Hey everyone - new user here, so apologies for the length of my post. Quick background: Purchased an excellent condition 2014 Lexus ct200h (44K miles) about six months ago after thinking I wanted a Prius v. The interior of the Lexus won me over but I've still been eyeing the v, mainly due to the room it offers. My father-in-law has a 2014 base model v (38K miles) with a few small upgrades (leather seats, tinted windows, etc.) but it's nowhere near the Three or Five trim level I would have chosen (I love the look of the fog lights and 17" wheels) if I had bought. Having said that, we've been kicking around the idea of swapping cars as the v just seems to be more logical for me and my growing family and he loves my Lexus for his retired lifestyle. The more I drive around with my kid, the more I feel the v is the way to go, it just doesn't have the creature comforts I had become accustomed to, yet, if we made the trade, I'll end up making a few bucks due to the price difference, so it's hard to argue. My questions: I noticed that his v is quite loud on the road - is this a common thing with the car or could there be an underlying issue? I checked tire pressure and they are all around 40psi. It's a whirring noise when going around town. If I were to get the car, I'd love to make some upgrades, including adding fog lights and getting the 17" wheels on it. Any recommendations or watchouts here? Are there any aftermarket or interior upgrades that are a must-have? Thanks!
Road noise is a given on a v. You can reduce it a little with the right tires and the correct air pressures, tires depending on what it has now. The 17” tires will make it worse and the ride will suffer, as will the speedometer. It is not a Lexus. Your sound system could use an amp and speakers, the factory system is poor especially the back speakers.
Appreciate the response. I was a little scared the road noise was a given AND that thinking about 17" wheels wouldn't help the fact..They currently have whatever came stock on it, so if you know of any better tires, I'm all ears.
Michelin - less noise better ride, maybe 100k miles at factory door pressures around 35 psi. The car does well on the highway from a handling standpoint.
I had a Prius v five for over a year, loved the car and it's amazing fuel economy. I was sorta the other way around, I was eyeing a ct200h because hell, they are about the same cost! I would lust after the lexus with its beautiful interior, it's independent rear suspension, and its beautiful gauges. I definitely thought later if I made the right decision. Any way, the v started drinking oil like most(not all) prii. I traded it in for a ford c-max. If you have any questions for me, let me know! I'm very familiar with these cars. I've owned four Prii, and I've even replaced a Prius engine before, so I know these cars in and out.
I have a ct200h while my wife has a prius v Five. The V is definitely the more practical car but has more road noise compared to my ct which has more sound deadening materials. The ct fits like a glove while the V is more airy and a traditional SUV / minivan posture which I personally find more comfortable for drives lasting more than one hour.
Find a Prius v Five to buy. I have one with ATP and the heated seats, stereo, skylights, 17s, fogs etc are worth the search.
