I just bought my first Hybrid and first Prius and i was wondering if the new Gen III models need fabric protection on the cloth seats? I have a dog, so I am just worried about her getting the seats and cargo area all dirty. Also, has anyone had any experience with the northwest protection package that is sold by Toyota dealers? I was quoted $299 for the interior fabric to be done and it has a 7 year guarantee with it. I was just hoping someone else has had this already. Thanks for the feedback
:welcome: Congratulations on the new Prius. I had fabric in my '05 Prius and a dog. I did not have fabric protection and had no problems. I found the fabric was be easy to clean with upholstery cleaner and it still looked like new when I sold the car with over 30K miles on it. I think protection packages are a good deal - for the dealer who sells them. For customers they are a rip off. Incidentally I have a 17 year old pickup truck that I bought new, it has fabric upholstery. It has had dogs in it since it was new and it still looks pretty good.
i believe the consensus of the forum is that don't take the protection package. What most do, including myself, is get some Auto Scotch Guard from Walmart to protect the fabric. I also have a dog, and I just have a pet cover for the back seat. If you cover the back seat, just don't cover the battery vent on the right side.
Thank you, that is what i was hoping. It does seem like those packages are a little too good of a deal for the dealer, and not for me. I think i will try the dog blanket and maybe a barrier so she cant come up to the front seats.
+2 on the Scotchguard. One can was able to provide three seperate coats of protection on all the seats. Leave the doors open for a few hours after you spray it. I did for one hour and it was not enough. I had to drive with windows open as the chmical smell was overbearing.
I didn't take it explicitly because I don't need any more additional exposure to whatever chemical breakdown products from stuff put into the car on top of the possible toxicity of the car itself (VOCs). More information (The gen 2 prius does quite well): HealthyStuff.org
Ditto on that. I did mine inside the garage with the big door open and I still felt pretty well gassed when I was done. There was no residual smell inside the vehicle the next morning.
Which Scotchguard product did everyone use? I noticed that there are several out there including one specifically for auto uphostelry. Just wondering if one was better than the other. Kathleen
Same here, I had a little trouble finding it at other places. I hate going to Walmart. It makes me feel like I need to go home and take a shower after going there.
