Car is really fun to drive automatic or standard. Standard being more engaging. I drive an automatic and don't regret it. You should change your tires immediately however seeing as these Prius tires just don't do the car justice.
Haven't heard to many people having issues with reliability but, I have read 2-3 cases of blown engines. That can be from a number of reasons, parts, driver inflicted, etc. One of which however was during the scheduled maintenance at the dealer. Someone went full mental
and poured transmission oil into the engine. After a few miles or so driving the car back home, boom.
Also read a lot of stuff about people complaining about the clutch after a few thousand miles, don't know much about it.
The idle sound, aka "crickets", is due the factory fuel pump. Plenty of people have had the pumps replaced with the newer ones by the dealer but the sound comes back after a few hundred miles. It's louder in colder whether too. I've noticed because lately since it's been colder than usual here in Los Angeles. You get used to it, trust me. There is apparently a rattling noise in the car too coming from the back seat/trunk area. I haven't personally heard anything of that sort.
A drop in filter can help definitely help increase throttle response. Upgraded the exhaust system will help with air flow but, as far as I know you'd have to get forced induction and a tune to get any major increases in torque.
Also with that, you'll hit that magic number of around 240 hp
which is really what this car should have.
Hope to see you in one soon!
