I won a $200 gift Cert to a big, not-local Toyota dealership at a raffle this weekend. Since I'll never service my car there it seems smart to use it on some accessories. Any recommendations? I have a blue ribbon metallic 2010 Prius III (no nav or sunroof). I don't want to let it go to waste.
Buy a bunch of 15 engine oil filter, 5 engine air filters, 10 cabin air filters. They will last for the life of your car (10 years / 150k miles). If you have extra, get transaxle fluid and engine oil.
I'd be inclined to agree with some of the posters recommending items that you know you'll need for maintenance. Although, I'm not sure I'd go quite as crazy as USB says, but still would be smart to pick up at least 2 engine oil filters, 8 quarts of oil, 2 engine air filters, 2 cabin air filters. See what that puts you at, but my guess is you'd be close to the $200 amount by then knowing dealership prices. That'll get you about 2 years of oil change and filter maintenance, essentially for free. If you have the itch like I do to spend it on something that you otherwise wouldn't probably pay for, iPod adapter, all weather mats (although the weather tech ones are MUCH better than OEM, IMO), window tinting.
I have the same year and color Prius. Get yourself a nice tint job. Mine was $240, including the new Llumar Air Blue tint on the front windshield. It really helps keep the car cooler here in Florida.
There is a chrome accent piece that fits at the door bottoms, looks nice in with the blue color. You can see it here at the Priuschat store. It's not as practical as the other ideas, but with a gift why be practical
Thanks for all the suggestions! A few filters and the rubber cargo area mat is probably what I'll do. I need to protect the cargo carpet for sure. I already have the Husky floor liners and lower chrome door strips.
Cargo net is a handy accessory. The lower body side mouldings are nice too. Maybe a USB/iPod connector? Of course, get some maintenance items too. That'll save you money on service.
Go to Fuelly.com and register. They will send you an email with an FAQ that will tell you all you need to know. I've meant to do this for some time but I kept forgetting and you reminded me so I added it this morning with my last 4 fill ups that I recorded. I expect my numbers to drop dramatically once I put the 17s back on the car but I'll switch to my other fuelly signature with the 17s. 46mpg here I come! lol
Unfortunately that is what happens every time I switch. The max I have been able to pull on the 17s is 47mpg but if I used my current technique (driving 60mph instead of 65mph) I think I could get 48mpg. The 15s are just that much more efficient and hypermiling is much easier. Ohh and they are a little smaller in diameter so that skews the figures in their favor. The total honest difference is likely around 6-7mpg.
