What can I add/not add to a 2005 Prius?

It's very difficult to add "stock" Toyota options to a car that came without them. The wires aren't in the car, for example. The backup camera could only be used with a MFD intended for it.

There is good news, however. There are "non-integrated" bluetooth modules you can put in the car. There are also aftermarket backup cameras. VSC is not possible without a -lot- of work/rebuilding and fairly high cost. The iPod or Aux in jack can be added by any competent car audio store. It will be aftermarket. They could also do the backup camera for you as well as the bluetooth. They may be able to do all with a replacement radio. Cost would be the only real factor.

 

IMO here's something important to consider. If you are tied to the used market, buying from your parents offers one huge advantage. Assuming your relationship with your parents is decent, you should have a good idea about vehicle history and maintenance. You should know how your parents have treated the vehicle and what history it has. If you shop for a used off a lot, or even private party you lose that advantage. Even a CarFax like report, won't be as revealing as having your Parents as the previous owners.

Of course, if the reality is that your parents are tough on automobiles, and don't maintain them well, you also know that as well.

 

Another reason to purchase the used car from your parents is that you might avoid paying sales or "use" tax depending upon your state. For example in CA, if you buy a used vehicle from a private party then you must pay use tax equivalent to the sales tax applicable in that locale, when you register the vehicle with the CA DMV.

However if you buy the car (or receive it as a gift) from a close relative then you don't have to pay this tax. On a $25K vehicle this is a ~$2K savings. Then you can invest that savings into the aftermarket accessories that you decide upon.

 

Some non-Toyota goodies I added to my '06 and like:

1) tinted windows (a MUST!)

2) leather upholstery

3) Infinity speakers, subwoofer and amp

4) better tires

Things I don't have but would like:

1) nice all weather mats

2) ventshades (maybe - I'd like to know if they add noise)

3) aftermarket wheels

Things I would avoid:

1) big honkin' muffler

2) fake hood scoop

3) big wing on roof

ound:

 

Are you looking to use less gas to save money, or to use less gas?

 

The Toyota ventshades I put on Pearl didn't add any noise and didn't affect fuel economy. In Canada they sell the type that are stuck on with double sided tape, not the type that go into the window slots. The double sided tape was not stuck well on the plastic. I installed them on the car, and properly cleaned and primed the vehicle. They came loose, and when the dealer parts guy tried to refuse warranty I pointed out the tape was still stuck on the vehicle, and came off the plastic ventshade. I got warranty.

 

Thanks a bunch for the info. My custom shop (they did my tint and stripes) sell Ventshades, which I have had on my last 2 vehicles. Since they don't add any wind noise on your car, I will for sure add them to mine (poor man's solar ventilation - leave all the windows down a fraction since they are covered by the ventshades).

Very cool move on the warranty. Hard to fault that logic. OTOH, you can get the 3M industrial double-sticky foam-backed tape from auto paint shops and re-apply it. Ventshades (the brand of that name) uses 3M and I've had great luck with them.

 

You'll save money in gas. BUT when you add the cost of buying the prius vs keeping your current car you'll notice that you'll have to drive A LOT of miles before you even break even.

Please dont everyone attack me over my numbers, its just a basic example.

Ive driven 210,000+ Miles in my Prius. The average cost per gallon has probably been around $2.75. I average around 46 mpg.
Over the lifetime of the car Ive probably spent around $12500 ((210,000miles/46mpg)*$2.75) on gas.

If your passat averaged 28 mpg, then youd spend ~$20,500 or only ~$8000 more. (Thats over the 210,000 miles)

Im sure the Prius will cost you more than $8000, and its doubtful that most people will take their Prius upto 200,000 miles.

 

Get a Garmin 265W or equivalent - navigation and bluetooth all in 1, and all for under $200!

 

KCobby, inflate the tires ($0) & block the grill (cheap) to improve FE. Buy a ScanGauge so you can see what's happening which will improve the efficiency of your driving.