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

Could I 2013-ify my 2011?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Ethan Waldman, Mar 2, 2016.

  1. Ethan Waldman

    Ethan Waldman Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2013
    45
    10
    0
    Location:
    Vermont
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I've been loving my (new to me) 2011 Prius Three, but when I bought it I didn't realize that there was a difference between the 13's and later. As far as I can tell, the differences are:

    • Black rims instead of silver
    • Different taillights
    • More angular front bumper cover
    If I wanted my 2011 to look like a 2013 or later, could I do it?
    • Would a 2013 bumper cover fit on my 2011?
    • Are the 2013 black rims the same as the 2011, just painted black?
    • Could I swap out the tail lamps?
    • What else would I need to do?
    I'm probably the most interested in the front bumper cover out of all of them.. And maybe the black rims ;)
     
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,061
    49,122
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    check the mod threads. you can do anything, if you put your mind, hands and wallet to it.:p
     
  3. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,798
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Yep, I agree.
    I've seen enough mod threads to realize with enough time, talent and money, nearly anything is possible.

    My real question is "Why?".

    I default to the tried and true cliche "Love The One Your With".

    But if you really think it's necessary? Go for it.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Luddite

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,933
    38,376
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Pointless. In particular the black rims.
     
  5. Dylan Doxey

    Dylan Doxey Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2013
    1,389
    3,455
    92
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The answer is a hearty YES.

    Swapping out the bumper cover is relatively simple. The one catch is that you probably need to swap out the underlying foam "energy absorber" as well. I know that @saulbassfan has some relevant experience in this department.

    The tail lights are a direct bolt-on replacement.

    The wheels should also be a direct bolt-on swap. However, if you just want them black you could probably save yourself several dollars by simply painting the ones you have.

    However, if it were me, and I am me, I would go for some G-Sport components instead.

    And on the side topic ...

    Some may say there's no value in aesthetic mods. But I disagree. Modding is how we renew our love for our rides.
     
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,798
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I have nothing against "aesthetic mods", some are quite impressive.

    I wouldn't personally work too hard to make a 2011 look like a 2013, but if someone wants to do so? I think it's a valid hobby.
     
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    7,854
    3,103
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    The bumper cover can be swapped:

    Will the new 2012 front bumper fit on a 2011?

    As mentioned, the tail lights are a direct swap. Though I think the tail lights from the PiP are nicer (clear lenses), over the double red hockey sticks of the 2012+.

    As for the black wheels, you might be able to find someone willing to trade with. IMO silver wheels look better on certain colored cars. ;)
     
    #7 xliderider, Mar 3, 2016
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2016
  8. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Yes, can be done. Cost will likely exceed the price between a 2013 and 2011. In other words: pointless. Go get a 2013.
     
    The Electric Me likes this.
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Luddite

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,933
    38,376
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    All these mods would cause some confusion when you come to trade or sell the car.
     
  10. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2010
    3,964
    2,610
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    There's a whole sub-forum here about Prius mods. I think you'll be happier with what you can accomplish with after-market instead of buying the expensive Toyota OEM stuff.
     
    Starbrand likes this.