1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2010 Prius II - Quality of Life Modifications

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by JamesK94, Aug 25, 2018.

  1. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Last summer I bought a 2010 Prius II. I absolutely love it and have no regrets about buying it. Only issue is, is it's the base model without some of the special quirks and features the higher trims have. Which, considering the price I got it for, I have 0 issues with that! But, that doesn't mean I can't improve it 9 years after it was built! So I decided to create a thread to post my current set-up and future progressions. I'm hoping to have it all completed by the end of the year, but I don't wanna rush into anything. 1 step at a time to make sure I've dedicated enough research to a specific modification to not end up with any regrets.

    All of my modifications i'll be adding will mostly add "Quality of Life" features such as leatherette seats, Bluetooth, and LED lighting for example. If you have any suggestions, feel free to post them! I'm always interested on potential improvements to be made!

    I created a spreadsheet for myself to keep track of the stuff I want to add/have added and i'll have it linked here as well for anyone who may be curious enough to check it out.

    Link to the Spreadsheet.

    Current To-Do List (As of August 25th, 2018):
    1. 2012-2015 Taillights - Not really "Quality of Life", but I like the "Hockey Stick" look, so why not!
    2. Cup Holder Tray - Mostly buying just to fill in the area. From pictures I've seen, it looks pretty nice!
    3. Floor + Cargo Liners - Floor mats spoof up the interior greatly and make for an easier cleanup.
    4. Headlight Lense Replacements - Current ones are pretty scuffed up from previous owners.
    5. Illuminated Door Sill - Again, not really "Quality of Life", but they look cool!
    6. Laser Engraved Stainless Steel License Plate Frame - More firm and cleaner looking than plastic.
    7. LED Interior Lights - Once I went LED on my headlights, interior is a must now!
    8. Premium Leatherette Seat Covers - I love the look and feel of these seats!
    9. Remote Starter - I live in Arizona, so a remote starter for the leatherette seats is a must for Summer.
    10. Shark Fin Antenna - Look nicer than the stick antenna currently in place.
    11. Signal + Heated Side Mirrors - Don't really need heated mirrors, but they're not much extra so why not.
    12. Tinted Windows (33% Polarized All 4 Windows) - Another must need in Arizona
    13. Wheelskins EuroPerf Perforated Steering Wheel Cover - Current steering wheel is pealed a lot, so will help clean up the look of my steering wheel.
    14. Chrome interior door handles - Looks a lot better than the plastic.
    Already Installed:
    1. November 18th, 2017: Backup Camera + Dashcam - Pretty much a necessity.
    2. January 16th, 2018: Bluetooth - Nothing crazy, just a simple "Plug n' Play" but works beautifully!
    3. June 23rd, 2018: LED Headlights - I can never go back to Halogens now..
    Curiosity List:
    1. Different tires/rims? Mostly looking for quieter & smoother ride without greatly impacting performance/MPG.
    2. Other minor noise reduction modifications such as possible pads around tires to reduce tire noise?
    3. Looked at Heads-up-displays to project navigation directions on the windshield from my phone, but haven't really found any that peaked my interest enough.
    4. LED High-beams? Mostly looking for a "clean white" light as opposed to simply being LED but looking more into it first.
    5. Possibly drop a few hundred bucks extra on the Prius G headlights? Only issue is it's risky buying from a Yahoo Auction but if successful, will be very rewarding!
    6. Potential aftermarket Hubcaps if I don't change out the rims for bigger size for better ride quality? Curious if I can stick the Gen 4 hubcaps on since I like the way they look. But I'm not sure they'll fit on the rim. Would have to buy the Gen 4 rim to make it work i'm pretty sure if even possible.
    7. Considering settings up Blue LED lighting under the seats to give a slight Blue glow from under the dash & front seats. Might do Blue LED instead of white for the entire interior as well since Blue has that nice calming look to it as opposed to White.
    8. Might install one of these. If anything, it'll be the very last thing I do. Really cool, but pretty much it. Kinda goes on par with the 2012-2015 Taillights. Just something cool to do.

    Starting Pics (August 25th, 2018):

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    #1 JamesK94, Aug 25, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2018
  2. Djjkarate

    Djjkarate Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2018
    96
    47
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    great start.. you have a couple thing's I might add to my list.. !!! LOL

    maybe add the lower chrome modeling at the bottom of the doors, and maybe chrome door handle covers..
    I added the bug shield and the "over the window" covers.. the ones that slide into the window channel, not stick on's...
    Oh, I just added mud flaps today.. I'll be posting pix in another thead..

    Keep posting !!! ty..don
     
    quantumy likes this.
  3. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I was thinking of adding mud flaps, not too sure though. Will have to see how I feel about it later on.

    But adding Chrome to the doors might be nice!

    EDIT: Just looked into the Chrome door handles, it's fairly cheap to do so why not!
     
  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,103
    4,032
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Add air suspension (y)
     
    James Powers likes this.
  5. James Powers

    James Powers Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2017
    396
    555
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Not a bad place to start. Too bad you are far, I've got my 2014 tails sitting in a box in my garage... Also, your headlights don't look too bad. You could probably just do a full restore and they should clean up nicely.
     
  6. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    They look pretty bad in person. And I've tried doing them myself and professionally and they're better off just being replaced at this point. Plus, I want to replace them with proper LED housings as opposed to Halogens anyways.
     
    James Powers likes this.
  7. Starbrand

    Starbrand Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2014
    493
    1,502
    0
    Location:
    Westmont, IL
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    nice list, we all started somewhere!
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,467
    38,101
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I'm really not into mods, would leave it more or less as is, apart from a clean up and wax. But just to cherry pick one thing to comment on: I really don't see the point to changing the tail lights, to 2012~2015 version. Recent was parked side-by-side with 2012+, liked the look of ours better. Certainly no worse, or in need of upgrade.
     
  9. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,103
    4,032
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Agreed. 2012-2015 tail lights look like upside down chrome hockey sticks. The most awful looking tail lights ever, glad mine was yoinked out with aftermarkets in it's place.
     
  10. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I just like adding little features here and there for the sake of it. I'm a tech geek and all my other projects are completed at the moment so figured why not improve my car.

    And I just like the 2012-2015 taillights. I think they make the back more unique and funky looking. I really like the Gen 4 model design if that puts in any perspective of why I may like them. More of a design element to them as opposed to just rectangles stacked on top of each other.
     
    Mendel Leisk and RMB like this.
  11. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Decided to show my current additions before I created this thread:

    Backup Camera + Dashcam - $113 Parts, $120 Labor - November 18th, 2017

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The backup camera works, great, got it all installed and wired through "Audio Express" for $120. I could of easily installed it myself, but I don't feel comfortable messing with electrical wiring in something that I paid several thousands of dollars for. Only issue with this product is after 8 months the main device started to go out. It turns on and off randomly and doesn't keep track of the date properly anymore. I tried emailing them about it, but they weren't really any help. I'm gonna look into replacing the main device itself soon since I obviously want a fully functional dashcam since that was a major point of getting it in the first place.

    Bluetooth - $36 Parts, $0 Labor - January 16th, 2018

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    This item is absolutely perfect. It's a set and forget feature that i'd without a doubt recommend to my grave. I plugged it in, hid the wires in the center console, connected my phone to it for the first time, and haven't thought about it since. I get in my car, play music/podcasts off of my phone, or even make phone calls, and it connects without an issue and have never had any complaints about the mic quality from my end. Best $36 ever spent!
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,467
    38,101
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I'm really getting hooked on back up camera with guidelines. We have back up camera on our 2010, but it's absurdly wide angle, and no guidelines: I never really use it. Having opportunity to drive a Mazda CX-5 with back up camera with guidelines, it's much more useful.
     
    James Powers likes this.
  13. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yeah, the backup camera is really nice on it, hence why i'm not too upset of the main device crapping out after 8 months. I'm gonna try and use a new power connector today and see if that works since it may just be the cord that's going bad. Hopefully, cause I don't feel like running into this issue with another product.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  14. georgegui

    georgegui Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2018
    31
    46
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I'm also trying to increase the quality of life of my Prius i got last month. So far I have done the following mods:
    • Husky All weather mats
    • Carmate cup holder / organizer for center console.
    • Valenti Smoked Black LED taillights
    • JDM sequential turn signal mirrors from eBay
    • Yellow Fog light kit
    • TDR license plate
    • JDM window visors
    • GreenYi 8" Android headunit
    • Discrete NVX fiberglass subwoofer enclosure
    • Interior and exterior led lights (beamtech LED headlights)
    • FRS 17" wheels with Michelin Primacy tires
    • Reverse Camera
    • Vantrue N2 pro dashcam
    • Detailers Domain HydroSilex Recharge ceramic coating.
    • New front bumper
    • Tow hook for front license plate
    • Raamat Sound deadening in doors and trunk
    • Vinyl wrap roof black and tail spoiler carbon fiber.
    • 35% ceramic tint all around
     
  15. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Also forgot to add for the LED Headlights I added a few months ago:

    LED Headlights - $44 Parts, $0 Labor - June 23rd, 2018

    [​IMG]

    Love em, they work great, look great, and were stupid easy to install. Only issue is I still have Halogen headlight assemblies which I plan on swapping those out with LED assemblies in the next month or two. Just wanna make sure I further my research before I do something wrong and waste several hundred dollars.

    Blue LED Interior Lights - $12 Parts, $0 Labor - September 5th, 2018

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Was going to go for a more expensive set of lights for the same effect, but came across these and figured i'd give em a shot and I honestly have no regrets! They look great, light up the car the way I want them to, and so far so good. If they last a year, then i'd say they're a good buy. But obviously we'll have to see. For $12, I can't complain much.

    You may notice the driver's seat is a bit dark and that's because I messed up when trying to extract the old bulb out and ended up snapping the assembly out of place and it's now stuck inside my sun glass holder area. Tried to open the assembly myself to try and fix the issue, but I heard a crack and freaked me out. Will just have the guys at the shop next week when I get my oil changed + tires rotated to check it out for me instead.

    Cup Holder Tray - $13 Parts, $0 Labor - September 10th, 2018

    [​IMG]

    Don't really use it, but I like it cause it covers up the ugly bolts and blankness that is that area down there. Makes it look 100x better for $13!

    Prius 3D Emblem Black Stainless Steel License Plate Frame - $20 Parts, $0 Labor - September 16th, 2018

    [​IMG]

    Had this licence plate frame for the past year and was starting to bend so naturally wanted to replace it. The frame looks fantastic! Time will tell how well this $20 frame holds up especially in the heat. So far the "P" has started to peel, but I took the plate off and superglued the "P" back on since it seemed it was missing the adhesive that was holding it together. But for $20, can't complain too much! Also, I added the bolt covers after this picture since I forgot they were there. So no ugly bolts are showing!

    I did order a black Wheelskins Europerf steering wheel cover but after I installed it, I realized it was about 2 inches too big. So unfortunately I had to take it off and currently talking to customer support about sending me a new one. In the meantime, I did order another brand's cover which seems to fit the entire wheel as opposed to just the outer rim, so i'll have to see how that looks and feels before I install the new Wheelskins cover. If the other one looks good and works, i'll have the Wheelskins as a backup just in case of whatever.

    Also ordered the Sharkfin Antenna last week, so that should be hopefully coming in this week as well!
     
    Djjkarate and georgegui like this.
  16. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    White LED Vanity + License Plate Lights - $10 Parts, $0 Labor - September 21st, 2018

    [​IMG]

    Added White LED lights to my vanity mirrors and license plate. Above photo comparing the new LED (Driver's side) with the stock halogen (Passenger's side). Clearly much more brighter and cleaner looking without being "too" bright. I can look directly into the light without it hurting in the slightest. Very nice upgrade.
     
  17. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Shark Fin Antenna - $84 Parts, $0 Labor - October 6th, 2018

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Had to wait a week after receiving it since we were receiving heavy ran for a few days after the hurricane that hit Mexico and needed my roof to be hot enough for the adhesive to properly set in. But looks significantly better than the stock antenna. Radio works just fine I think. Only used the radio once or twice since I've gotten the car since all I listen to is Spotify and podcasts in my car.

    Currently installing a steering wheel cover and is taking me a long time and don't have much time to work on it. Should hopefully have it done by the end of the weekend, but so far that's coming along nicely. Will post pics once i'm done.
     
  18. georgegui

    georgegui Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2018
    31
    46
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I bought the AntennaX model off Amazon, i mostly listen to google play on my android headunit, i hope my reception isn't messed up by this.
     
  19. JamesK94

    JamesK94 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2018
    32
    36
    6
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    MeWant Steering Wheel Cover - $28 Parts, $0 Labor - October 20th, 2018

    Before:

    [​IMG]

    After:

    [​IMG]

    Originally tried out the WheelSkins cover a lil over a month ago, but it was a bit too big and while they did send me a replacement, I decided to shop around and find an alternative. Came across this cover which I honestly like a lot more since it covers the entire wheel as opposed to the outer rim. Doesn't feel as nice as the WheelSkins, but it feels nice enough. If I would of done it again, I would of gone for the real leather as opposed to the artificial because it had some rips when I was trying to tighten it as tight as I could and I feel real leather wouldn't of broken like this one did. But otherwise I really like it, looks significantly better than before, and feels a lot nicer as well!

    Now the weather is cooling down, i'm gonna start looking for the "Plug-In-Prius 5" LED headlights and get those installed hopefully soon along with the 2012-2015 taillights.
     
  20. zyrtek69

    zyrtek69 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2018
    1
    1
    0
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    hey james, which roof rack do you have? do you know will it work with the solar roof? thanks in advance.
     
    James Powers likes this.