wilsact

Hey,

The rear glass does definately offer uv protection and will also cut heat as per normal tinting. I looked into this carefully when I had my front window tint completed. There is another tread from a while back that goes into this in far more detail.

Apparently the whole clear film thing was started by the tinting industry to try and get you to tint the whole car $$$$.

I guess with so many cars coming out with privacy glass they needed to push something.

Hi mate

I find the best fuel for economy is 98 premium, but the cost difference between 91 and 98 cancel out extra fuel economy you get with 98.

Your best bet is 91 preferable bp, but other brands are fine, personally I would give the e10 fuels a miss, they may be cheaper, but you dont get as good economy out of them, that off sets the cheaper purchase cost. mixing 90% 91 and 10% 98 wouldnt make that big of a difference in fuel economy, thats just my personal opinion, only way is to try it and see what happens.

the best fuel if you can afford it is bp ultimate, it cleans all fuel system and give your car more responsive acceleration, but again the cost difference outway the benefits of better economy.

This was covered in an earlier thread....in short don't just go off the pump price as you may end up costing yourself more. See below from earlier thread and link. cheers

They did a recent experiment on this on tv.

Was one of the better experiments done with fuels as they allowed for various outside influences, even fuel in pump/lines etc. (below link explains it all)

In short the 98 fuels cost you less per tank even allowing for the additional pump price. And this is before you even take into account the added cleaners, and how much better it is for your engine overall.

The worst by far was e10 fuel, the sting to economy made it worse than 98 price wise!

Most people only look at the pump price sadly, and will swear black and blue that their fuel choice is smarter despite any real evidence. They end up costing themselves more!!

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/money/8238850/aca-sunday-which-petrol

Cheers mate will do. Will give it a couple of weeks to see how you go. Obviously the aftersale back up support is just as important as the original sale. I have heard George is pretty good in this regard though???

Hopefully the few niggles you and others have found can be resolved, as I think this is the unit to go with.

Thanks again I do appreciate all your help and time.

Yes it does display name and number.

When you sync contacts it actually puts your contact list in the headuint aswell as recent/missed call list.

Thanks heaps. Been a great help!

Probably will go this unit, just little worried about the few issues reported.

Thanks heaps.

Could I check one last thing that I forgot about.

I know that unit supports bluetooth phone book (take it that it syncs with your phone?), but does it support caller id?

I mean will it show the name and number of incoming call if it is stored in phonebook, or only number?

Thanks again

If you want to be even more accurate in your fuel economy calculations, you need to start with accurate distance readings. My odometer is about 2% out. (My speedometer is about 4% out.) Compare the odometer reading with the distance reported by a GPS or calculated with Google Maps or Whereis. Secondly, record your fuel purchases. Then run the lot through a spreadsheet. And note the type of fuel that you buy each time. There's a big difference in fuel usage between 91E10 and 95UL.

Steve.

Yeah, the type of fuel used changes mine averages. I did a series of fills with different fuel over 2 cycles (2 tanks for over 2000km) and found significant difference in $/km between E10 and 91, but very little difference between 91 and 95 (ie. $/km for E10 > 91 >= 95) . From that little experiment, I take 95 over E10 always now as in NSW 91 is being phased out...

Don't think I would touch the e10 fuels. Heard and seen way to many horror stories.

Also see below posted in kluger section.

They did a recent experiment on this on tv.

Was one of the better experiments done with fuels as they allowed for various outside influences, even fuel in pump/lines etc. (below link explains it all)

In short the 98 fuels cost you less per tank even allowing for the additional pump price. And this is before you even take into account the added cleaners, and how much better it is for your engine overall.

The worst by far was e10 fuel, the sting to economy made it worse than 98 price wise!

Most people only look at the pump price sadly, and will swear black and blue that their fuel choice is smarter despite any real evidence. They end up costing themselves more!!

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/money/8238850/aca-sunday-which-petrol

Bought one 2 weeks ago and is now fitted...

Answers to your questions.

1. During the day it is good if on full brightness, could be angled towards the floor in its design to provide a better picture. (night time is 100% fine :D )
   
2. It dims it perfectly! About the same as your dash display set to the brightest setting when it is dimmed ( not to the locked illimation setting )
   
3. I found it functional-ish...
   - iPod's shuffling dosen't work as well as i had hoped, it selects the next song in the list before it shuffles to a new one ( sounds like its skipping but is tempermental issue )
   - Brightness setting when adjusted (for me to 5 ) dosen't stay set ( wanted mine brighter but every time you turn it off and back on even when car is running it resets to default of 3 )
   - Background transperancy dosen't stay set as i wanted it ( more transparent ) same issue as the brightness, it keeps resetting, but i have just before, contacted George (easydeals) and requested assistance.
   - Had issue's attaching my old JVC AMP, not sure if its the AMP or headunit ( my money is on headunit outputs )
   - Touchscreen is good but the button layout to touch isn't very well thought out but is functional enough.
   
4. - Fits the dash good, little tight but that may be just my car ( stipped it back one to many times :P ) / no gaps
   - Looks really good !
   Personal opinion, if your scarce for money get this unit as it is sufficent for every day use, but if you can afford to I would recomend going for a propper headunit like Pioneer / JVC / Alpine etc with a facia to suit (ebay)
   If your in perth, let me know as i can show you.
   

Hi,

Thanks mate, really appreciate your reply.

I am way over the other side of the country, but also appreciate your offer of a look at it.

My main concerns with it were the screen during day driving, as have seen so many units that are just useless with any sun, and the screen not being dim enough at night.

Thanks again

Hi guys,

I am interested in this unit, and just had a couple of questions I was hoping you could help me with.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8-Toyota-CAR-DVD-GPS-Camry-Aurion-2007-2011-models-/260967765268?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc2e41514

I understand that there was a group buy on this unit, so hoping plenty of experience with it.

1. What is the screen like during day time driving with reflections etc. I have a flyaudio unit in my kluger and it is excellent, but have seen other units that are like mirrors and almost useless during the day with even a little sun.

2. How is the auto dimmer when headlights turned on. Does it dim the screen enough to not be distracting at night, or is it still too bright. 8" is a large screen and the dimmer on my flyaudio unit doesnt reall make it dim enough at night.

3.How is the units overall reliability since people installed it? Any freezing, reboots needed, other issues etc.

4. How is the fit into the dash. Does it fit without gaps, look good etc.

I really appreciate all the help. Sure there is plenty of info here, but it is a nightmare trying to search the various threads etc

(if someone knows a direct link that would be awesome:)

Thanks again in advance.

So are they updating the Grande headunit as well? These new units seem to offer better features and mapping than the Grande!!!

Quality has definately slipped somewhat at Toyota it seems. Little things such as this (and the cold weather dash rattles as another example) definately sour the ownership experience.

Plenty of other manufacturers have their issues, just Toyota were once so good quality wise it was very noticeable against other manufacturers. Maybe everyone else is just catching up?

Still over the years we have owned ours it has never let my family down by not starting or breaking down. That counts for alot!

Hopefully more quality control issues don't rear their ugly head in years to come.

Not sure if it is the same on the post facelift models, but my 2007 KXR already had the wiring for the foglights there. Just had to pull it out from behind the guard and plug the foggies in.

Then of course you will need the stalk with foglight switch if you want it too look genuine fitment, but it is simply plus and play no wiring as well. Think it was about $220 for stalk from memory and reguires steering wheel removal to fit.

Scott_c kindly explains here:

See here:

and here:

cheers

They did a recent experiment on this on tv.

Was one of the better experiments done with fuels as they allowed for various outside influences, even fuel in pump/lines etc. (below link explains it all)

In short the 98 fuels cost you less per tank even allowing for the additional pump price. And this is before you even take into account the added cleaners,

and how much better it is for your engine overall.

The worst by far was e10 fuel, the sting to economy made it worse than 98 price wise!

Most people only look at the pump price sadly, and will swear black and blue that their fuel choice is smarter despite any real evidence. They end up costing themselves more!!

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/money/8238850/aca-sunday-which-petrol

Cheers

Hi,

I've noticed this in my Kluger for a while now but all along I just thought it was something I had in the boot, now I'm sure it isn't.

Anyway, the car is a 2010 AWD and it's done around 5000km.

If I wind the windows up and accelerate slightly harder than normal from a stop I can hear a soft thudding sound coming from the rear. It's a muffled sound so it's not actually coming from within the cabin.

One good way to make it thud is if I were stopped at a traffic light on an uphill incline. To move off I would have to step on the accelerator slightly more than normal; I can hear a thud on takeoff in these circumstances.

It sounds like it could be drivetrain related, or (I'm hoping) maybe the spare wheel is loose.

Anyone notice this in their Klugers too?

Thanks :)

My 2007 has done it since new. Reported it at each service, and they just put it down to the way the diffs work. Mine does it a fair bit accelerating on light throttle openings from a rolling start.

Sorry to disappoint you guys our mat was ripped in the first couple of months of owning the "New Kluger" in 2007, Toyota will not replace them under any circumstances I gave them pictures and all..........they sux....the service sux...the annual recalls sux...Had 4 so far!

DASH RATTLE

OIL FEED PIPE

VVTI CAMS

NUDGE BAR

All from a 70k car

Dont get me started on Toyota's..........I will never buy one again!!!!!!!!!!

Rant over Im going back to my Subaru forum now...Have a nice time here guys:D

Think toyota are pretty good, all cars get issues. Kluger has never broken down or not started yet. Atleast they do recalls, better than other brands that ignore or keep problems hush.

Though one issue that does drive me nuts is the cold weather dash rattles. Heard they have to remove entire dash to fix!! Did they fix your dash rattles under recall???

My dash now sounds like an oversized babies rattle soon as winter hits. No dramas all summer, but as soon as cold weather comes drives you nuts, and bit embarrassing when someone else in the car!

Yeah rubbish. Mine lasted a week before getting a tear down either side. Mates in his kluger wasn't much better.

They weigh too much, stink when new, and rip like paper. Won't be bitten again, going aftermarket next time.

Another recall, Toyota getting smashed with these latey.

Still better then the companies that ignore problems I guess.....

Enjoying the new KX-S AWD but we get a damp smell through vents at start up that only lasts 20 sec or so.

Very dry here in Adelaide so I'm guessing it's from the A/C.

I've also noticed the usual drip of water you get from the condenser comes from the back of the car not the centre as with the old Kluger. Do our Klugers with rear A/C have two compressors, front and rear?

Anybody else noticed this damp smell we get or do I have a blocked A/C drain?

Cheers,

Michael.

Hey mate,

My 07 KXR has always had this smell. Get it on startup, or when you turn ac off. Doesn't last too long, but bit smelly. Dealer said just the way it works, and no fix.

Apparently very common, lot of info on the USA Toyota nation Highlander(kluger)forum.

cheers

apologies in advance for my lack of knowledge about such matters but i was wondering if there is any issues to be considered replacing the 17 inch standard tyres on my kxr with 19 inch tyres.... will my car handle any better ... will my suspension/traction control need to be adjusted ... what about rego and insurance?

thks

The toyota 19" wheels and tyres do not meet the load rating that the KXR tyre placard states. Stupid I know, but probably Toyota's little way of trying to stop people dressing up base KXR's or something.

Obviously this is a problem with rego/insurance as all tyres must meet the minimum load rating of vehicle they are fitted too by law, and out for insurance there if you prang.

There is another thread discussing this in detail.

cheers

I have just taken my 2011 Grande on a dash from Sydnee to GC. I have noticed there seems to be a difference in the cruise control from my previous car. With the control engadged at around 100kph when you use the the control to touch up the speed it seems that the gearbox kicks itself down two gears and the motor seems to work quite hard to increase speed.

So my question is can the gearbox changing control be remapped to inhibit the harshness of the changedown. I have had them look at the box at the 1000 confidence look at as it was having trouble changing up. They fixed that.

Otherwise great cruise on the Pacific highway very smooth.

I hate using the cruise anywhere too hilly, as it is very aggressive in kicking down if any speed is lost on hills. Sorta catches you out a bit when the car is new to you. I'd say this is a

combination of weight of the vehicle , and a slight lack of torque in a vehicle this heavy. As good as this motor is, it is dealing with a fair bit of weight. As normally cruising is so quiet,

refined, and fuss free, it is a little shock at first how aggressive the cruise is when dealing with hills.

Every kluger I have driven works the same way like this with cruise. Bring on a torquey turbo diesel motor in the next model to match/beat the upcoming Territory's!!! Imagine a twin turbo diesel

with around 200kw, 550nm of torque, and sub 10 fuel economy. Check out what some other companies are doing with modern diesel's if your think it impossible!!!

Hey guys,

Im looking at getting a leather steering wheel I found on ebay for my KXR. Are they hard to fit? I looked at the steering wheel removal thread posted by another member, would this apply for actually installing a new steering wheel as well? Just wondering if could be a self install or if would need Toyota to do it?

Thanks

No buzzer, or mine is faulty too :-)

They don't have a buzzer as the headlights have an auto off feature when you turn car off and remove the key.

Pity they don't have auto on headlights and wipers standard on car of this price still. Guess price to pay for toyota reputation and reliability.

cheers

Sounds like some cheap eBay gps :-)

See review.

Hi guys,

Have had my flyaudio gps for a couple months now and been on a few long trips using it, so thought it time to write up a review to help others out considering this unit.

http://www.flyaudio.net/product_id.asp?id=201

Mine was purchased through the Australian stockist Easypark Australia. Price is around the $1600 mark. There is a 12 month Australian warranty supplied by Easypark.

Pros:

Quick replies and good customer service from easypark prior to purchase. Very quick delivery from Easypark once order placed.

Unit looks very high quality, significantly better then alot of ebay units I have seen. It is a perfect match and fit for dash. I guess for the money this is to be expected.

Screen is high resolution, and resists fade and reflections well in day driving. It does not washout in sunlight that bad like some cheaper units do.

Great sound quality, significant step up from stock unit.

Good features like ipod/iphone playback with onscreen menu's, bluetooth, mp3 sd card playback, rds radio, programmeable volume on level

Screen autodim's for night driving when headlights turned on (also see cons)

Currently running supplied igo8 map with skin. Works well with unit.

Cons:

Mp3's can't be played back whilst map displayed onscreen as skip constantly

Had unit lock up on two occasions when map onscreen and navigating and had an incoming call through bluetooth. The screen went speckled white, and no keys would work. Only way to fix was hold power button in and restart unit. Did a factory reset upon advice from easypark but unfortunately didn't correct this fault.

Unit is very sluggish for instance changing songs when attempting to uses ipod whilst map running onscreen. If map not on unit is quick and responsive.

Unit has do a full reboot if running and starting from accessory position. For instance you are stopped with engine off, but car in accessory position to listen to radio or to keep map onscreen. When you restart the car the unit turns off and has to reboot completely. You then need to also restart the map if need. I had a previous cheap same style ebay gps that would stay on in this circumstance and not reboot which was much more convienient. (some other owners on here have reported that their units don't reboot like this, so maybe a fault with mine?)

Whilst the unit supports iphone phonebook, unfortunately the phonebook does not come up in order, with names/numbers all over the place.

Screen has 3 brightness levels full, soft, dark. Also has a screen off feature. The screen will autodim to soft for night driving. Unfortunately even at lowest soft level it is still too bright. This is a big screen, and really needs to be able to dim even more for night driving.

I have sent easypark a couple of emails about some of these issues, so will wait for them to get back to me. Im sure that all of these issues could be ironed out with a firmware update or similar. (hopefully not a lack of memory or processor power for some of them). I will also post some pictures and video's showing this unit in operation, the good and bad points.

Anyway the unit holds great promise, and has some awesome features so will report back about how I go getting up and running 100% or close too.

Will also add to this review and update as some more 'ownership' time passes. This is not a cheap unit, and does feel quality. Hopefully few issues fixed and can then give this a whole hearted tick of approval.

Thanks and hope this helps out some others............to be continued

I THINK U WILL NEED TO TRADE IN - SORRY

If you could get the parts off a wreck it would be possible (in fact another member did this with parts from someone who wanted to turn their's back to a 5 seater???) otherwise the cost would be enormous.

Would be just easier and cheaper to sell and buy one I'd say.....