List of my mods for your review

I have 2 month old black 2012 Prius. It is stock base level 3. A couple months ago I never thought a Prius would turn me into a car person. After reviewing the forums I've decided to make a number changes. I'm not too concerned about price since I wouldn't do any of this if I couldn't afford it. My main goals are 1. increase handling performance, 2. maintain (or improve) fuel economy, 3. make my Prius look different than most I see on the road, 4. hopefully not void the warrany

Mods I'm doing for sure:

• OEM all weather floor mats - free from dealer
• OEM all weather cargo mat - $85 (done)
• OEM rear bumper protector - $42 (done)
• Euro mudguards - $119 (done)
• Lower rocker moldings - $155 (silver) or $170 (chrome)
• Sharkfin - $78
• TRD "Prius Plus" springs - $184 (my driveway requires minimal drop, warranty issue avoidance?)
• TRD "Prius Plus" rear sway bar - $224 (warranty issue avoidance?)
• Tanabe TTB153F tower bar - $125
• Drag DR-9 (or DR-34) 205/55/16 wheels (plus lugs and TPMS) and Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 tires (plus replacement certs) - $1230 (see this for full details)
• 50% (to stay legal at net 35%) F1 Pinnacle or Huper Optik ceramic tint (all windows except front) - $350 (F1) to $450 (Huper)

~$2,650 total

Mods I might do:

• Tanabe TSB153F front sway bar - $215
• Red vinyl rear tail light tinting - 85? (complete guess)

~$300 total

Mods I'd like to do but probably won't:

• JDM folding turn signal mirrors - ? (very cool but probably too expensive)

Looks I'll spend about $2,600-$3,000 total! I keep my cars until they die so I'm not going to worry about recouping these in resale value. This is the first new car I've ever bought so I'm looking forward to making it something I really like.

Can anyone see any issues with this list? Incompatibilities or other issues? Suggestions?

how and where can you buy the TRD "Prius Plus" springs - for $184 ?

You don't have to go with the expensive TRD stuff just to avoid warranty "issues". Toyota would have to prove that an aftermarket part cause damage/failure to your car to deny warranty work or invalidate your warranty.

Link to Magnuson-Moss warranty act:

Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance, and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must?

Specifically:

Will using 'aftermarket' or recycled parts void my warranty?
No. An 'aftermarket' part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer. A 'recycled' part is a part that was made for and installed in a new vehicle by the manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer, and later removed from the vehicle and made available for resale or reuse. Simply using an aftermarket or recycled part does not void your warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket or recycled part. Still, if it turns out that the aftermarket or recycled part was itself defective or wasn't installed correctly, and it causes damage to another part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for that part and charge you for any repairs. The FTC says the manufacturer or dealer must show that the aftermarket or recycled part caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage.

Get the regular turn signal mirrors instead.

I would look into the Eibach springs. They don't drop the car too far and they may be a bit stiffer than the TRD springs which I find too mushy.

So, where's a picture of the car with the new mods?

Toyotapartspeople.com from the link on the posting

That site says "Your Price: $184". I assume shipping is separate. I know someone on the board bought from that site.

I'll post something once everything is done.

Yeah I'm not 100% certain I'll do the TRD springs. I know someone posted the specs on TRD, Eibach, and other springs and it seemed like the general conclusion was that the TRD springs dropped less even though the specs were very close to Eibach. My driveway clearance is so close that dropping an inch is going to be very close to bottoming out even when turning in at 90 degrees. I'm considering going out and measuring the clearance to make sure I have at least over 1.5 inches otherwise I won't do it.

Thanks for the info. It makes me slightly less worried.

I guess my other open question is the front sway bar really going to add much assuming I get the rear sway bar and tower bar done for sure? Is all 3 (front and rear say bar + tower bar) overkill?

Exactly my thoughts as it is only about $160 & adds a lot of distinctiveness. It looks like u have alot of the desirable mods covered McLintock. Now, all u have to do is do it.

The foldings ones are neat but I remember them being insanely expensive so for $160 I might consider the non-folding ones. Any links for me? It is outside of my skills so I'll have to get them installed either way. I'm going to do everything on the list myself except for the wheels and tint.

electronic shifter, body kit, vinyl wrap your car

Here u go: PRIUS 2010-2011 LED mirror cover turn light lamp WHITE -- color painted | eBay If I'm correct, I believe others w/ 2012 have done it & it will fit yours as it is same as 2010/11. Also, a good auto stereo shop should be able to install it.

Thanks for the info. I'll think about it. Maybe I'd do it if/when I get my speakers upgraded. Probably will not be anytime soon though.

Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

Can u ever have enough done to help out the handling/performance of a car. I do recall a couple guys here(prius chat) having done all 3 & liking it very much.

I have the Tanabe STB, Cusco center brace and RSB, and I'm nowhere near done. Highly consdering some Tein Street Advance coilovers, and I have the Cusco FSB and front under brace already on the way. Even with just the three things I already have on, the car now handles like it's on rails. It's so much more fun to drive now. It feels more responsive and stable.