How well do you think the piano black plastics will hold up?

I used a light coat of Meguiar's car wax on my "Darth Vader" display, as well as the black dashboard pieces and my "fine white china." Not sure if that will help prevent scratches, but the wax makes it look nice and shiny.

I rarely touch the "touchscreen", I use the steering wheel buttons as much as possible. Volume, channel changes, mode, etc. I just found out that clicking that mode button twice, turns on the radio. Or, for the ultimate laziness I can use the voice activation for many things. "Tune to 101 FM." . (I keep a small soft micro-fiber cloth in the car to remove any fingerprints.)

I really like that XM radio, but not sure if I want to pay $18 a month for it. I only listen to 3 or 4 channels.

(I'll tell you what really bugs me, is all the dirt and water stains that I'm finding on the inside door sill area! The front tires throw up water/dirt and it goes right in that crack under the front doors! Finger prints on Darth Vader I can deal with... but not dirt on my pants when I exit the car and my lower leg touches that dirty door sill.)

"Now serving, Hot Green Tea Latte' on fine white china... Anyone?" (You "Boys in Black" don't know what you're missing. )

 

I've have some piano black interior parts on my 2013 CMax and they still look new. No special care or products used as I usually just wipe them down with a damp micro-fiber towel.

 

I extended my XM subscription at $5.00 a month. Took me turning down two or three offers and insisting that I wanted the lowest price availble. 6 months only and will have to call again at that time to keep the price low.

 

I use a microfiber cloth to keep the fingerprints off; but I also have a Swiffer for the dust ,not just on the screen; but on the entire dash which I find is a worse problem.

 

Jim, I'm using Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax (pure synthetic polymer). It's the easiest wax I have ever used. Very easy on, and off. I don't detect too much odor, maybe slightly, however everyone is different. It's my main polish for the exterior; drys clear, in case you happen to miss a little spot when wiping. So I thought I would try some on the Darth Vader, too. Did it again today. And I want to keep the "fine china" polished in case I spill something again.

The voice system won't turn on the climate control. She kept telling me that she doesn't understand my request. But it turns on the navigation, and the radio, and of course she will give you directions. I think that's about it. I'm still experimenting with it. (One time I said: "directions to the nearest McDonald's." And she brought up 7 on the screen,)

(Important Edit: Meguiar's has a similar product called "Ultimate Polish." TOO HARSH for interior pieces. It's meant to remove swirl marks in paint. I only use "Ultimate Wax" which is much more mild and comes off very easy. Please don't anybody take my suggestion and scratch your interior! I've been lucky so far.Maybe another question we should ask is, "How well do you think the exterior paint will hold up?"

I found my first damage in the paint. A small cut, right below the left "Black Bermuda Triangle" (fog light hole plug.) Something "sharp" hit the car.

Yes, I'm angry. In 11 years of driving my old 2005 Camry, I never got any road rashes on the front end. I've had my Prius for only 6 weeks. Anybody have that film put on the front of the car? How well does that hold up?

 

Exactly, that is why they are pushing the film option from the factory. Don't know any other way to protect it. ARGH!

 

Yes, I'm now a proud member of the "First Scratch Club." No big deal. That's the least of my worries.

But, it would've been nice to have the car "ding free" for at least the first friggin' 6 months! Auto companies are making the paints more thinner in order to save money. I'll bet you a large Pizza on it.

(I'll just put a "Make America Great Again" sticker over the ding. )

 

Hey Jim, what's this "clear bra" thing you're referring to? My new ding/scratch is on the front... right below the black plastic thing that covers the empty fog light hole. Something sharp hit me. (Why couldn't that object hit the plastic cover?!)

 

Thanks. So I guess I won't waste my money on the "protective film" the Toyota dealer offers.

 

This dilemma will continue as long as auto manufacturers keep using painted black plastic fairings fore and aft.

One thing some full-fairing motorcycles had was small, low-cost detachable pieces at the most likely contact points.

 

Toyota protective film came on my 2010, I can see several places where it has been hit. If it weren't there, I'm sure I'd have paint missing. It's not the best, but for some folks it is better than nothing.

 

Yes, lots of plastic. And thin metal. As I said in another thread, I'm starting to learn the intricacies & oddities of the Prius. I accidentally leaned on a fender or the hood too hard when waxing my car.... and I heard (and felt) the "oil can" sound. But that's not surprising, they have to cut weight in order to get those great MPGs.

 

I was trying to explain to some of my co-works what low rolling resistance was.

I was going to invite them to push my car to see how easy it was, but then I realized, "where will I allow them to push that would do no harm". I kept my mouth shut on that one.

jp