on the list, JDM Toyota window visors, JDM Prius chrome front grill, JDM Prius rear chrome trunk garnish, Prius lower side molding and illuminated door sills Gonna research if it's possible to add fog lights to the non-Five 2012+ Prius on the mean time!
Congrats on the car! I'm curious about the JDM visors-will have to look that up. I went cheap and got Visormates and they work well (but are not cool .
The visors are coming in around the end of the month. I'll definitely post a pic with them on and give a little insight! A bit pricier than aftermarket alternatives but after using aftermarket visors on the RSX before switching to JDM Honda visors, I strictly follow the "do it right the first time" philosophy
Congrats on the new Prius 4. Got my 4 in sea glass pearl & love it! It has the lighter seats. I was torn between the winter gray but the sea glass won out. BTW looks like you got yours around the same time as me (May 19). Enjoy!
