Sfcyclist

The other obvious difference is the software tuning compared to the Prius. Though same motor and drive train, the tuning is clearly differentiates the CT. It's clearly oeppier off the line and easier to stay in EV mode overall.

A few easy fun mods completed;

XenonHID's Star Series kit installed. 35W AC Digital Ballast Kit, 5k. - Drastic improvement over halogen and cheap HID kit. Beam is smooth and brighter than factory.
LED Fog Light Bulbs - Matches 5k HID perfectly.
Front and rear hubcentric wheels spacers, 20mm Front, 25mm Rear.
Curt Hitch 1 1/4" - a must for bike rack.
Yakima Hold Up- modified to single tray.

Sfcyclist

Tried to catch the nice sunset in SF.

E46CT

Nice. Post some pics of your mods. particularly the light ones. curious about the output and beam (make sure the camera doesn't overexpose so we get an accurate idea). It usually will if your surroundings is dark.

Can't wait to start a build thread. Maybe Friday when I have some time. I'm doing a light retrofit right now. cars been in the garage a few days while I use my IS to go around. i want to drive my CT already =(

Sfcyclist

I can post a beam pic. I think it won't be obvious the lumens unless you have a reference photo though.

I just noticed the your profile name, "E46CT", does that have any reference to BMW's E46? I had 2, an E46 M3 and E46 Touring.

E46CT

Yup. Had E46 330i 5 speed.

And two E36 M3s.



Whole engine bay spotless, polished, and waxed. Every nut and bolt restored/replaced. No leaks of any sort. =) Sold it a long time ago.

Sfcyclist

Very nice! I had a E36 M3 as well, a '98 sedan.

Only have this pic handy..

2002 BMW Touring with VF SC.

Sfcyclist

This was my 2013 Prius Persona SE. This was right after I installed the TRD springs.

E46CT

Looks clean. CSL reps? Miss the BMWs. but hated the constant upkeep. Even if completely reliable. I enjoy not having to think about my cars now... i'm too old to be monkeying around in the garage every weekend..

thats what i love about the CT. don't have to ever think about it. it's a Lexus.. and a prius all in one!

E46CT

Are you on prius chat? i vaguely remember this Prius. and I think i commented on how I liked the subtle tint job. years ago. Looking good.. i had a 2015 Prius as well. We seem to have similar taste in cars.

Sfcyclist

The BMW's I had were reliable while I owned them. I recall the worse problem was a window regulator and something with the sunroof where I had to remove the headliner... Even after the VF supercharger, I never had a mechanical issue. I think the E36 and E46 were fairly reliable. Once they introduced all the FI E90 models, durability and reliability got pretty bad.

Yes, I was on Prius Chat. If the Prius felt like the CT, I may still have it... but for me, the stigma and road noise after 5 years got tiring. I still think it's a good looking car.

E46CT

Yeah it's the stigma the Prius can never shake... for better or for worse. Even as much as a good transportation device as is. One can't help but think taxi cab. I wish Lexus made a modern day CT equivalent with the new gen 4 prius drivetrain. instead we get the UX. I had considered waiting for the UX but the CT with fairly low miles is still half the price. Same interior space and same MPG.

Sfcyclist

Not sure about that UX.. but SUV's sell in the US.

gshadow325

up the tire pressure to 44psi. I instantly got better mpg. It was set at 34 from the tire shop for 2500 miles before I realized it. See attached photo. I upped it mid way into my September 27 tank. See my September 30 tank rise and my October 1 tank jumped up!!


this is what happened with my other cars. The constant up keep. I only needed tires, oil and filters in the last 80k. This type of reliability really spoils me. I get lazy even to change the oil lol. Wrenching on my cars used to be a hobby/necessity. Not so much now the CT is in the garage.

Sfcyclist

Any abnormal tire wear at 44psi?

E46CT

I think you can go up to 50 usually and not have any wear penalties. Whatever the manufacturer says is max. I have a feeling though 44 would be punishing.. i may try 40.