I am wondering if there are things that I can do to the Prius to make it more comfortable? To start, I have an '04 with 195k. Needless to say, the shocks could probably be replaced, and that would help. I do not know how much, though. I do not know when they were replaced last. Now, I am not trying to sound like some comfort-oriented spoiled driver. However, a close family member has back problems and would really appreciate any mods that could be made to get the car up to Cadillac or close comfort level. Is a newer car more comfy simply because of how much newer everything is? Are there any mechanical differences between the Touring edition and other versions? Thanks for any suggestions anyone can provide. I am already researching other threads as well.
leather seat covers will help, and definitely shocks and struts. in fact, all your suspension components should be checked, especially rubber bushings. new tyres designed for a smooth ride and keep them at factory inflation spec, don't over inflate. you might want to replace the seats altogether with high end or camry seats. probably gonna be tough to get it to a caddy level though.
THF, You mentioned a newer ride. I will say this. The new 2013 Prius we have is much more comfortable than our old 2009 Gen II was. The seats are redesigned and covered with what is called "Softex" material. Easy to keep clean. A little Tuff Stuff on any stains and a good vacuum cleaner is all you need. I haven't driven the models with the leather, so I can't speak about those. Our new 2013 Prius is a model 3. It has everything we need plus a lot of extras we did not expect. Model 3 comes with the backup cam and navigation. Model 2 and below - no back up cam in the "Gen III" series. Definitely you need new struts, shocks, and probably bushings and what have you. New rear springs would also make it smoother. Then put on a good set of LRR tires and have them balanced and lastly have the front end realigned. If you are willing to spend a few bucks, that is what I would do. Now if you can afford new car payments, you might consider trading your Prius in on a new one. Lots of incentives out there at this time. If you have good credit, you might be able to secure a zero percent interest loan through Toyota. Hopes this info helps you. Ron (dorunron)
Maybe you could try getting more comfortable seats from other toyota products, like an avalon. Or maybe seats from a 2010+ prius. Just an idea. Good luck!
Worn suspension components like struts usually ride softer than new struts, which tend to be firmer. The Touring version had a stiffer ride than non-Touring version, due to firmer struts, a chassis-stiffening brace (marginal effect) and lower-profile tires. Which tire pressures are you using? It's not recommended to go lower than placard pressure, but you could experiment some. Also, some tires definitely ride softer than others at a given pressure. Maybe you can borrow a trick from the big trucks and implement a suspension seat.
I have back problems too and the Prius G2 is not a back friendly car. The seats suck and the car hits hard over bumps. Its an unforgiving tight little chassis. I love the car and has been a fantastic car but was never built for comfort. I 100% agree with Okinawa. At 195K miles its end of life anyway. You could put a fortune into rebuilding the suspension and still have a car that will bother someone with a bad back. Time for a car that was built for comfort.
That is not going to happen with a Prius. If you want a Cadillac ride then you'll need to buy a large car with a long wheelbase and a luxury car suspension. Just as a Cadillac owner would not reasonably expect to achieve 50 mpg, a Prius owner cannot expect a luxury car ride. If you replace the Prius front struts and rear shocks that will improve the ride vs. the continued use of parts with 195K miles on them, but don't expect miracles.
