This is a simple DIY guide on how to design and create your very own custom JDM badge/mark. But before we dive into badge creation, let’s get into a short history of what they mean. In Japan, “leaf” pictograms in…
Next gen 2015 Toyota Prius spy shots
Motor Authority has posted some spy shots of the next gen 2015 Toyota Prius. While the prototype next gen Prius under its camouflage cover doesn’t reveal much, it appears to retain its trademark Prius wedge shape – albeit some minor…
A well needed break!
After smashing through a record number of Prius projects this month, working long hours and finalizing all oversea trade show arrangements at my work (we’re exhibiting in Canada, Mexico and Brazil in addition to domestic shows), it’s finally time to…
Received my Toyota Hybrid Nation badge
Not much of an update, but you can get your very own Toyota Hybrid Nation badge mailed to you by filling out the form on this page: http://www.toyota.com/letsgoplaces/toyota-hybrid-nation/ I saw the badge on a Prius V and looked up “Toyota…
First year anniversary of Prius ownership
A year ago today, I drove my 2012 Toyota Prius Four home. In a year, I’ve clocked exactly 15,000 miles, gassed up 36 times and spent a collective $1,241.22 in gas. That’s a savings of $1,559.00 vs. the 2005 Acura…
DIY: Illuminated Prius mirror switch with JDM folding mirrors
If you have installed a set of JDM power folding side mirrors following my DIY guide on a 2012+ 3rd gen Prius, then you are fully aware that one of the trade off is losing your illuminated mirror switch. 2010-2011…
DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide on how to install JDM power folding side mirrors onto your 2010+ 3rd gen USDM Toyota Prius or Plug-in Prius (PiP). As an added bonus, this guide includes instruction on how to wire up…
DIY: How to remove the door panels off a 2010+ 3rd gen Prius
There are times when you need to access the door frame. Replacing your OEM speaker is usually the primary reason, but you may also need to remove the glass, replace the actuators, remove your side rearview mirrors or install JDM…
Preview: JDM Prius power folding side mirrors wiring diagram
Update: DIY guide is now up, DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors I am making decent progress in sketching the wiring diagrams to help assist in the installation and wiring up a set of JDM Prius power…
Received my JDM Prius power folding side mirrors kit, my thoughts
Update: DIY guide is now up, DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors I generally do not have time on a weekday to entertain Prius projects. Heck, I rarely have time on the weekend and it looks like…
Prius JDM power folding side mirrors ordered, DIY coming soon
Update: DIY guide is now up, DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors I’ve been able to source out a 3rd gen Prius JDM power side folding mirrors kit for $500 + $83 shipping and have placed an…
Next Prius project: Converting high-beams into daytime running lights (DRL)
UPDATE: DIY guide is now available: DIY: How to add daytime running lights to a 2010-2011 Prius My next weekend project for the Prius is to convert the high-beams into daytime running lights (DRL), like older Toyotas and certain models,…
UPDATE: 2012+ 3rd gen Prius grille blocking strategy
I last gassed up on April 1st, 2013 – making this my 3rd gas-up in 2013. So after nearly 2 months since I started the grille blocking strategy research, I think I have viable data to share. For one, I’ve…
Prius vs. RSX total monthly cost of ownership analysis
After owning the Prius for a good 10 months, I figured I sit back and do a monthly cost of ownership analysis comparing the operating costs between the Prius and the RSX based on my own personal experience. The result…
