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Car for Mexico?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by coolredmudball, Mar 20, 2016.

  1. coolredmudball

    coolredmudball New Member

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    I'm thinking of buying a new Prius but I thought I'd come here for some feedback first. We drive to Mexico each winter from Oregon. We currently drive. 2002 Rav4 which has a road clearance of 6.3 inches. This is just about right for the Mexican speedbumps (topes) which seem to be eberywhere. The Prius has only 5.3 inches. Is there a way to raise the Prius e.g larger tires or raising the suspension? Would this mess with the odometer/speedometer or anything else? Also are the rear seats removable to create a larger cargo area? And finally, does it come with or is there a factory roof rack available? Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 coolredmudball, Mar 20, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    A Rav 4 would fit your needs more than a Prius. They are coming out with a Rav4 Hybrid (maybe already out)
     
    #2 JC91006, Mar 20, 2016
  3. tanglefoot

    tanglefoot Whee!

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    I think you'd be just fine. Each time we've gone to Mexico, it seems like the most common vehicles were the classic-style VW Beetle and the Nissan Tsuru (earlier-gen Sentra) along with a number of Corollas. You can cross the topez at a tiny bit of an angle if it makes you feel more comfortable. I wouldn't go through the trouble of trying to increase the ride height.

    The Prius rear seat folds flat for excellent cargo versatility.
     
    #3 tanglefoot, Mar 20, 2016
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If you raise the suspension, expect the aerodynamics (and MPG) to suffer. Larger tires would indeed alter the speedometer/odometer.

    Stock the rear seat fold flat (60/40) and hold quite a lot. if you removed them it would hold more but you would lose the flat load floor.
    [​IMG]
    Four 8 gallon tubs and a 17 foot extension ladder in a stock gen 2 with seating for 3.

    And again, if you get an aftermarket roof rack, expect the aerodynamics (and MPG) to suffer.

    Toyota RAV4 - 2016 Models: RAV4 Base, RAV4 Sport & RAV4 Limited
     
    #4 JimboPalmer, Mar 20, 2016
    Starbrand likes this.
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    #5 fotomoto, Mar 20, 2016
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! why not consider a mexican car that's designed for the terrain?
     
    #6 bisco, Mar 20, 2016
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