Seems like there is about a whole 1% of 'cushion' in either armrest, which makes it rather uncomfortable on long distance drives. I knew this before I bought the car and felt it might become an issue but I was so excited to finally own THE best hybrid out on the market right now, that I just overlooked it. Now I'm starting to have my doubts. My other choice was a Mazda 6, which had very nicely padded armrests, BUT it wasn't a hybrid. I do alot of long distance driving and I'm wondering if in the long run if this is going to cause me alot of distress... Isn't there an easy way to fix this? Can I take the car somewhere and have it upholstered with extra padding? Looks like the center might be easier to do than the left door's.. ?? What's the deal with Toyota anyways? I mean there really isn't ANY significant padding on either armrest. That backseat's fold down armrest is nice and comfortable though!!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(local_host @ Feb 25 2007, 11:29 PM) [snapback]396529[/snapback]</div> Same here, when I rented a prius for a road trip that was my only complaint...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Feb 26 2007, 07:10 AM) [snapback]396621[/snapback]</div> Thanks for that link! On one of the posts (grasshopper) mentioned that they have an center console armrest cover which came with some seat covers... I will have to try that, but I didn't think something like that was universally fitted .. Well I'm off to some auto parts stores to find one! The door armrest is going to be alot tougher. I'm sort of reluctant to stick velco on the door as it will leave that sticky black residue, which might be an issue when I get ready to sell.. Can't believe I have to go through this after paying 27 grand on this thing, o well my fault I guess. I hope the new allegedly redesigned '09 Prius doesn't have this problem or I will get a Honda or some other hybrid.
Just take your car to a good upholstery shop and tell them what you want. They replaced every bit of fabric in my Prius with leather and vinyl (Katzkin kit); adding more padding to your armrests and possibly fabricating new covers should be an easy job.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ Feb 26 2007, 11:59 AM) [snapback]396798[/snapback]</div> Just curious, although I might consider doing this in the future (after my grandson who really makes a mess of the upholstery is no longer living with us). About how much did that cost? Dave M.
Maybe cultural reason? But that is counter-intuitive because Japanese carry far less "padding" built into themselves than Americans do.
This is a very old thread to reopen... FWIW, Prius Hoods on eBay has very nice leather armrest and center console covers for the Gen II. I'm sure if you want to, you could add additional padding under the covers when you install them. eBay Store ? Prius Hoods: Search results for. The Prius Hood armrest covers do use some sticky-back hook-and- loop ("Velcro"). Here is a thread that discusses taking off the inner door liners to install the armrest coverss with no hook-and-loop: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/38971-armrest-covering.html
