Lexus ES300 Horns on 07 Prius

Yesterday I installed some Lexus ES300 horns that I got on eBay for $40 including shipping and handling. I wanted a more authoratative sound to ward off SUV's and other cell-phone using drivers who don't pay attention when they're merging into me. I followed directions that I got in other threads on this forum.

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The bottom two horns are the OEM Prius horns. Small vibrating horns that emit an annoying tinny toy car sound. No one pays attention to them when you honk.

The top two horns are the ES300 horns, one for the high tone and one for the low tone. Together they make a harmonious, authoritative honk that actually sounds like they come from a real car. Installation took about 30 minutes including undoing and reattaching all the fasteners on the front of the car. The Lexus horns just plugged right into the Toyota electrical terminals. Truly plug and play.

Ironically, one hour after installing the horns I put them to good use. I was driving in the left lane a two lane road when a car pulled out of a driveway in front of me. Immediately upon turning into the right lane, it proceeded to merge directly into the left lane and into my new Prius. The driver was talking on her cell phone and didn't bother looking to see if there were any cars -in this case, me- in the left lane. So I honked long and hard as I slammed on the brakes to avoid crashing into her. She paused momentarily then continued to cut me off. If I had used the original OEM Prius horns, I'm sure that she would not have paused. The momentary pause likely prevented an accident.

Incidents like this happen regularly on my commute to and from work. Usually it's SUV drivers that either don't see me or think they own the road and merge right into me. For me, louder more authoratative horns are a safety device as much as seat belts and airbags.

 

My friend drove a large dump truck one summer for work during college. He said that he had no problem merging and that everyone cleared out of his way when he signaled to change lanes. He said it was comical how quickly other drivers yielded to him, giving him a wide berth. It's funny how when you're driving a big hulking truck, other drivers respect you (since you could crush them). But when you drive a small car like a Prius, they ignore you or treat you like road kill.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(allargon @ Mar 19 2007, 11:24 AM) [snapback]408453[/snapback]</div>

Don't know, but I bet that you could pick up old Toyota/Lexus horns at a junkyard. I got mine on eBay. I just didn't want to have to deal with crimping or cutting wires, especially in such tight spaces where the horns are located. The Lexus horns were simple plug and play. I imagine that the Camry horns would be the same.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John in LB @ Mar 20 2007, 08:45 AM) [snapback]408932[/snapback]</div>

Although it may appear that there are some Freudian undercurrents to my horn post, trust me. I am perfectly pleased with my size in all dimensions. As are the women in my life. :lol:

Wanting a louder horn is simply practical matter, having been hit and nearly run off the road by other drivers who find my cars to be invisible.