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need tips to improve look - any ideas

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by latinsalsadancer, Oct 3, 2007.

  1. latinsalsadancer

    latinsalsadancer New Member

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    Hi - Just bought a new 2008 Red Prius. Well, for the most part, I dislike red! Yes - I know, but my husband likes red and I was getting a dealer to take my car when others were trying to rip me off on a trade value and that was pretty much the only color I had to choose from other than white and I was afraid the white would show dirt too much. To make matters worse, someone else in my building just bought a new Prius and go figure - it is red! (we all noticed it in the parking lot this past week). I am really beside myself on that! I hardly ever get to buy a new car, and now somebody else has the exact same one a few feet from mine!

    Since I am now locked into high payments, I cannot afford a custom paint job which I would if I could! Does anyone know what I could do to my car to make it look more sporty and make me feel better without spending a ton of money?

    Thanks for any ideas!

    Amy
     
    #1 latinsalsadancer, Oct 3, 2007
  2. LoreePrius

    LoreePrius Junior Member

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    The tire rims are ugly but I do not want to sent the money on new ones. I read somewhere on Priuschat that you can take off the plastic rim on the tires. So, I did. For me it looks better with it off, and it does not cost anything.
     
    #2 LoreePrius, Oct 3, 2007
  3. jezroj

    jezroj New Member

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    I personally like the side molding, it makes the car look nicer and protects it from people hitting with the doors
     
    #3 jezroj, Oct 3, 2007
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Sharkfin antenna for $75 at the PriusChat shop

    Welcome to PriusChat btw!
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Oct 3, 2007
  5. NicksBlackBrid

    NicksBlackBrid New Member

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    This is kind of expensive, but I put on a roof rack as opposed to a hitch because I think it breaks up the minivan look of the car. I also think tinted windows change the look a lot in these cars, but that is also somewhat expensive. Since the car is such a bright color, I think any black additions you might make to the car would also break up the cheesewedge shape, like a rear bumper guard or mud flaps, anything to break up the smoothness of it I think... Just my thoughts, good luck.
     
    #5 NicksBlackBrid, Oct 3, 2007
  6. Blue Hoosier

    Blue Hoosier New Member

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    I think the Prius decals that are available in the Prius Chat Accessory Shop for $17 make the car look a little more sporty. As you can see by my car, we decided on the white decals, but they are available in black or grey.

    Welcome to Prius Chat.
     
    #6 Blue Hoosier, Oct 3, 2007
  7. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Shark fin has my vote and mudflaps. I took the trims off my wheels and I think window tint may be on my list. a small chrome exhaust tip and finish off with a personalised numberplate.

    I really don't think the Prius needs much improving, I love the look. I work for a government department that have several Prius so I want mine to look a little different to the department's cars. There is often a silver one right beside my silver Prius at work.
     
    #7 patsparks, Oct 3, 2007
  8. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Window visors are more practical than sporty, but they might help distinguish your car from the other one. A custom licence plate would be unique, and let you express some creativity. How about a pirate flag on the antenna? (More suitable to black, but what the heck...) Maybe some little dance shoes hanging off the rearview mirror? :)
     
    #8 hyo silver, Oct 3, 2007
  9. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    White racing stripe.

    Green dragons down the side.

    Polka dots.

    Spider webs.

    Buick portholes.

    Lightning bolts.

    FREE YOUR IMAGINATION !!!! Let you car liberate you !!!
     
    #9 Doc Willie, Oct 3, 2007
  10. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Oct 3 2007, 07:45 PM) [snapback]520990[/snapback]</div>
    What is a Buick porthole??
     
    #10 Rae Vynn, Oct 3, 2007
  11. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    #11 dogfriend, Oct 3, 2007
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The American version of the European side vent (e.g. M3/M5)
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Oct 4, 2007
  13. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(latinsalsadancer @ Oct 3 2007, 02:15 PM) [snapback]520841[/snapback]</div>
    I don't think you can do anything that would compare to the difference a nice set of rims (17s) and some window tint make. It completely transformed my car in the eyes of my racer friends. I get comments al the time from others saying "I didn't know a Prius could look that cool". lol

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    And my car next to a stock Barcelona Red prius. (both are dirty)
    [​IMG]
     
    #13 F8L, Oct 4, 2007
  14. pingman

    pingman New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ Oct 4 2007, 09:14 AM) [snapback]521129[/snapback]</div>

    those CA carpool stickers are NASTY looking Geeeeeez :blink:
     
    #14 pingman, Oct 4, 2007
  15. latinsalsadancer

    latinsalsadancer New Member

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    That is way cool - how expensive is it to get a design on the doors - I cannot seem to get this information on line! Thanks for writing!

    Amy

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Oct 3 2007, 09:45 PM) [snapback]520990[/snapback]</div>

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ Oct 4 2007, 09:14 AM) [snapback]521129[/snapback]</div>

    Thank you so much for taking the time to send me these pictures! I am very impressed and I was thinking about rims minimally anyway - the only question I have is - do you suggest getting upgraded tires while I am doing that? I only have 250 miles on my car, but I read the tires are not the greatest in the snow. I am assuming if I get another set - they will be a different size which would make a difference when buying the rims.
    I love the look of your car!

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LoreePrius @ Oct 3 2007, 05:40 PM) [snapback]520864[/snapback]</div>
    You are right! They are ugly aren't they? Thanks for the suggestion.!

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jezroj @ Oct 3 2007, 06:19 PM) [snapback]520877[/snapback]</div>
    I like that too - thanks for the suggestion ;) Amy

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 3 2007, 06:27 PM) [snapback]520881[/snapback]</div>
    THANK YOU!!! Glad to be here!

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NicksBlackBrid @ Oct 3 2007, 06:55 PM) [snapback]520898[/snapback]</div>
    I appreciate your suggestion so much! Thank you!

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Oct 3 2007, 10:26 PM) [snapback]521002[/snapback]</div>
    THAT IS WAY TOO COOL! AND INEXPENSIVE TOO! THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTION! AMY
     
    #15 latinsalsadancer, Oct 6, 2007
  16. PriusOwner004

    PriusOwner004 New Member

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    You want "Sporty," get the stickers from this site. Also, if you like bras, get the bra too. IMO, looks very sporty and adds a nice touch. The stickers though are the cheapest and most noticeable upgrade. Though you might get tired from all the attention. Anywhere I pull over, or even if pedestrians are crossing at a light, people stare and ask me questions about the car (the stickers attract all that attention). Since I took this picture, I also got the side moldings, they also add a nice touch.

    By the way you are a "latinsalsadancer" and you don't like red?!? Hmm...

    [​IMG]



    P.S. Don't you wish you got a Seaside Pearl... ;-)
     
    #16 PriusOwner004, Oct 6, 2007
  17. latinsalsadancer

    latinsalsadancer New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusOwner004 @ Oct 6 2007, 09:19 PM) [snapback]522310[/snapback]</div>
    Yes!!! Anyway - your car looks fabulous - and thanks - I will get the stickers now that I see how great they look on your car! Have you seen any of the chrome moldings for the roof? I thought maybe that would look good also but even better if they would make them to go over the tires.

    Thanks for the picture and email!
    Amy

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Oct 3 2007, 07:39 PM) [snapback]520920[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the dancing shoes idea ! How cute! Amy
     
    #17 latinsalsadancer, Oct 7, 2007
  18. latinsalsadancer

    latinsalsadancer New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Oct 3 2007, 07:39 PM) [snapback]520919[/snapback]</div>
    I took the plastic off from around the wheels today - wow! What a huge different that makes! Thanks!
     
    #18 latinsalsadancer, Oct 7, 2007
  19. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    I'd recommend #1 on your list to be the Prius decals. They come in white, gray and black and really make the car. I've had salesmen at the dealerships ask me where I got them when I bring my car in for servicing.

    I'd also recommend the door strip down the side not just for looks but also for function.

    I'd also recommend the mudguards and the back bumper protector. The mudguards really do help keep the car clean and the bumper protector (the rubber one, not the decal) protects the back bumper when you're loading and unloading anything.

    If you're concerned about the hood and rock chips, there is a nice smoke plastic bug deflector. If you go that direction, also consider the weathertech window deflectors as they'll match. Be sure to read the directions and use the clips on the back windows.

    Then there's window tint.

    The sharkfin has been mentioned already.

    Since red is your husband's favorite color, I'd suggest buying these items for him for Father's Day, his birthday, Christmas and any other holiday you can think of. By all means, since they're his gifts he should install them, or pay for installations. :D
     
    #19 Godiva, Oct 7, 2007
  20. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    We were driving through Aberdeen (WA) yesterday, and saw a SuperWhite with the door divot painted YELLOW!! yup, the whole length of both doors...
    It was an interesting accent.

    Just another time that I wished that I had a camera with me...
     
    #20 Rae Vynn, Oct 7, 2007
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