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2010 toyota prius base model upgrade

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by fopoku2k2, Jul 21, 2015.

  1. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I am thinking of buying a 2010 toyota prius base model. I have got three questions

    1. what are the main difference between the basic model and the higher models
    2. is it worth it to spend the extra money to get say the 2011/12 model Four, not IV. Roman numerals are for model year 2010 only.
    3. can i easily upgrade my basic model to some of the specs of the higher models??

    Thank you
     
    #1 fopoku2k2, Jul 21, 2015
  2. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    when you say Base do you mean Prius II or Prius I?

    Prius II was the cheapest model you could buy in retail, and Prius I was sold to fleet operators only, but then resold to general public by rental companies. Major differences btw II and I are steel wheels vs Alum on II, and lack of cruise control. With respect to other trims look at the specs but for most part it is a better audio/navi, fog lights and seat covers; sunroof, bigger wheels, etc.

    LED headlights the pair of LED bulbs is $60-90 on eBay/Amazon. HIDs are 1/2 of that. Fog light kit is $60-120. Seat covers had been discussed to the death on this forum. So is audio. It is up to you to decide if need it and if it is worth it or not.
     
    #2 cyclopathic, Jul 21, 2015
  3. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    Vehicle:
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    II

    This is the VIN of the prius I am thinking of buying . . . JTDKN3DU8A0123037. how can I tell if it is a Model I or Model II.

    [​IMG]

    Also I think I would do the fit out myself with the help of this forum. I am thinking of getting these for now

    1. Pioneer AVH-4100NEX to enjoy android auto
    2. Also maybe I might just get some LED headlights
     
    #3 fopoku2k2, Jul 21, 2015
  4. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    I am not sure how to say by VIN, but steel rims on outside and the lack of cruise control at steering wheel should be pretty obvious.
     
    #4 cyclopathic, Jul 21, 2015
  5. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    according to an online toyota vin decoder (image attached), my 2010 is a trim III. the website is totally confused right??
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 fopoku2k2, Jul 21, 2015
  6. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    here is the diff btw trims:
    2010 Toyota Prius Trim Levels Will Be Confusing
    So the diff btw II and III is the 8-speaker radio.

    We've installed Leather seats in our II and while they look really great I am not fond of leather. Too cold in winter, too hot in summer. Regular cloth covers are just fine.
     
    #6 cyclopathic, Jul 21, 2015
  7. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    So the diff btw II and III is the 8-speaker radio.

    We've installed Leather seats in our II and while they look really great I am not fond of leather. Too cold in winter, too hot in summer. Regular cloth covers are just fine.[/QUOTE]


    I think i would pass on the leather seats since I might be using this car more in the summer. apart from leather seats, what else have you installed?
     
    #7 fopoku2k2, Jul 21, 2015
  8. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    Fog lights and additional pieces (sway bar, braces, camber kit) to improve handling (I drive in mountains and on country roads sometimes).

    Also HID kits but those hardly qualify as upgrades, takes a few min to plug in. Wind deflectors?
     
    #8 cyclopathic, Jul 21, 2015
  9. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    I would be picking up my 2010 used prius in a few days. since I was on a tight budget I got one with a high mileage. mileage is around 239,000. I was able to get a maintenance history from mycarfax, but its not detailed enough. should I be worried about maintenance going forward??
     
    #9 fopoku2k2, Jul 21, 2015
  10. d3vin26

    d3vin26 New Member

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    I have an Sonic Beat Shark Fin Antenna for sale. That would be a nice upgrade for your Prius. message me for more info.

    I meant Beat-Sonic. Model FDA42

    Here's the link
     
    #10 d3vin26, Jul 23, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 24, 2015
  11. jamessicat408

    jamessicat408 Active Member

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    I would personally upgrade the stereo to a nav unit. That's probably the only thing I would upgrade if I buy a used base Prius
     
    #11 jamessicat408, Jul 24, 2015
    fopoku2k2 likes this.
  12. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Go to Toyota Owners Official Web Site sign up and put in the VIN. The little maintenance done buy Toyota including one wheel bearing replaced, another now suspect and no sign the hybrid battery has been replaced at 239,000 miles would "tell me" not to pursue this vehicle. Granted other records may exist elsewhere, but the oil change history is suspect as well. YMMV
     
    #12 frodoz737, Jul 24, 2015
  13. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    Yes. I saw Toyota maintenance history. Got me worried too. But then again if he really didn't do all those missing maintenance schedule would the car have lasted this long?

    Couldn't he have done some of the maintenance by himself or at a corner shop?

    A0001 ?
     
    #13 fopoku2k2, Jul 25, 2015
  14. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Yes and everyone has computers to retrieve records...parts stores, shops...everyone. Was the last entry about noise fixed or just reported? Again...at 239,000 miles and no real history I would pass on this one...but my standards may differ from yours.
     
    #14 frodoz737, Jul 25, 2015
  15. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    I think the noise wasn't fixed because on the iaai listing it was stated to have a mechanical fault (front end). So I would be ordering a new wheel bearing to change myself

    A0001 ?
     
    #15 fopoku2k2, Jul 25, 2015
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