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What to do with new Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by iwannaprius, Feb 4, 2012.

  1. iwannaprius

    iwannaprius Junior Member

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    I am buying a 2012 Prius soon and anticipate it to come in during March.

    I am planning to take it in to a local shop to get it tinted, as well as buy new car seat covers, driver's wheel cover, and rubber floor mats.

    What are some other common new things one should do immediately for their Prius (e.g., how to break it in)? When to take it in for maintenance? (This is my first new car).
     
  2. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Just drive it normally and don't hammer on the gas or brakes (manual has a couple tips). Someone will likely chime in and say drive it like you stole it, but common sense dictates not to do that.

    Don't worry about an early oil change. Toyota will say first service in 6 months or 5k miles which will be just a tire rotation and fluids checkup mainly. At 10k mi or 1 year, they will change the synthetic oil.. Lot of controversy whether that's too long or not.

    I like to get windshield shades from Toyota. Why let sun beat on your dash for hours? Most people do this, park at work and don't take 10 seconds to put a windshield shade up. Boggles the mind, then they complain when the dash looks bad.

    Get yourself a little rubber case from Toyota for the keyfob thing. Those are over $400 to replace, you don't want it to break when dropped.

    The sun visors are really short and won't block all sun at side window, but can order 2 www.visormates.com Simple and they work great.

    Think about how you're going to detail or have the car detailed and waxed.
     
  3. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    I've always changed the oil after 1000 miles on a new car or rebuilt motor/trans. In this day and age, maybe it is just placebo.

    Do get it waxed soon after delivery.
     
  4. iwannaprius

    iwannaprius Junior Member

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    Where can I find the rubber case for the Toyota keys?

    Also, I heard it's not a good idea to wax a new car since the paint needs more time to cure? Not sure.
     
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Don't worry, wax away. It's cured considering transport time etc. And I'd say use a sealant (like Zaino) instead of waxing but that's personal preference.
     
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Some dealerships parts departments may have the rubber covers. If not? Try a website called The Jacket Store, or just google Key Fob Jacket...

    I have a cover on my fob, not only does it help protect the fob itself, which is a good thing, but also, it recesses the buttons a little more, which I like because it helps avoid any accidental pressing.

    You'll probably get differing opinions, but I think modern paint jobs are pretty well set by the time they reach dealerships. I have always waxed my vehicle within 2 months of buying it, and never had a problem. I think you could do it as soon as you want.
     
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  7. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    The rubber covers look tacky. Those fobs are extremely sturdy and I drop mine all the time, and it still looks like new.
     
  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Look Tacky? You can get them in any color from Camoflauge...(Yeah...Tacky) to Black...(pretty much looks like a untouched factory fob)

    I think the extra protection is worth it. The rubber makes the fob that much more waterproof, and the slightly more recessed buttons? Also a benefit in my opinion.
     
  9. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Paint is baked on at the factory. There's nothing left to cure.
     
  10. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Yeah, I agree, myself I think they look tacky. It's a fob, it needs to be protected from what? I've dropped mine as well many times (both an 06' fob and the 2010 fob) and they worked fine afterwards. Mine is always in my pocket and again, accidental button presses have been a non issue. But it's a matter of opinion so if ya' like em' by all means use one, if not don't.
     
  11. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    You guys have lost your minds.
    You get black...the fob covers...look just like the standard fob.

    How can it look tacky...if it looks just like a regular fob?

    Plus, I live in Oregon, it rains alot. I like the idea that my fob has an extra waterproof layer.

    I don't just keep only my fob in my pocket all the time. Protection from other keys, change or anything that might ALSO end up in my pocket is IMO another benefit.
     
  12. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Nope, sure haven't.
     
  13. rebenson

    rebenson Member

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    iwannaprius, noticing where you are located, I think it would be wise to have a prius owner that has had his for a couple of years that could come out and advise you of using the vehicle... That should be #1 priority. I have some extra vacation time and would be willing to fly out on the earliest available flight (my company requires 3 weeks notice for cacation time.)...

    Let me know...
     
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  14. dr_rock

    dr_rock Junior Member

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    :rockon:I agree. I used Zaino 2 weeks after delivery and it did a great job and still is handling the winter weather. It's amazing how often we hear the same things about "paint curing."
     
  15. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    It took me a year to get around to it, but I recently had 3M clear film applied to my headlight, front turn signals and fog lights. I don't want them to be hazy in a few years. The film is suppose to never turn yellow or haze. I don't think the tails will fade much, those for some reason fade much slowly....

    I also recommend looking on eBay for the leather center console cover. Saves the OEM fabric if you like to lay your elbow on the center console.
     
  16. iwannaprius

    iwannaprius Junior Member

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    Love that center fabric link!
     
  17. movingforward

    movingforward Member

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    Toyota should have made the center console with either leather or durable vinyl skin.

    Get rubber liners for your new prii, husky liners are great and cheaper than weathertech. Upgrade your headlamps to HID 4300-5000k, get fog lamps if it doesn't come with the car, look into extending the range of your Prii with a PHEV kit like the Enginer kit, get firmer springs Eibach for examples, tint windows, too much to list...
     
  18. guido

    guido Junior Member

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    When my PiP arrives in a couple weeks, I'll be adding the rear bumper protector and changing out the US-version of the rear wiper for the JDM-version. It allows you to put a 19" wiper blade on the back window instead of the 15-3/4".

    It's too bad you can't get the BT spoilers any more. It made a ton of difference for the handling on my 2005 Prius.
     
  19. yyyiiikes

    yyyiiikes Junior Member

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    +1 for Zaino. I've tried many different products and keep going back to Zaino.

    AND

    +1 for NOT worrying about the cure time. The best thing to do is put a good product on as soon as possible to protect against contaminants and UV.

    Most dealers apply a wax on delivery - but I am doubtful they are using a quality product.
     
  20. graybadge

    graybadge grumpy old man

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    IMHO, get yourself a couple 4" diameter convex mirrors. The Prius has pretty big blind spots, and these are valuable safety items. Someone else on the forum has suggested setting your mirrors at unusual angles, but for a small cost, just get the spot mirrors!