I never thought I’d be searching up “best prius mods” I’ve talked so much crap about them. But i had a chance to test drive one and I bought one the following week lol ! Love my prius !!
same here. I bought an older one. 2009 with 150k miles. but I have all records from original sale and it was a 1 owner vehicle. I got it from the dealership that sold it originally
@@flonkas I bought a high mileage 68k, but while using uber a lot of cab and uber drivers are running 350k, mine just broke 100K looking to do some mods and looking for ideas.
I work in NYC. When Covid started a lot of LIRR train service was cut down getting into Manhattan so I purchased a 2005 prius for $3k with 170k miles on it. Got it mainly for mpg but also because I didn't want to put miles and wear on my other vehicles. I'll admit I hated the thought of the prius but three years later I'm well over 200k miles and it's running like a champ. I reconditioned the batteries as a precaution. It has won me over. It's gotten to a point where even when I'm not commuting I'm driving the Prius. Great little car.
And I'm sure you saved money on train fair, the"best" thing about you driving in you're safe, don't have to deal with bs from others, blast music etc...
I would like to know what you swapped out the seats for and how did you get the heated seats I have a Prius 2010 hybrid I would love to do this to my vehicle
No no these are the most comfortable car i have ever driven in pakistan I had this one i loved it so much now i have the aqua/prius c and it is the best car I dont know why americans hate this
I've got a Prius 4 that comes with the sun roof and solar panel. Is there a way that I can add the Toyota Safety Sense features that the 5 has? Adaptive cruise control, dynamic range cruise control and lane keep assist. I saw the sensors are available on ebay but will the cars software work with or will it need an upgrade?
Installing a Carplay/Android Auto unit in a Prius is the best decision I ever made for music. I also installed a 12" JBL Subwoofer in the trunk which booms. The stock premium audio kicks ass when everything is working in sync.
Grom Audio has a unit that piggybacks on the existing hardware giving both Apple CarPlay or Android Auto using the Prius OEM Display. This unit allows TH-cam and Netflix on Prius OEM display. This unit has 2 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. Typically, the HDMI output allows for an external monitor while HDMI input allows adding Chromcast or mouse to the unit. There are separate RCA connections for rear camera or front cam. The unit has 2 USB ports and port for a microSD Card. Installation takes a couple hours. There is no splicing of wires. The kit comes with custom cables that interface with the pre-existing Prius cables. This allows for a factory look with all the functionality of the Prius buttons in place. I found this unit from Prius Chat forum.
Yes, I had to purchase a "Steering Wheel Control Interface" to allow the controls to work with my Kenwood Head Unit. I have the steering wheel control interface unit I purchase linked in the description.
Can anyone tell me if there is an aftermarket radio that allows the energy monitor to still work? I see all these how to install videos but no one mentions what you lose with the new radio. Everyone just talks about android or apple CarPlay. But these are for the prius and I want to watch my hybrid save me money! I have the 2012 V.
The most useful screen is the hybrid system indicator. Unfortunately, any aftermarket head unit will not support any of the Toyota screens you are used to seeing. Fortunately there is a a 3rd party app you can download "Hybrid Assistant" that is more helpful than any Toyota screen.
I have a box with 2 12s and an amp sitting in that bin area. I just plan on not getting a flat. If I do it’ll only take a few minutes to get it out of the way.
Also I feel like sometimes it rides like a skateboard is anybody else feeling this like when I get to somebody else’s car I feel like I’m above ground and I feel like I’m not feeling the road under my feet can someone explain this or tell me if I’m not alone thank you
All this and more yet I still didn't know about the little sun visor. Great find thanks for sharing that. I will be making my own video maybe I can reveal something you haven't found and return the favor. Keep up the good work.
You can get new tires, though it might affect your mileage. I have heard good things about Michelin tires but do not have it myself. I am also working on sound deadening (Kilmat 80mm sound deadener) my car, which would presumably reduce vibration noise, in addition to another layer for insulation and noise reduction (Noise 150mm closed-cell foam). Replacing tires would probably take the least effort and would possibly reduce road noise significantly, as it is the only connection between the car and road.
I’ve got the TRD suspension on my gen2 Prius but they are almost impossible to find now. BCRacing sells a corner kit that’s $1000 less than the TRD one was. If you stay with a 5-6k spring it’s a nice setup for a much better ride, add a heavy rear sway bar to help the body roll. I’m still looking for a seat solution.
Hi, I went over to the narrower, taller wheels than standard. My Prius 3 (2010) came with 225 45 R17 tires to match the large wheels they decided to fit. If I lived in certain areas of the UK, some tourist areas with well-made roads, it wouldn’t matter as much, but my urban area roads are terrible at this time…so the standard wheels are 7 inches wide, and have the low profile tires mentioned. I got a set from a 2015 car, they are narrower and smaller wheels at R15 (15 inches diameter obvs) and 6.5 inches which is barely noticeable for the width, even placing the tires edge to edge. The self-same wheels come in 6 inches wide also I have seen. Tires are 195 65 R15 and these from a fairly accurate website are a slightly larger diameter than the originals when fitted. I pre-checked that they would clear the brake callipers etc, and indeed they do. So, the car has very little loss of grip/footprint, but the amount of pneumatic tire is a whole inch more in all directions. As soon as I bumped it down the driveway it felt more insulated from the road/kerb. It’s not night and day, but then I haven’t lost all steering sharpness or feel either, these as ‘comfort wheels’ are a better compromise for where we live, which pounds your car to bits, it’s known for it! I have had various cars with varying wheels/tires and I agree with others that say it’s hard to get around low profile tires, there’s no tweak with suspension that will ‘correct’ for that. It’s not a sporty car, it’s brisk enough for me when I floor it though. There’s an awful lot to wheels and tires, I checked out the PCD as well beforehand, drew a template and checked the tires when I picked them up. There are earlier model tires that seem similar but look a bit uglier. Watch out for crash-damaged wheels. Also, one of the balance weights flew off as I was bedding the ‘new’ wheels in. No biggie, but they were not expensive, and also they have some curb/kerb rash on the rims, again not bad. 2017 cars even, have the same PCD it seems and those wheels look more fancy still. The guy wanted 3x as much money though. Then, there’s the TPMS or tire pressure monitoring valves, which you may or may not find come with the wheels! My originals had these removed, but you can just swap the batteries out, which is a common cause of failure. Er, that’s most of it! The compromise is better, for the roads I most often drive on. Minuscule difference in torque/gearing compared to original wheel/tires, many websites state the set I swapped in are an EXACT diameter same as the originals, but they are not. Car a fraction slower of the mark, not much, and expecting a fraction better fuel mileage, not much, and I can REALLY go 31mph before EV mode knocks itself out, but DO get a ‘excessive acceleration’ cut-out of EV mode now as well ! Didn’t happen before, as there was that slight help in gearing with the 2.04% smaller rolling radius as my website said, the site I realise gets it right. Take care all.
I rigged up a slide-out visor extension, myself, and replaced the radio & added a remote start as you've done. I hope you figure out a solution for the seats and share, as I can't stand them either! :P
How does a remote start benefit a Prius? What I don't get is that the Prius inherently has a hot coolant tank and therefore the engine already has a warmer start advantage so you can drive out right away with it slightly warmed up. I have no idea why else you'd want that so what else could be of benefit?
@@playfullysound4187 my Prius is black, so in the summers it can be well over 100° in the vehicle, and I'm not about to start my morning commute by baking myself to a crisp. I also prefer to have the car preheated in the winter, as I would rather not have to start my drive with gloves and a hat on when it's easy enough to just have the vehicle run the heater for a few minutes before I start out.
@@jllmechengr I have a 2013 Prius and the keyfob as an "AC" button. It will remotely start the climate system to your last setting without starting the car. Once you open the door, the AC feature deactivates, then you start the vehicle as normal enjoying the pre-chilled/heated interior.
Ur Prius is the "bomb"! Wished I was tech inclined! I own a red '19 gen4. I agree w/sunroof (wished mine came with it), agreed with toyota sound system. Mine has the lg android screen but wished I cud add a CD player (not only am I old, I'm old school). Like how u personalized urs!!! Think about tinting front window (professionally) if u dont like ur visor or get the one u see on commercials? NOW, dont know where u live but do u have a cat cover?? Miller makes the best. I installed a stainless. Got my front wrapped, & ceramic coated. Weather tech'd MINE. Installed LED interior lites, tail/back up. Painted my brake calipers red. Jst bc prii are nerdy, they dont HAVE to look/be one!! ALREADY sub'd. Keep us informed of any other changes!
Thats awesome! I didnt mention it but I did add LED headlights and license plate lights. I also teased the "Cool Prius" - Nobody Sticker in the thumbnail. I have some pretty cool things on deck with future content and swapping battery chemistries ;) stay tuned!
All I do is buy some high temperature velcro off Amazon has to be high temperature so it doesn't melt in the sun and velcro my tablet over the factory screen... It works great
I’m not a Prius fan by any means but I do love the 1st gen. I miss that they were built like a sedan over the hatchback. I would have much preferred it to follow the Corolla or Camry route. I’ve driven the 2nd and 3rd gen and I just feel like the car is uncomfortable and basic. I mean like caveman basic. But at the end of the day who cares, it gets like 50mpg😂
I own the 2013 Prius 4, top of the line model with HUD, SOLAR PANEL SUN ROOF, and performance plus package. My prius is mode with performance air intake, larger exhaust tip, stiffen the suspension, adding mud flap, stream line all the door grap, music responsive color Internior lighting and smart color drone light, color side door warning light with logo projector light, and carbon fiber wrapped. But yet, I still don't like it and it is still slow
Omg I just got a used Prius and after driving for a day my lower back was on fire. I’ve never had a good back to begin with but that was a pain I have never experienced before.😊
I think it is more plastic and anti environmemtal theme junks that you did to your car? Not very thorough and waste of money? I think a Craigfield center monitor display replacement for a back cam is kind of crazy if you do not tug in a weather proof back cam system and with an independent battery power system??
I never thought I’d be searching up “best prius mods” I’ve talked so much crap about them. But i had a chance to test drive one and I bought one the following week lol ! Love my prius !!
Its how we all come to own them. It will save you thousands and be reliable all along the way :)
same here. I bought an older one. 2009 with 150k miles. but I have all records from original sale and it was a 1 owner vehicle. I got it from the dealership that sold it originally
@@flonkas How do you like the car? Mini review please?
@@flonkas I bought a high mileage 68k, but while using uber a lot of cab and uber drivers are running 350k, mine just broke 100K looking to do some mods and looking for ideas.
Yup😂 I talked down on them and bought one for $500 for my towing company and now I been researching it to make it better and cooler
I work in NYC. When Covid started a lot of LIRR train service was cut down getting into Manhattan so I purchased a 2005 prius for $3k with 170k miles on it. Got it mainly for mpg but also because I didn't want to put miles and wear on my other vehicles. I'll admit I hated the thought of the prius but three years later I'm well over 200k miles and it's running like a champ. I reconditioned the batteries as a precaution. It has won me over. It's gotten to a point where even when I'm not commuting I'm driving the Prius. Great little car.
And I'm sure you saved money on train fair, the"best" thing about you driving in you're safe, don't have to deal with bs from others, blast music etc...
I own a 2010 Prius with Solar and Sunroof and jbl sound system, love that car.
I also have a 2010 but a solar roof and heated seats and it's gold color and I love it
The Prius comes with solar panels?
@@earthwormandruwthere’s a different version with them and I have that version
I've never liked the seats as well. I recently got a "Dreamer car back support memory foam cushion" and it's a game changer. I love it!
I completed a 5,000 mile trip with this and I’m really glad I have it. I don’t have others to compare it to.
Really? Link? No Hindu bead lumbar support??
i have a 2010 prius 4 with a sunroof and solar roof, i have heated seats stock, i have the pleather seats and theyre quite comfortable.
Same on my 2013. The Pleather seats
are comfy.
From where?
@@utubepunk The factory.
I would like to know what you swapped out the seats for and how did you get the heated seats I have a Prius 2010 hybrid I would love to do this to my vehicle
Thanks for the heads up on the Tuckvisors. I can't wait to try them. Hope you find a seat solution.
can confirm the prius seats will kill your back
No no these are the most comfortable car i have ever driven in pakistan
I had this one i loved it so much now i have the aqua/prius c and it is the best car
I dont know why americans hate this
@@MujeebKhan-nj6nw cause the average cars here are 1 million times better then what the average car is in Pakistan
I have had more issues out of the 2010 journey then my 2011 Prius
I've got a Prius 4 that comes with the sun roof and solar panel. Is there a way that I can add the Toyota Safety Sense features that the 5 has? Adaptive cruise control, dynamic range cruise control and lane keep assist. I saw the sensors are available on ebay but will the cars software work with or will it need an upgrade?
Installing a Carplay/Android Auto unit in a Prius is the best decision I ever made for music. I also installed a 12" JBL Subwoofer in the trunk which booms. The stock premium audio kicks ass when everything is working in sync.
Grom Audio has a unit that piggybacks on the existing hardware giving both Apple CarPlay or Android Auto using the Prius OEM Display. This unit allows TH-cam and Netflix on Prius OEM display. This unit has 2 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. Typically, the HDMI output allows for an external monitor while HDMI input allows adding Chromcast or mouse to the unit. There are separate RCA connections for rear camera or front cam. The unit has 2 USB ports and port for a microSD Card. Installation takes a couple hours. There is no splicing of wires. The kit comes with custom cables that interface with the pre-existing Prius cables. This allows for a factory look with all the functionality of the Prius buttons in place. I found this unit from Prius Chat forum.
how does the 12v power all those amps?! im talking to crutchfield and theyre saying i cant put anything over 400w in there
Ong
Thank u for the statement of i want to make it more mine. People look at me stupid when i like modding odd cars for myself.
hey buddy i have same issue with seats are we able to install a lexus seat?
Good question. Check out the comment above
Where did you get the leather seats and seat warmer?
Do your steering wheel controls still work?
Yes, I had to purchase a "Steering Wheel Control Interface" to allow the controls to work with my Kenwood Head Unit. I have the steering wheel control interface unit I purchase linked in the description.
Can anyone tell me if there is an aftermarket radio that allows the energy monitor to still work? I see all these how to install videos but no one mentions what you lose with the new radio. Everyone just talks about android or apple CarPlay. But these are for the prius and I want to watch my hybrid save me money! I have the 2012 V.
The most useful screen is the hybrid system indicator. Unfortunately, any aftermarket head unit will not support any of the Toyota screens you are used to seeing. Fortunately there is a a 3rd party app you can download "Hybrid Assistant" that is more helpful than any Toyota screen.
@@HEVTech1 Thank you I appreciate it. I just watched your video on the app and I'm going to download it before I replace the head unit.
A phone holder would be good and voice activated system??
how do you get to the spare tire with the stuff in the container in the trunk
I have a box with 2 12s and an amp sitting in that bin area. I just plan on not getting a flat. If I do it’ll only take a few minutes to get it out of the way.
Also I feel like sometimes it rides like a skateboard is anybody else feeling this like when I get to somebody else’s car I feel like I’m above ground and I feel like I’m not feeling the road under my feet can someone explain this or tell me if I’m not alone thank you
All this and more yet I still didn't know about the little sun visor. Great find thanks for sharing that. I will be making my own video maybe I can reveal something you haven't found and return the favor. Keep up the good work.
Haven't done it yet I want to make my V a pop-up camper.
Is that a camera on the driver side?
I’m gonna have to get that truck visor and I put a supreme brace and a Strattera brace both of helped the handling quite a bit
Where is the link to the sunroof installers?
Did you install the stereo and speakers and camera yourself?
Yes I replaced all of the speakers and put the backup cam in.
enjoyed your video, my biggest complaint about my 2015 is the rough ride with a lot of road noise. how did you or anybody else address?
You can get new tires, though it might affect your mileage. I have heard good things about Michelin tires but do not have it myself. I am also working on sound deadening (Kilmat 80mm sound deadener) my car, which would presumably reduce vibration noise, in addition to another layer for insulation and noise reduction (Noise 150mm closed-cell foam). Replacing tires would probably take the least effort and would possibly reduce road noise significantly, as it is the only connection between the car and road.
Wear ear plugs🤣
I’ve got the TRD suspension on my gen2 Prius but they are almost impossible to find now. BCRacing sells a corner kit that’s $1000 less than the TRD one was. If you stay with a 5-6k spring it’s a nice setup for a much better ride, add a heavy rear sway bar to help the body roll. I’m still looking for a seat solution.
Hi, I went over to the narrower, taller wheels than standard. My Prius 3 (2010) came with 225 45 R17 tires to match the large wheels they decided to fit. If I lived in certain areas of the UK, some tourist areas with well-made roads, it wouldn’t matter as much, but my urban area roads are terrible at this time…so the standard wheels are 7 inches wide, and have the low profile tires mentioned. I got a set from a 2015 car, they are narrower and smaller wheels at R15 (15 inches diameter obvs) and 6.5 inches which is barely noticeable for the width, even placing the tires edge to edge. The self-same wheels come in 6 inches wide also I have seen.
Tires are 195 65 R15 and these from a fairly accurate website are a slightly larger diameter than the originals when fitted. I pre-checked that they would clear the brake callipers etc, and indeed they do. So, the car has very little loss of grip/footprint, but the amount of pneumatic tire is a whole inch more in all directions. As soon as I bumped it down the driveway it felt more insulated from the road/kerb. It’s not night and day, but then I haven’t lost all steering sharpness or feel either, these as ‘comfort wheels’ are a better compromise for where we live, which pounds your car to bits, it’s known for it! I have had various cars with varying wheels/tires and I agree with others that say it’s hard to get around low profile tires, there’s no tweak with suspension that will ‘correct’ for that. It’s not a sporty car, it’s brisk enough for me when I floor it though. There’s an awful lot to wheels and tires, I checked out the PCD as well beforehand, drew a template and checked the tires when I picked them up.
There are earlier model tires that seem similar but look a bit uglier. Watch out for crash-damaged wheels. Also, one of the balance weights flew off as I was bedding the ‘new’ wheels in. No biggie, but they were not expensive, and also they have some curb/kerb rash on the rims, again not bad. 2017 cars even, have the same PCD it seems and those wheels look more fancy still. The guy wanted 3x as much money though. Then, there’s the TPMS or tire pressure monitoring valves, which you may or may not find come with the wheels! My originals had these removed, but you can just swap the batteries out, which is a common cause of failure. Er, that’s most of it!
The compromise is better, for the roads I most often drive on. Minuscule difference in torque/gearing compared to original wheel/tires, many websites state the set I swapped in are an EXACT diameter same as the originals, but they are not. Car a fraction slower of the mark, not much, and expecting a fraction better fuel mileage, not much, and I can REALLY go 31mph before EV mode knocks itself out, but DO get a ‘excessive acceleration’ cut-out of EV mode now as well ! Didn’t happen before, as there was that slight help in gearing with the 2.04% smaller rolling radius as my website said, the site I realise gets it right. Take care all.
I rigged up a slide-out visor extension, myself, and replaced the radio & added a remote start as you've done. I hope you figure out a solution for the seats and share, as I can't stand them either! :P
How does a remote start benefit a Prius? What I don't get is that the Prius inherently has a hot coolant tank and therefore the engine already has a warmer start advantage so you can drive out right away with it slightly warmed up. I have no idea why else you'd want that so what else could be of benefit?
@@playfullysound4187 my Prius is black, so in the summers it can be well over 100° in the vehicle, and I'm not about to start my morning commute by baking myself to a crisp. I also prefer to have the car preheated in the winter, as I would rather not have to start my drive with gloves and a hat on when it's easy enough to just have the vehicle run the heater for a few minutes before I start out.
@@jllmechengr I have a 2013 Prius and the keyfob as an "AC" button. It will remotely start the climate system to your last setting without starting the car. Once you open the door, the AC feature deactivates, then you start the vehicle as normal enjoying the pre-chilled/heated interior.
What kind of mount do you have on the windshield?
Did you lose the dash functions once the unit was installed ? Also I dont see the link the the dash speakers? Cool mods, thanks for the video
Ur Prius is the "bomb"! Wished I was tech inclined! I own a red '19 gen4. I agree w/sunroof (wished mine came with it), agreed with toyota sound system. Mine has the lg android screen but wished I cud add a CD player (not only am I old, I'm old school). Like how u personalized urs!!! Think about tinting front window (professionally) if u dont like ur visor or get the one u see on commercials? NOW, dont know where u live but do u have a cat cover?? Miller makes the best. I installed a stainless. Got my front wrapped, & ceramic coated. Weather tech'd MINE. Installed LED interior lites, tail/back up. Painted my brake calipers red. Jst bc prii are nerdy, they dont HAVE to look/be one!! ALREADY sub'd. Keep us informed of any other changes!
Thats awesome! I didnt mention it but I did add LED headlights and license plate lights. I also teased the
"Cool Prius" - Nobody
Sticker in the thumbnail.
I have some pretty cool things on deck with future content and swapping battery chemistries ;) stay tuned!
All I do is buy some high temperature velcro off Amazon has to be high temperature so it doesn't melt in the sun and velcro my tablet over the factory screen... It works great
For being an aftermarket sunroof, it looks remarkably OEM.
I also leather wrapped steering wheel that was really nice
Huh, never encountered the visor issue on mine 🤔
Must mod to have is homelink. I plan to buy a used gentex mirror with compass and hard wire to the fuse box by the footwell.
I know it's a bit late, but why not use the DS18 dashboard compression tweeters? They're an OEM fit for $70 and you wouldn't need to splice and wires.
I put 2 way mid range speakers up front. It was a squeeze for sure but it sounds great
How loud do you guys play your music 🤨
Can you make a video on rear camera?
I have the same car dude so subscribed
please make more videos about it
Great vid thanks for sharing
Hmmm, must be awesome when you have a flat trying to get to the spare tire.
Fingers crossed 🤞 I don't get one because yes it would suck.
just added 4 in 1 side mirror blinkers
I put TRD and turbo badges on mine.
I have a 15 and I think the seats are nice. I drive a truck, though
I’m not a Prius fan by any means but I do love the 1st gen. I miss that they were built like a sedan over the hatchback. I would have much preferred it to follow the Corolla or Camry route. I’ve driven the 2nd and 3rd gen and I just feel like the car is uncomfortable and basic. I mean like caveman basic. But at the end of the day who cares, it gets like 50mpg😂
I'm extremely jealous of your sound and infotainment system! I have a stock jbl system that is ok, but could be so much better.
I used to drive one with the JBL system for work and it really didn't impress me compared to the stock in my 03.
I own the 2013 Prius 4, top of the line model with HUD, SOLAR PANEL SUN ROOF, and performance plus package. My prius is mode with performance air intake, larger exhaust tip, stiffen the suspension, adding mud flap, stream line all the door grap, music responsive color Internior lighting and smart color drone light, color side door warning light with logo projector light, and carbon fiber wrapped.
But yet, I still don't like it and it is still slow
The prius seats are good
I've never seen a Sun Visor cover an entire driver or passenger window... ever!..... That would be stupid. Lol
I’m also 5’6” ☹️
Spent all that cash on a radio system but could get window tint? 😅 crazy .
Omg I just got a used Prius and after driving for a day my lower back was on fire. I’ve never had a good back to begin with but that was a pain I have never experienced before.😊
Add a small pillow to your lower back for support, they also sell things you can wrap around the car seat for support. Helps a lot
@@willisjacksoniv9745 thank you
I have same seats, they are okay for me. Hyundai seats suck much more
anna somerto
I think it is more plastic and anti environmemtal theme junks that you did to your car? Not very thorough and waste of money? I think a Craigfield center monitor display replacement for a back cam is kind of crazy if you do not tug in a weather proof back cam system and with an independent battery power system??
People install sunroofs? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard
Sits in Prius 2005 is awful