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Anything Wrong w/ Cheap Cabin and Engine Air Filters?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jbusta, May 23, 2017.

  1. jbusta

    jbusta Junior Member

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    Hey everyone,

    What's your opinion on getting those cheap cabin air filters and engine air filters on Ebay for like $3 or $4 from China?

    Cabin Air Filter ($3.30) - Cabin Air Filter for Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 Sienna 2004-2009 Prius 2001-2009 | eBay

    Engine Air Filter ($4.50) - New CA10159 Air Filter-Rigid Panel fits for 2004 2009 Toyota Prius #17801-21040 | eBay

    Any experience or advice about these types of items? I know I've read that members have used their on DIY filters from Home A/C units, so was just wondering if these things would be harmful or noticeably different from OEM?

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    this stuff is shipped from China, you'll get it in a month.

    You can alternatively buy the Fram filters on Amazon for about $9.
     
  3. jbusta

    jbusta Junior Member

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    Thanks. I realize shipping takes longer, but I was more interested in the quality of the filters and whether these filters vs Fram filters provide any kind of benefit over one another?
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    As a rule, I tend not to trust unknown Chinese made stuff, unless I'm saving a considerable amount of time and money. In your case, the savings is about the cost of a Starbucks coffee, so it's probably not worth the hassle
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the issue i have with non oem cabin filters is they don't fit right, which means less filtered air, and more debris getting into the fan.
    i change mine so infrequently, it's worth paying of a decent one.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  6. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    I might try the cabin air filter as it’s pretty easy to see the quality of it and if it fits correctly into the tray. Some more expensive panel type filters for a Prius won’t actually fit the tray well and do leave the cap around.

    I wouldn’t try the engine air filter. The way engine air filter fits into a Prius it’s impossible to know if the rubber seal in the filter is making good contact when installing it.
     
  7. Kevin_Denver

    Kevin_Denver Active Member

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    I agree with others here - cabin air filter is no big deal if it doesn't work right - you'll just get dust coming out your vents in the worst case. I'd be comfortable using almost any brand here, especially if I didn't have allergies. Definitely possible to create your own custom HEPA/charcoal filter here if desired too.

    For the engine air filter I would not use a Chinese no-name brand. If the engine air filter fails it can lead to serious engine wear/issues, so it's not something I would risk to a cheap brand. You want to always have a good quality air filter here.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  8. jbusta

    jbusta Junior Member

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    Ok great, thanks for the advice guys. Seeing as how I'll be replacing them infrequenty, I'm going to go with more quality filters and skip that Starbucks cup of coffee :D
     
    bisco likes this.
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Cabin filter use whatever. Engine: stick with stock, don't mess around.

    Personally, I would pick either ONLY at the Toyota dealership parts counter. Considering this is something you do every 3~6 years?
     
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  10. ePWR

    ePWR Member

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    I'm much more picky about my filters. I change both once a year. The cabin pollen filter was filthy after 12 months. The engine air filter only moderately dirty, but what the heck just go ahead and change it. Bought OEM Toyota filters online, cheaper than the dealer. I paid 25K for a new Prius, I will not skimp on a simple 10 minute filter change. New oil once (or twice) a year. Great low-maintenance car.
     
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  11. johnjohnchu

    johnjohnchu Active Member

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    I make cabin air filter out of regular air conditioner filter panels from Home Depot.
     
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  12. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    I drive in a lot of dusty areas. The car fills with dust no matter what I do, and I basically live a pretty dusty life. I don't really care much about the cabin filter quality. I also make mine out of Home Depot stock, and check and change them very often, depending on conditions.
     
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  13. johnjohnchu

    johnjohnchu Active Member

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    RockAuto has very inexpensive name brand engine air filters (ex: $3.31 each Fram). Shipping is very reasonable for bulk purchase. Overall, it can be slightly cheaper than the eBay purchase from China.