how hard is it to install a trailer hitch on a prius?

20mins, 4 bolts. very easy

hitch on ebay for about $149

you dont need a car lift, but a car jack (not just the spare tire one)
or this kit (usualy about $49 at any store)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950140000P?prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7






look under your car (in the rear) you will see two tow hooks, with 2 bolts on them, those you will remove, and put the new hitch there..






and

 

I bought mine about 2 years ago from etrailer.com. Installation took about 30 minutes and I did not use a lift or jack at all. The only tools needed I believe are a socket set and a box knife to cut a slice in a plastic under body panel. Wherever you wind up buying you might want to take a quick look at etrailer as they have the installation instructions online so you can familiarize yourself with the process.

If you need trailer lights that too is a relatively easy install, though it took a bit more research. Online it was recommended to use a Camry wiring harness that just snapped into the car with no cuts needed. The only thing that had to be done was the connector needed to be re-pinned. It was much easier that it sounded - it too took about 30 minutes - that too I bought from etrailer.

 

here is another kit for $48

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950115000P?cw=true

 

I got my Curt hitch at etrailer too on eBay. Be aware there's 2 styles of Curt. The old style that has a bar across the back of the muffler which was not good as the muffler heated that bar up and the new style like Timtims picture where the bar goes around the top of the muffler. You want that one.
Also be aware lots of complaints where the Curt mount ends do not align to the bolt holes due to poor jig welding at the factory. You have to bend the mount ends. This happened to me. In addition the width of the bolt holes on one end were off about 3/4 of an inch so I had to drill them out. It was a real pain.

You can also buy the wiring kit from etrailer too. Buy the one that just plugs in. Its real easy to wire up with that kit. That and a floor jack really helps holding it up while you bolt it in.